Pure Energy Fitness

I first learned about Zumba at a charity event that I went to almost 4 years ago. So I told a friend of mine that we had to try it and asked her to help me find a Zumba class in Pickering. She heard about Linda from a friend and told me about her classes and I was hooked from day one. I was so nervous to join the class because I have never really gone to a group class in my life. But as soon as she started I was hooked! The energy and positivity that you feel from Linda is unbelievable until you go to one of her classes. She gets you pumped in a matter of seconds. Linda is an amazing fitness Zumba instructor that will make you feel comfortable in minutes. She explains every move in detail and makes sure everyone is doing their best and safely and all at the same time making sure that everyone is having a great time. Her classes are not regular exercise classes, more like a dance club with your best friends! You don't feel the calories melt away because you're having so much fun! I would recommend Linda's Zumba classes at the Harmony Centre to everyone. Once you try one of her classes you'll keep on coming back for more. It's highly addictive, Linda is the best! Love her, love her classes! Zumba Ahhhhh!

You have not experienced a Zumba class unless you’ve taken one with Linda Raponi. I am now in the best shape of my life because of Linda and her Zumba classes and it has truly been one of the most positive experiences of my life. About 3 ½ years ago I decided to try a Zumba class. I had managed to lose 40 lbs and needed to add exercise into my routine. This was totally outside of my comfort zone…I’m not a dancer or very coordinated for that matter and my fitness level was beginner. On top of that I am very shy and tend to keep to myself. I braved my first class, stood at the back and did my best to follow along. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life. It was so much fun! The energy in that room was toxic. Linda had everyone hooting and hollering and begging for more! More!!! I’m not kidding! No one wanted the class to end. I couldn’t believe how much fun this “exercise” was! I was sweating and out of breath, but I felt like I was at a dance party with no rules, where everyone was free to be themselves. I was addicted and have been ever since. I was able to lose 10 more lbs and I feel great! Taking Zumba classes have made me feel more confident, and given me the courage to try new things I’d never thought I could do. I look forward to every class and I leave with a smile on my face, feeling truly happy. Linda is genuinely caring and supportive and uses her gift to help support worthy causes in the community. She has created an atmosphere of fun, fitness and friendship. She IS our Zumba Mami.

My friend Irene recommended Linda's class for years and when I attended the annual event they hold at St. Mary C.S.S. to benefit Learning for Hope I just got hooked. I started attending Linda's Zumba class a year ago and as a Latina who absolutely loves dancing I can honestly say it has been one of the best and most fun ways to exercise I could ever have found (thanks, Irene!). Linda is such a special instructor not just because of her amazing dancing (and teaching) skills, her contagious energy, which keeps everyone motivated, the way she adds just that little bit more to her classes (she includes toning and now ab work!), but Linda's greatest asset is her heart, her generous spirit and the way she gives everything of herself to her students inside and outside of the class: she's a fantastic friend, the best motivator, she's always providing health and diet tips on her Facebook page and she always keeps herself updated with the latest songs and Zumba routines. We are very lucky to have her in Pickering and I would highly recommend her classes to anyone who's thinking of joining.

About 2 1/2 years ago, I decided to try zumba, because my mother was already taking a zumba class and thought that I would enjoy it. I googled "zumba pickering", and I guess it was fate that brought me to Linda, because the Harmony Center was the first result. I called, came to a class, and really enjoyed it! I now go twice a week, I talk about zumba all the time and I have never looked back!!!! I was a dancer for 20 years, taking ballet, pointe, jazz, and acrobatics, so picking up a new dance style isn't always too difficult for me, but what I love about zumba at the Harmony Center is Linda. She is a truly remarkable person. She is kind, funny, compassionate and treats everyone like family. We have become this one big happy "zumba family" She is such an inspiration, and I come to her class for the energy that she radiates. She is so positive and motivating, you will work your butt off in her class, but she is not overly tough or pushy. If you can't do a particular move, she will show you another variation to modify your level. If she sees that you are dancing with ease, she will try to get you to progress to the next level. She always wants you to do your best and get the results that zumba has to offer. She is so encouraging, and often if someone in the class wants to get up and do the routine at the front of the class with her, she will always let you. She loves to have a great time and make working-out fun. I sometimes come to her class not feeling well, or very tired and wonder how I will do that day, but I always leave in such an awesome mood, and drenched with sweat!!!! I also love how Linda doesn't just do "zumba", because if she did, I could just stay at home and play "zumba" on my nintendo wii. I love how she incorporates other aerobic moves, other dance styles, toning and core work into her routines. No two class is the same. Sometimes the music that is played in class isn't always my regular day-to-day music that I would personally listen to, but I love how she takes popular songs and makes them into a routine to keep things fresh! When my birthday passed this year, I asked her to play a bunch of songs that I liked, and she dedicated the whole class to me and even tried to make up routines to bands that I like. I thought it was so awesome that she would be considerate enough to do something like that! I have tried to do zumba classes at other establishments, but they are merely okay. I never get the same result that I do when I go to Linda's class. If you haven't been to one of her classes, you need to go! The first class is always free, her rates are more than reasonable, and you will enjoy yourself. Trust me! I can be a particular person about things in life, and if I have an awesome time, then you will as well.