Why We’re Adding Virtual-Only Classes to Our Schedule
Why We’re Adding Virtual-Only Classes to Our Schedule At Island Beats, we empower women through movement, connection, and a renewed outlook on life. We know how transformative it is to have a space where you can dance, sweat, and rediscover your joy and confidence. We’re taking things even further by adding virtual-only classes to our lineup. For us, virtual classes are more than an option—they’re our story. Virtual classes are at the heart of Island Beats. When the pandemic flipped the world upside down, we leaned into the power of connection through movement. We streamed our first class from my living room to bring joy during those tough times. From that experience, Island Beats was born. Reintroducing virtual-only classes feels like a return to our roots, and we are thrilled to share this new chapter with you. To give you a deeper look into why we’re shifting, here are a few key reasons why virtual classes are such an important part of our journey—and how they continue to bring value to our amazing Island Beats community: MEETING YOU WHERE YOU ARE. Life can be unpredictable. Finding time to show up for yourself can feel like juggling busy work schedules, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. That’s why we’re interested in meeting you wherever you are—literally. Whether traveling or prefer the comfort of your own space, our virtual classes let you stay consistent with your wellness goals. ACCESS FOR EVERYONE. Not everyone can make it to our Cleveland studio, and we get it—life can get busy with kids, work, or unexpected plans. Virtual classes are so important. They make it easy for you to stay consistent with your goals on your terms without added stress. And you’ll have the same energy, love, and support that make Island Beats special. HELP US CREATE THE PERFECT VIRTUAL SCHEDULE. As we roll out this exciting update, we need your help. We want to make sure our virtual-only schedule works for you. To that end, we’ve created a quick survey to gather your input on class times, formats, and anything else you’d like to see. Your feedback is crucial, and we cannot wait to hear your ideas. Your voice will shape how we move forward—literally! Virtual is where Island Beats started, and it’s interesting to see it grow. Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our virtual schedule in February, and keep showing up for yourself—whether in person or on the screen. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE
Dream Big, Shine Bright
Today is all about celebrating the power of dreams and the courage it takes to believe they’ll come true. My nana took this pic when MLK came to Cleveland in 1967. She was a driver in his caravan. This morning, in our SHINE WhatsApp group, our coordinator sparked a beautiful conversation with this question: What dream (big or small) do you have for yourself or the world? The answers? Uplifting. Empowering. Some dreamed of personal growth—building confidence, better health, or mastering new skills. Others shared dreams for the world—kindness, equality, and stronger communities. Your dream is no different. Whether stepping into your first Zumba® class, building a new habit, or bringing about change in the world, it starts with believing in it. Here are three simple tips to take your dream from heart to reality: 1️⃣ Write it down and visualize it. Put your dream on paper—big or small. Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror or a full-on vision board, writing it down makes it tangible. Bonus: visualize yourself living that dream daily. Feel the joy as if it’s already happening! 2️⃣ Break it into steps. Dreams can feel overwhelming if you only focus on the finish line. Break your dream into smaller, achievable steps. Want to feel healthier? Start with one Zumba® class a week. Want to bring more kindness to the world? Make a habit of spreading one compliment or smile a day. Small steps add up! 3️⃣ Share your dream with your community. There’s magic in sharing your dream with others who lift you up. At Island Beats, we’re all about cheering each other on—in WhatsApp chats, classes, or events. Let your community know how they can support you—and don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way! 💭 What’s YOUR dream? Ladies, honor Dr. King’s legacy by holding onto our dreams and helping each other shine brighter. Share your dream with us today—and let’s move toward it together!
How to Rock Your Virtual Island Beats® Class
How to Rock Your Virtual Island Beats® Class Joining an Island Beats® class virtually is a fantastic way to stay active, have fun, and connect with others from the comfort of your own space. To help you get the most out of your experience, here are some practical tips for success: BEFORE THE CLASS 1. Test Your Technology Ensure your device (computer, tablet, or phone) is fully charged and connected to a stable internet connection. Check your speakers or headphones to ensure you can hear the music and instructions. To avoid last-minute stress, familiarize yourself with Zoom and verify the meeting link beforehand. Disconnect devices you are not using from your wifi so you have a strong connection. 2. Create a Comfortable Space Clear enough room to move freely without bumping into furniture or walls. Use a non-slip surface to ensure safety while dancing. Be careful moving on carpet! Adjust your lighting to see your movements and follow the instructor easily. 3. Dress for Movement Wear breathable, comfortable workout clothes and supportive athletic shoes. Have a towel nearby for sweat and a water bottle to stay hydrated. 4. Log In Early Join the session 5–10 minutes before the start time to troubleshoot any technical issues and get comfortable. DURING THE CLASS 1. Adjust Your Camera Position your camera so the instructor can see you (if you’re comfortable with this) and provide feedback or encouragement. Make sure you’re visible from head to toe, if possible. 2. Set Audio Preferences Keep yourself muted to reduce background noise unless the instructor invites everyone to unmute. Ensure your volume is comfortable so you can hear the music and cues. 3. Listen to Your Body Modify movements to match your fitness level or if something feels uncomfortable. Focus on having fun and moving to the beat rather than perfecting every step. 4. Engage with the Community Smile, cheer, or use the chat feature to connect with fellow participants (if available). Sharing your energy virtually helps build that amazing Zumba vibe! AFTER CLASS 1. Cool Down & Stretch Follow the instructor’s cool-down routine to help your body recover and reduce muscle soreness. 2. Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids. 3. Share Feedback Let us know how the class went and share suggestions for improving the virtual experience. 4. Celebrate Your Effort You showed up, moved, and had fun—that’s worth celebrating! Acknowledge your achievement and get ready for the next class. Virtual Island Beats® classes are an exciting way to stay fit and connected, no matter where you are. By preparing ahead of time and embracing the experience, you’ll enjoy the music and moves and feel energized and empowered. So, turn up the volume, find your groove, and let’s dance! Exciting News: Virtual-Only Class Schedule Launching in February! We’re thrilled to announce that starting in February, we’ll launch a dedicated virtual-only class schedule! This means more opportunities to dance, connect, and stay active anywhere worldwide. Whether you’re a Zumba regular or trying it out for the first time, these virtual classes are designed to fit into your lifestyle and bring the energy of an in-person class to your home. Stay tuned for more details and a full schedule coming soon. Let’s keep moving together—virtually!
New Year, New You? Why Every Day Is a Chance to Reset
New Year, New You? Why Every Day Is a Chance to Reset As the new year approaches, we feel inspired to start fresh. However, the truth is that you don’t have to wait for January 1st to embrace new beginnings. Milestones such as your birthday, the change of a season, or even a random Monday can provide the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button. The Fresh Start Effect is a psychological phenomenon that makes these moments feel like a mental “clean slate.” Your Reset Button Like the beginning of a new year, you can apply the Fresh Start Effect whenever you feel ready to realign your wellness journey. These moments are your chance to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: What do I want my life to feel like? What small steps can I take toward feeling stronger, calmer, or more energized? How can I make this commitment sustainable and joyful? 3 Steps to Use the Fresh Start Effect for Wellness Reflect on the Past: Take a moment to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. This is not about judgment but an exercise in self-awareness. Consider asking yourself, “What habits have supported my health and happiness? What can I let go of?” Start Small and Stay Consistent: Instead of overwhelming yourself with lofty goals, focus on one or two small actions you can take daily. Consistency is key to building lasting habits, Whether drinking more water, dancing for ten minutes, or going to bed earlier. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Understand that your wellness journey isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding growth path. Acknowledge every small victory, whether you try a new workout, choose nourishing foods, or allow yourself time to rest. New Year Reset or Any Day Reset? Your reset isn’t limited to the calendar; it can happen anytime you prioritize your well-being. Let today — right now — be the moment you decide to refresh, reset, and realign with the person you’re becoming.
When You Can’t Find Your Motivation
When You Can’t Find Your Motivation We’ve all been there—you’re hyped about those workouts one minute, and then bam, life happens, and that motivation ghosts you! Whether you’re too busy, tired, or need a fresh vibe, here’s how to get back on track with tips to help you fall in love with fitness again—Island Beats-style, baby! 1. Find the Fun Again, Boo! Let’s be real: fitness ain’t just about sweating like a beast; it’s about feeling good and having fun! Remember that vibe that got you hooked? That high-energy, dance-all-night kinda feel? That’s what Island Beats is all about. We bring the heat with salsa, soca, and bachata so you can let loose, feel the music, and let that joy flow. Girl, you’ll be vibin’ so hard you’ll forget you’re even workin’ out! Don’t even stress about “getting fit”—just come through, dance it out, and let the joy of it remind you why you started! 2. Start Small, Sis, and Build That Flow Listen, you don’t gotta dive into a full-on sweat session right away. Nah. Just ease back into it. Set aside 10, maybe 15 minutes to move around. Maybe it’s a little dance break in your living room or a quick walk outside. That little bit? It’s like a spark. Once you start, trust me, you’ll find the energy to keep going. At Island Beats, we see it all the time. Folks come in like, “I’m just gonna try a lil’ bit.” Then the music hits, and next thing you know, they’re out there sweatin’, smilin’, and killin’ it on the dance floor. Don’t overthink it. Start with a lil’ somethin’, and watch that energy grow. 3. Stay Connected to Your Crew Let’s be honest—doing it solo can get real hard, real quick. That’s why having a crew to keep you accountable is everything! It makes all the difference when you’ve got people who show up with you, cheer you on, and maybe even hit you with that “Where you at, girl?” when you start slippin’. Accountability isn’t just about showing up; it’s about knowing your people got you and you got them. A crew keeps you motivated, focused, and on that grind even when you don’t feel like it. And trust me, that vibe is contagious. When y’all are out there together, it’s like you’re feeding off each other’s energy, pushing each other to go harder, and having a blast while you’re at it. Find that accountability crew and let them hold you down. It’s way easier to stay motivated when you’ve got people in your corner! Ready to Get Your Groove Back? When it comes down to it, getting back to fitness is all about keeping it fun, goin’ easy on yourself, and staying connected. Island Beats is all that and more. So come through, shake it out, and get back to sweatin’, smilin’, and SHININ’ together. Check the schedule and join the SHINE fam today. We got a spot on the dance floor just waitin’ for you, sis!
