If you’ve ever heard a burst of Latin beats spilling out onto a Vauxhall street and felt the urge to dance, chances are Maria was behind it.

The dynamic force behind @maria.zumba.fit, Maria has built a joyful movement community in Vauxhall where fitness meets fun — and everyone is welcome on the dance floor. Her Zumba classes are full of energy, rhythm, sweat, and smiles, and they’ve become one of the most uplifting ways to move in the neighbourhood.

“For me, Zumba is about freedom,” Maria says. “It’s about letting go, having fun, and feeling good in your body — no matter your age, shape or background.”

What started as a single weekly class has grown into a buzzing fitness community, with locals returning week after week for the good vibes and serious workout. Maria’s teaching style is inclusive, infectious, and empowering — no dance experience required, just a willingness to move and enjoy.

Her classes are filled with laughter, Latin rhythms, and a spirit of celebration. You’ll dance, sweat, and leave feeling better than when you walked in — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.

“It’s not just a workout. It’s therapy in disguise,” she laughs. “We dance it all out.”

Maria’s journey into fitness came from a personal place — looking for joy and connection after a difficult period in her life. That passion now fuels every class she teaches, and her mission is clear: to help people fall in love with movement again, in a way that feels fun and sustainable.

Outside the studio, Maria loves supporting other local women in wellness, hosting pop-up sessions and collaborating with nearby venues. After class? You’ll often find her unwinding in one of Vauxhall’s many cafés or green spaces — always open to a post-workout chat or a spontaneous dance break.

If you’ve been looking for a fitness class that lifts your spirit as much as your heart rate, Maria’s your girl. And your first class might just turn into your new favourite habit.

See the full interview on our grid.