It’s a bold statement, but one many secretly know to be true: life simply feels better when you’re dancing. Maybe it’s the rhythm taking over, the sweat dripping down, or the sheer joy of moving your body in ways you didn’t think possible. Recently, I found myself facing this truth head-on when a colleague, Dr. Leah Weatherly, challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and join her for a Body and Soul class. At Peak Health and Wellness in Coeur d’Alene, I discovered more than just a workout; I tapped into something primal and exhilarating.
Walking into the studio that day, I felt the familiar pre-exercise jitters. Dr. Leah and about a dozen other women were already stretching, creating the typical calm before the storm of a fitness class. But as the lights dimmed, and the music exploded through the speakers, any sense of normalcy vanished. This wasn’t just another exercise class; this was an experience.
Unleashing Your Inner Dancer: What is Body and Soul?
Words like “booty-shaking” barely scratch the surface of describing Body and Soul. Imagine a high-energy fusion of Zumba, step aerobics, and hip-hop dance, amplified by music so loud it vibrates through your core. Dr. Leah aptly describes it as working “literally every part of your body.” And she’s right. In moments, I was discovering muscles I never knew existed, and movements my hips had long forgotten were possible. Some regulars even come prepared with earplugs, a testament to the class’s intense energy.
Our instructor, Lexi Ellenbecker, launched us straight into body rolls, setting the tone for a class where smiles are mandatory. Forget complex choreography; Lexi’s teaching style is pure demonstration. We followed her lead, a mix of clumsy imitations and surprisingly fluid moves, trying to keep pace. While some participants were clearly veterans, effortlessly anticipating each step, I focused on simply moving and absorbing the infectious energy. As the class progressed, something shifted. Hesitation melted into confidence, and following the beat became pure enjoyment.
Confidence Through Movement: More Than Just Steps
Lexi, despite her Zumba certification and dance background, was drawn to Body and Soul specifically because of its unique vibe. She and her co-instructor, Tabi Mabrey, collaborate to keep the routines fresh, blending new tracks with familiar favorites to foster both challenge and confidence.
Building confidence isn’t just a happy side effect; it’s woven into the fabric of Body and Soul. Lexi and Tabi cultivate an atmosphere of pure acceptance. For newcomers feeling self-conscious, Lexi’s reassurance, “I promise, nobody’s watching you,” rings true. Dr. Leah echoed this sentiment, “You can tell it’s dim, so anonymity is kinda nice in a group class. I’m not trying to be on stage… it’s so freeing.” Despite being the only man in a class full of women, I felt zero judgment, only encouragement. Even my awkward attempts at twerking in a bright shirt were met with smiles, not stares.
The Joyful Workout: Stress Relief and Smiling Guaranteed
By the class’s end, a palpable sense of release filled the room. We were energized, relaxed, and genuinely happy, having experienced a fantastic workout without even realizing it was “exercise” in the traditional sense. Lexi’s goal is simple yet profound: “If I can create community through movement and stress relief and smiling, then I’m succeeding.” Judging by the grins plastered across everyone’s faces, myself included, success was an understatement. It wasn’t just about physical exertion; it was about feeling genuinely Better When Im Dancing.
Beyond Body and Soul: Exploring Peak Health and Wellness
While my Body and Soul experience was the initial draw, Peak Health and Wellness offers a comprehensive fitness haven. With locations across Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Post Falls, they cater to diverse fitness interests, from personal training and cardio to tennis and pickleball.
Membership options are available, with a single membership at $57 per month. For those primarily interested in group classes like Body and Soul, a punch card option provides 16 classes for $130.
Embrace the Rhythm: Find Your “Better” on the Dance Floor
If you’re seeking a workout that transcends the mundane, consider diving into a Body and Soul class. As Dr. Leah wisely notes, “you get aerobic exercise while you’re enjoying yourself and letting go and it’s just really nice. And you don’t even have to get all the steps right. Sometimes I’m just doing my own thing but I’m moving and that’s fun.” It’s about finding that space where you feel undeniably better when im dancing, a place where fitness meets freedom and joy takes center stage.
Alt Text: Dr. Geoff Emry, experienced family physician at Ironwood Family Practice, Coeur d’Alene, shares insights on dance fitness and well-being.
