This Zumba and Body Pump review covers one of those training days where the energy started high and stayed high until the very end.
The session began with Zumba and Diana Saldanha, with new music, challenging choreography, interaction between students and that feeling of trying to keep up while still enjoying every second. Then I moved on to Body Pump with Igor Angélico and Rita Leonardo, where the tracks were intense, the atmosphere was excellent and the workout became a proper full-body challenge.
It was fun, demanding and exactly the kind of class combination that reminds me why I love group fitness.
Quick Verdict
Zumba
- Intensity: 8 out of 10
- Good for: dance cardio, coordination, rhythm, mood, energy and interactive group fitness
- My after class mood: happy, challenged, sweaty and impressed by how intense Zumba can be with the right instructor
Body Pump
- Intensity: 8.5 out of 10
- Good for: strength endurance, barbell work, squats, chest, posterior chain, biceps, lunges, shoulders and core
- My after class mood: tired, proud, entertained and very aware that every track had something to say
Class Snapshot
Zumba
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: dance cardio class with new music, choreographed routines, coordination challenges and student interaction
- Equipment: training shoes, water bottle and towel
- Instructor style: Diana was energetic, encouraging, playful and very good at making challenging choreography feel enjoyable
- My focus today: follow the new choreographies, survive the arm coordination, enjoy the interaction and keep moving
- Injury notes: no injury to report, just intense cardio effort, coordination and a lot of sweating
Body Pump
- Duration: 55 minutes
- Format: barbell strength endurance class with squats, chest, posterior chain, triceps, biceps, lunges, shoulders, core and cool-down
- Equipment: barbell, plates, step bench, mat, towel and water bottle
- Instructor style: Igor brought fun, intensity and strong class energy, while Rita added presence, competence and excellent stage energy
- My focus today: manage the heavier tracks, stay present through the burn and enjoy the good mood in the room
- Injury notes: no injury to report, just serious effort from the full Body Pump structure
Track Your Body Pump Progress
Body Pump progress can be hard to see from one class to the next, especially when you are slowly changing weights, rebuilding confidence, or learning which tracks challenge you most.
I created the Barbell Class Progress Tracker for women who take Body Pump or other barbell based group fitness classes and want a simple printable way to record their weights, follow their progress, and stay consistent from class to class.
THE WORKOUT: ZUMBA + BODY PUMP
The workout started with Zumba with Diana Saldanha.
Today we opened with new music. Diana’s choreographies are something else entirely. 
At the beginning it is always hard for me. I try to follow along and I get completely lost. 
And when she tells us to add the arms, well, that is when I truly fall apart. 
Diana told us that if we do not get it on the first try, the second will do. No problem. To which I thought: “I am more of a tenth-time kind of person…”
I LOVE a challenge. The more demanding the choreography, the better, because there is nothing more satisfying than finally conquering something difficult. 💪🏾
We also got two songs with student interaction. Everyone lights up. Every single time. It is honestly impressive! 🙌🏾
A perfect class: challenging coordination across several tracks, great energy between the students and the instructor, and a genuinely intense workout.
Fun fact: yesterday a friend told me she also does Zumba at her gym, and that it is great for relaxing because it is not that intense. To which I asked: “Relaxing?” Fun, yes, absolutely. But with a serious workout attached! I always leave that class completely wrecked. Conclusion: the instructor makes all the difference! 
Next up was Body Pump with Igor Angélico… and Rita Leonardo 
.
Ok, I have to start by saying that this week I was treated to SIX classes with Mr. Igor! What a privilege. 🙌🏾
The tracks were phenomenal:
Squats: the music and choreography were impeccable.
Chest: SO hard! 
Posterior chain: LOVED IT!
Triceps: really enjoyed this one too, especially when we used the plate.
Biceps: incredibly tough , but with a bonus: we got to dance with Igor. 
Lunges: do I even need to say anything? The name says it all! 
Shoulders: shoulder press…
Core: by this point I was there in body only.
Cool-down: OMG! Igor outdid himself today! What a WONDERFUL track. Never had I stretched my quads that way before ! And Igor’s Downward Dog? That heel goes all the way to the floor! 
I want to finish by saying how wonderful it is to watch the younger ones grow and to see their drive and dedication up close. Rita was so good today! I have said it before and I will say it again: her confidence on stage is truly admirable. Add to that her beautiful smile, great energy, and real competence, and you have the complete package.
I absolutely loved the Igor and Rita duo. Great energy and an excellent workout! MAGNIFICENT! 👌🏾
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: Diana Saldanha, Igor Angélico and Rita Leonardo
Diana brought the Zumba class to life with new music, challenging choreography and a lot of interaction. Her class had that mix of joy and effort that makes Zumba feel fun, but still intense enough to count as a serious workout.
Igor brought his usual Body Pump energy, with humour, intensity and tracks that made the whole room work. The class felt hard, but never heavy in mood. The dancing moments helped, especially when the biceps were trying to destroy us.
Rita added a very strong presence to the class. Her confidence, smile and ease on stage made the session feel even more enjoyable. Watching younger instructors grow and bring that much commitment to the room is genuinely beautiful.
Together, this was a very strong instructor combination.
How I Felt After Class
- Right after: sweaty, tired and very happy with the energy of both classes
- Later that day: satisfied, physically worked and glad I had finished the week with such a strong session
- Next day: I could feel the Body Pump effort, especially from the heavier tracks
Final Thoughts
This was an excellent Zumba and Body Pump training day.
Zumba gave me music, challenge, interaction and the kind of energy that makes the room feel alive. Diana’s choreography made me work mentally and physically, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy her classes so much.
Body Pump then brought the burn, the weights, the humour and the full-body effort. The tracks were strong, the atmosphere was fun and the Igor and Rita duo worked beautifully.
It was intense, joyful and very well balanced.
A proper group fitness day, with good energy from start to finish.
My Gym Essentials
Everything I actually use and love during my workouts. Tested, approved, and perfect for busy women who want efficient results.
- Group Fitness Class Tracker for Women (Free Printable)
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without wasting time refilling.
- Training Shoes: Light, comfortable, and perfect for kettlebell workouts and power walks.
- Small Gym Bag: Compact but spacious enough to fit everything I need for my sessions.
- Shockproof Phone Case: Keeps my phone safe during intense workouts, because I drop it. More than I would like to admit.
- Smart Fitness Watch: Tracks my heart rate, calories burned, and progress, game-changer for my journey.
