Sometimes, the best workouts don’t feel like workouts at all. They’re filled with great music, positive energy, and the freedom to move your body, have fun, and leave feeling better than when you walked in.
At the YMCA of Central Florida, Group Exercise is about more than staying active. It’s about building confidence, discovering new ways to move, and connecting with a community that encourages you to be yourself. As part of our Fit Together campaign, we’re spotlighting the incredible Group Exercise instructors who bring that experience to life.
Meet Brigitte, a YMCA Group Exercise instructor who teaches Dance Fitness and Turn Up and Tone, bringing energy, encouragement, and a welcoming atmosphere to every class.
For Brigitte, dance fitness is for everybody. You don’t need dance experience, perfect coordination, or any special skills to participate. All you need is a willingness to show up, move to the music, and have a good time. Her advice? “When in doubt, shake it out!”
Trying a new class can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when it involves dancing. You might wonder whether you’ll know the moves, keep up with the music, or fit in with everyone else. But in Brigitte’s classes, there’s no need to worry about getting every step right.
Dance Fitness and Turn Up and Tone are designed to welcome people of different ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. It’s a judgment-free environment where everyone is encouraged to move in a way that feels comfortable, enjoy the music, and celebrate what their bodies can do. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or someone who has never taken a dance class before, there’s a place for you. And while the atmosphere is fun and welcoming, there’s plenty of opportunity to work toward your fitness goals.
More Than Just Dancing
Dance-based workouts offer a fun, engaging way to stay active while supporting your physical and mental well-being.
Through classes like Dance Fitness and Turn Up and Tone, participants can enjoy benefits such as:
- Improve cardiovascular health through movement that gets your heart pumping and builds endurance.
- Build coordination and balance by moving to music and exploring different movement patterns.
- Boost your mood and reduce stress by taking time to move, unwind, and enjoy yourself.
- Build confidence in a welcoming environment that encourages self-expression without judgment.
- Stay motivated with upbeat music, encouraging instructors, and a community that makes fitness fun.
- Make meaningful connections with others who share a desire to stay active, feel good, and enjoy the experience.
The beauty of dance fitness is that you don’t have to focus on every repetition or watch the clock. Sometimes, all it takes is a great song and a little encouragement to keep you moving.
You might walk into class looking for a workout, but you could leave with a smile, more confidence, and a few new friends.
Finding Confidence Through Community
At the Y, one of the most powerful parts of Group Exercise is the sense of belonging that comes from moving alongside others.
Brigitte’s classes are about creating a space where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. There’s no pressure to be the best dancer in the room, no expectation to know every move, and no judgment if you need to take things at your own pace. Instead, the focus is on encouragement, empowerment, and enjoying the experience together.
When people feel comfortable being themselves, something special happens. They become more willing to try something new, challenge themselves, and discover what they’re capable of.
And that confidence doesn’t have to stay inside the Group Exercise studio. It can carry into everyday life, inspiring people to keep moving, embrace new experiences, and prioritize their health and happiness. Because sometimes, getting stronger starts with letting go, turning up the music, and simply having fun.
Find Your Fit on the Dance Floor
Whether you’re looking to add variety to your fitness routine, try something completely new, or find a fun way to stay active, Brigitte’s Dance Fitness and Turn Up and Tone classes offer an opportunity to move, connect, and feel empowered. You don’t need choreography experience or a particular skill set. Just bring yourself, an open mind, and a willingness to move.
At the Y, we believe there are so many ways to Fit Together. Through Group Exercise, members can explore new activities, build healthy habits, encourage one another, and discover a community where everyone belongs. So, the next time you’re thinking about trying something new, remember Brigitte’s advice: When in doubt, shake it out!
👉 Explore Group Exercise Classes and find your next class at the Y.
Ready to Fit Together?
Find more ways to move, connect, and make wellness part of your routine with a Plus Membership at the Y. For less than $2/day, you’ll get access to hundreds of Group Exercise classes each week, plus more ways to stay active, connect with your community, and find your fit.