Working out in a group setting offers a variety of well-known benefits that are worth repeating: It can help you push further, reach goals faster, and break through plateaus, as well as bring a greater sense of community, accountability, and enjoyment to your exercise routine.
Throughout the past year or so, though, many of us missed out on these benefits as we transitioned to more at-home endeavors out of necessity. The good news? New and innovative offerings have made it possible to continue to reap these rewards even if exercising from your own home.
While there is a special magic when we gather in a room to sweat and move together, options like live streaming can bring that in-class experience to you, wherever you are working out from. The keys are a well-designed format that boosts your fitness and an inspiring instructor who can guide you along the way — and make sure you have a whole lot of fun in the process.
Each week, Life Time offers hundreds of live-streaming classes taught by a variety of top performers from across the country, so you have can jump in on any class that interests you. Live in Houston but want to try that AMP class in New York City? Heard about that instructor in Laguna Niguel but live in Minneapolis? Give that class a try — you may just discover new performers you love. They might even be one of the three we’re introducing you to here.
Jeimy Bueno Prisby
Jeimy grew up in the Dominican Republic and is now based out of Westchester, N.Y. She teaches Zumba, EDG cycle, and AMP cycle. Her personal mantra is, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” You can find her on Instagram at @jeimy.bueno.
How did you get into teaching classes?
I’ve been a dancer since I was 3 years old. Dance has always fueled my passion — first for movement, then for physical therapy, and now for being a fitness professional.
I worked in physical therapy for 10 years before transitioning into group fitness and joining Life Time as a studio manager. Zumba is my thing: I love that I can be one with the music and choreography. I started taking Zumba classes about 13 years ago. Eventually I started to teach the classes as a sub, then permanently, and now I’m a presenter and educator for Zumba. This means I help other instructors find new routines and elevate their skills in their classes.
What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
Passion! It’s what motivates me to move and create, and to give passion back in an energetic and loving way. I aim to walk the talk and be present for the participants in my classes, working hard to bring them an experience that lets them know I’m here for them.
How would others describe your personality?
Electric, passionate, and kind. I’m someone who leads with love and is full of energy.
What’s your teaching style?
Inviting to all fitness levels. I want to inspire you to move and be, unapologetically, the best version of yourself.
Do you have a go-to hype song?
“Do It” by Lenny Mendy
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“The Ultimate Beat Drops”
Join Jeimy in class: View her class schedule here.
Joshua Neal
Joshua is based out of Henderson, Texas. He teaches every Life Time format except for PWR cycle, Kettlebell Kombine, and BE meditation. His personal mantra is, “Teach like it’s your last class.” You can find him on Instagram at @joshuahdneal.
How did you get into teaching classes?
Growing up, I was always active and had a love for helping others. I wanted a job that involved some type of physical education, so I started working at a women’s gym teaching step and hi/lo aerobics. It was so much fun, and I was able to impact people’s lives on such a personal level. It was the start of something special.
Even though I needed to learn about the body and cueing, teaching just came natural to me — as did my passion and love for fitness and helping others. I worked for two other gyms before I came to Life Time 11 years ago. My first classes were Water Aerobics and Dance Jam. Now, here I am, a performer for a variety of formats, a studio manager, and an ambassador for the Life Time Inclusion Council.
What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
My mom, the Life Time members, and God all serve as my motivation. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere where I can be me, participants can be themselves, and we can all laugh and be set up for success.
How would others describe your personality?
Energetic, loving, caring, and the superman of fitness.
What’s your teaching style?
I’m a one-of-a-kind coach who’s authentic, genuine, loving, in your face, and whose goal is to bring people together.
Do you have a go-to hype song?
“Shots” by Lil Jon and LMFAO
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“Change”
Join Joshua in class: View his class schedule here.
Yolanda A.
Yolanda (whose last name is not included, at her request) is based out of Cypress, Texas. She teaches Strike, Ringside, Barbell Strength, Kettlebell Kombine, and Cardio Kickboxing. Her personal mantra is, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made — and I can do this.” You can find her on Instagram at @yo.londagirl.
How did you get into teaching classes?
My journey to becoming an instructor started when my favorite kickboxing instructor at a gym that I was regularly attending at the time moved away. I knew all of the moves from my Tae Bo days and she saw my potential, encouraging me to audition to replace her.
I became a part of the Life Time family about three years ago when the Cypress location opened. When I saw the club being built, I knew it would be an amazing opportunity to encourage others in my community to live a healthier lifestyle.
I’ve always loved the special energy of being able to exercise with others in a class — it heightens the experience, makes the workout more enjoyable, and helps to push participants. That’s what I hope to create in my classes.
What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
I’m motivated by helping people find workouts they love to do and that are choreographed to good music to take them through it. Our bodies are made to move and if we can incorporate exercise into our daily lives it can help with so many health issues.
My goal in every class is to create an experience that members enjoy. I want to know what motivates each person so I can give that to them. For some people it may be a high-five or words of affirmation, and for others it might be time connecting after class.
How would others describe your personality?
Selfless, kind, loving, and dependable. Though I may seem calm and reserved when I’m off the stage, when my mic goes on and class starts, it’s game on.
What’s your teaching style?
I’m a coach and a motivator. I like to demonstrate the exercises, allow participants a moment to get into it, and then encourage them to own that exercise for themselves. We’re all at different levels and it’s important to me that participants work to their personal potential without feeling like they have to measure up to anyone else in the room.
Do you have a go-to hype song?
“Let’s Go” by Ne-Yo and Calvin Harris
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“Gentle Beast”
Join Yolanda in class: View her class schedule here.
Move Like a Performer
These signature moves from our four performers can be fun additions to your routine — or mix-and-match them to create a unique workout.
Jeimy’s Signature Move: Bailalo
“I love this move because it’s powerful and fun, and I go all out on it,” says Jeimy. “I include it as part of my choreography in my classes, specifically during powerful moments of Latin-urban and Brazilian-funk style songs.”
How to Do It:
- Put on your favorite upbeat song.
- Lean to one side and do a fast, single leg tap to the beat of the music.
- Repeat on your opposite leg.
Joshua’s Signature Move: The Body Roll
“This full-body move starts at the top of your head and goes all the way through your legs,” says Joshua. “The vibe of it can range anywhere from athletic to sexy. I’ll include it in my classes at times to make members laugh because it’s so unexpected. I typically do it for a total of eight counts, but you can repeat as many times as you want.”
How to Do It:
- Pretend there is a wall in front of you, and that one body part at a time will tap that wall starting from your head moving down through your knees.
- First your forehead “touches the wall,” then as you begin to pull your forehead back, your nose touches it. As you move your nose away, your chin touches it, then your neck, chest, stomach, waist, and knees.
- Repeat.
Yolanda’s Signature Move: The Kickboxing Combo
“I just love kickboxing — it’s therapy for me,” says Yolanda. “This isn’t just one move, but a combo I use in my Strike and Cardio Kickboxing classes. It works your entire body with a variety of punches and kicks, helping you to feel fierce and confident.”
How to Do It:
- Assume a centered stance, with your feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Visualize a target in front of you.
- Do four alternating jabs: Make a fist with both hands and bend your elbows to bring your hands slightly in front of your chin. Punch your right hand, then left hand, straight forward, as if aiming for your target’s nose.
- Do a hook with your right arm: Make a fist with both hands and bend your elbows to bring your hands slightly in front of your chin. Bring your right elbow out to the side and drive your right fist to the left, as if aiming for the side of your target’s face.
- Do an uppercut with your left arm: Make a fist with both hands and bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle. While lowering your body slightly, “cut” or swiftly raise your left fist up in the air as if aiming for your target’s chin.
- Do a knee strike with your right knee: Sharply drive your right knee up at about a 45-degree angle with your toes pointed. Bring your hips forward as if you’re driving your knee into your target’s body. Repeat with your left knee.
- Do a front kick with your right leg: Lift your right leg up and kick out with a flat foot so your leg is waist level as if aiming for your target’s stomach.
- Do another uppercut with your left arm.
- Complete as the full combo:
- Jab (right), jab (left), jab (right), jab (left)
- Hook (right), uppercut (left)
- Knee strike (right), knee strike (left)
- Front kick (right), uppercut (left)
- Repeat all combo moves starting on the opposite side.
- Complete the combo a total of eight times.
