I’m really proud to share that I’ve recently qualified as an NHS GP Exercise Referral Instructor — alongside my Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and my Training Older Adults Levels 1 & 2. So what does this mean for you as part of the Zumba with Jo… Let’s Go! community? In short: even more care, confidence, and tailored support in every class you attend.

A little reassurance first 💛 If you’ve ever looked at online exercise and thought: “That’s not really for me” “I prefer being in the room with everyone” “I wouldn’t know where to start at home” Please know this – you are not alone . In fact, these are the most common thoughts I hear from people who already come to Zumba Gold classes regularly, and they make complete sense. Zumba Gold is about connection, confidence and community , so the idea of exercising at home can feel

Colds & Flu can knock you for six! Winter has a funny way of knocking us off our stride. The days are shorter, it’s colder, bugs seem to be everywhere, and before you know it, illness or injury has crept in and your usual movement routine has quietly disappeared. If you’re sitting there thinking “I want to get back to exercise, but I don’t want to make things worse” , you are absolutely not alone. This is one of the most common worries I hear — especially in winter. The reass

Living with degenerative disc disease means your spinal discs have started to wear down, which can lead to pain and stiffness that makes everyday activities challenging. Low impact exercises for degenerative disc disease can strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, reduce pain, and improve mobility without putting extra stress on already vulnerable discs. The good news is that gentle movement is essential for long-term improvement rather than complete rest.

Have you ever noticed it? You head out for a walk, pop into a community hall, or arrive early for a fitness class… and there they are. Baby Boomers. Standing tall. Moving confidently. Laughing mid-routine. Often with more energy than people twenty years younger. Read on!

Smoothies and shakes can be absolute little powerhouses of nutrition, when they’re done right. They’re quick, flexible, and a brilliant way to nourish your body without overthinking things. Whether you’re fuelling up for the day, refuelling after movement, or just fancy something comforting in the evening, there’s a blend for that.

January has a funny energy, doesn’t it? There’s excitement, hope, fresh pages… and also a lot of pressure. Suddenly we’re told we need to change everything overnight — eat perfectly, exercise daily, never miss a workout, and feel amazing all the time. Let’s take that pressure right off. This year, instead of a harsh “New Year, New Me”, I’d love to invite you into something gentler: a New Year reset . One that’s realistic, kind, and actually doable, especially if you want your

Getting older doesn't mean slowing down or giving up on   fitness goals . Over 40 fitness models are proving that this decade can be your strongest yet, showing off incredible physiques and inspiring millions of people worldwide. These influencers and models demonstrate that age is simply a number when it comes to   building strength ,   staying healthy , and looking your best. You'll discover how fitness models over 40 are changing the conversation about ageing and wellness.

Turning 50 doesn't mean your strength has to decline. Functional fitness focuses on exercises that improve your ability to perform everyday activities like climbing stairs, carrying shopping bags, and getting up from a chair while building real-world strength that keeps you independent and active. This approach to training differs from traditional gym workouts because it trains your body for the movements you actually do in daily life.

Christmas is magical, but it also brings so much food. Buffets, tins of chocolates, mince pies, mulled wine, family meals — it’s all part of the fun, but when your appetite has changed and you feel full more quickly, it can be a lot to manage. The good news? You absolutely can enjoy the season. You might just need a few little strategies up your sleeve to keep yourself feeling comfortable.

The Christmas and New Year season is a magical time — but let’s be honest, it can also be a lot. Between shopping, social events, family plans, late nights, and the emotional weight of the year drawing to a close, stress and anxiety can creep in quickly. But here’s the good news: moving your body is one of the most effective, natural ways to counter festive stress — especially when that movement is joyful, musical and uplifting. That’s exactly where Zumba, Zumba Gold and Li

Another year of Zumba with Jo has whizzed by in a blur of colour, music, glitter and joyful noise — and what a year it has been!

Living with osteoporosis doesn't mean you have to give up on staying active and strong. Regular physical activity can actually help strengthen muscles and reduce your risk of broken bones, even when you're over 65. The right combination of weight bearing exercises, strength training, and balance training exercises creates a powerful defence against bone loss whilst improving your overall health. Bone density loss can begin in midlife and may lead to low bone density in older

When you're dealing with lower back pain, choosing the wrong exercises can turn your recovery journey into a painful setback. Certain movements like sit-ups, leg lifts, and back extensions can worsen spine stress and delay healing, making it crucial to identify which exercises to avoid during your recovery. Exercises to avoid lower back pain include sit-ups, toe touches, deadlifts, burpees, and high-impact activities like running. Understanding why specific movements aggravat

Low impact workout classes provide all the benefits of traditional fitness routines whilst keeping at least one foot on the ground and avoiding high-impact movements like jumping or running. Whether you're   recovering from an injury , new to exercise, or simply prefer a gentler approach  to fitness, these classes can help you build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and boost flexibility without the stress on your joints that comes with high-impact activities. What Are

Finding the right Zumba shoes for women makes the difference between a comfortable dance workout and sore feet. The best Zumba shoes combine flexible soles, breathable materials, and side-to-side support to handle the quick turns and high-energy movements that define this dance fitness style.  Without proper footwear , you risk injury and miss out on the full enjoyment of your workout. Your shoe choice affects everything from your dance performance to your comfort level durin

Is Zumba good for osteoporosis?  Yes, Zumba can be beneficial for people with osteoporosis when practiced safely with appropriate modifications. The weight-bearing movements and impact exercises in Zumba help stimulate bone growth while improving balance and coordination. Zumba offers a fun alternative to traditional bone-strengthening exercises  that many people find boring or difficult to maintain. The dance-based workout provides the bone-loading benefits your skeleton nee

Lower back pain affects millions of people, but the right aerobic exercise can provide significant relief and prevent future episodes. Zumba and Zumba Gold stands out as the best aerobic exercise for lower back pain because its rhythmic, low-impact movements strengthen your core while releasing natural pain-relieving endorphins - all in an enjoyable format that seniors can easily modify to their comfort level. Always include a warm-up before exercise and cool down with stretc

Learn what cortisol really does in your body — why it’s called the “stress hormone,” why we need it, and how to keep it balanced through exercise, rest, and healthy habits. Discover how movement, laughter, and connection can help regulate stress naturally.

In this latest blog I explore how exercise can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Learn how Zumba, Zumba Gold, and functional fitness training boost mood, energy, and mental well-being during the winter months.