Zumba classes with Catherine Martikan

I am so thrilled to have found Zumba so close to where I stay in the east bay when I am out here! This place as well as the people are very down to earth and friendly! Some of the instructors are so much fun, so high energy, and have such a positive vibe! I often walk away feeling a high that is strong enough to take me to the gym up the street to lift weights afterwards. Another of the instructors seems really depressed to me, teaches alot but often ends the class with a song about someone knowing their loved one is cheating. eep!.. some people leave before the cool down. I cant say if its because moving to triggering sad music as an ending to a work out, is not their thing either or if its just because they have places to be but I will take responsibility in saying that I am a pretty sensitive person and that exercising really opens me up so my defenses are down a little more in regards to empathizing without feeling other peoples sad stuff. I have a hard time with the endings in the one instructors class (the one that just seems really sad to me) That said I like her as an instructor and I like how encouraging and attentive she and all the other instructors are with their non verbal zumba dancing language. I might start leaving early to get away from the one gals certain downer cool down cheating songs but over all I really dig this experience ALOT!!! And I feel so grateful to the women who are making this happen here in the east bay!

I’ve been going to Zumba with Catherine and all the other wonderful Zumba instructors for about 3 weeks now, and let me tell you I LOVE IT. they are all very energetic and they make it fun I always look forward to going Zumba class! I would recommend this to everyone

I Just started Zumba about 3 weeks ago with Catheryn, and I absolutely Love it!!! Best thing I could have done, My first Day I thought I was going to Die, lol I said im moving stuff I havent moved since PE in school and thats a Long time ago :), I made a Vow to my Body to get in shape Burn some calories, and tone up, if she can do it at 54, I can do it at, 38 Now when I turn her age Im going to Look Good to, I was referred By a Friend thanks Ana, Zumba is the Best thing I could have ever done for Myself, I Love Music and Dancing so if u Like any of this you will enjoy Zumba!!! Its fun come check it out you wont be dissapointed, Thanks Catheryn You are the Bomb!!! :-)

Dayum. I hate to do this. I have been putting off posting a review on Catherine’s zumba class because I want to keep it one of my little secrets, but I rely on my fellow Unilocalers’ opinons so much, I just can’t hold out on you guys. I’ve been to this class 3 times now. You know, I love to exercise and I love to dance but it was a little disconcerting to discover that my hips do not go around in a nice oval or circle anymore. Being in my fities, it appears they make more of a southeast-​northwest type of motion! Oh my! No matter. I got a good sweaty incredibly fun workout and will be returning. Thanks so much to the wonderful Unilocalers who turned me onto this class. I love it!!! Best zumba ever!
Pros: great music, interesting dance steps, excellent instructor, good value
Cons: not for the novice– unless you have courage — steps can be a little tricky and you might wind up looking like an absolute fool at first (maybe that was just my experience, yours may be different, I don’t know, but it’s no fun being swept away by the pulsating hot latin beat, closing your eyes and gyrating your hips like Charro on a stripper pole only to discover you are facing the wrong direction and doing the complete wrong move… several times… don’t ask me how I know).

I’ve been going to the El Cerrito Community Center for Zumba with Catherine for about a month now — and I’ve never looked back! The class I go to is 9am every day. She is a great instructor — SUPER energetic, friendly and in amazing shape (a testament to Zumba, that’s for sure). I find myself waking up early to get to her class in time (after walking my dog and having my caffeine first) and I can already feel the benefits. Besides increased energy, I can eat more while feeling more fit and maintaining my weight. I am not a big «sweater» but I do in her class, which is a good thing. The other class members are super welcoming as well and very encouraging to a beginner. I have also started going to her Body Sculpting class on Wednesday mornings at 9am. She’s adding more classes so pop by the El Cerrito Community Center to check it out. Easy parking too!

Get ready to sweat your butt off! Highly recommended! Catherine and everyone are great instructors!

I can’t say enough great things about Catherine and her Zumba classes. A fun aerobics class with a good workout is something I was missing for a long time and I was thrilled to have found Catherine’s Zumba class. She’s an experienced aerobics instructor with high energy and a very friendly manner. She makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable regardless of the level of fitness and/​or ability. She continues to mentor and train other instructors as Zumba at the El Cerrito Community Center expands. Currently there are classes in the mornings, evenings and weekends. If you want good music, fun choreography and a great workout I highly recommend Zumba with Catherine!

I was lucky to find Catherine on Unilocal.Been meaning to take a Zumba class with a friend’s recommendation. OMG! LOVE this class. I usually do cardio-​elliptical trainer at the gym, now… I can do my intense cardio for an entire hour and listen to fun Zumba music. Catherine’s class (and her colleagues: Debbie & Oscar are also all so fabulous). I’ve taken all classes from the 3 instructors and they are full of energy. Zumba is quite addicting. PLUS, everyone in the class is awesome. So affordable too! Only $ 7 drop-​in classes and $ 75 unlimited for the month. Oh… they do a weekly drawing for a free one week class weekly. This week I was the lucky winner! Score!
Take this class if you’re in the area. They have classes Monday-​Saturday. If you love cardio, high energy dancing… this is for you. I’m officially hooked!

Catherine is the most welcoming and enthusiastic fitness instructor this 54 year old has ever met. She is so professional and still keeps it so fun and entertaining. It is obvious from the minute she starts the class that she is well trained and has been doing this for many years. Great coaching and guidance mixed with wonderful energy and a really fun sense of humor. It is amazing how quickly the 60 minutes passes. I can’t believe what a great workout Zumba is and yet it feels like you’re just dancing at a party with great music and a group of fun people. The El Cerrito Community Center is a great facility and there is plenty of parking. Altogether this is a great way to burn some calories and really enjoy the process.
Update: 6÷11÷15: Sad to say that this teacher no longer teaches Zumba classes at the El Cerrito community center.

Catherine is energetic, fun and very serious about fitness. She doesn’t appear to have an ounce of body fat on her, yet is welcoming to new and ‘seasoned’ participants (at various fitness levels) and is not harsh towards those who are clearly not as fit as she is. The class felt like a party and switched from g-​rated aerobic exercise to ‘sexy night of dancing’ then back to cardio again. Great music, women-​only environment, fun instructor and a great way to break the hamster/​treadmill routine at the gym. I paid $ 7 to get into this class on a drop-​in basis and it was one of the best investments I made all year. I will be back again soon!
Two things that I will look for in the future are: more leg work and maybe at different times. I’m not a morning person and her classes are from 9−10am.

I’ve been going to this class for almost a year. Catherine is a fun teacher, full of good humor and always energetic and encouraging. The vibe of the group is welcoming and easy going. The class is fast paced — no ‘water breaks’ — and the song tempos are upbeat. Catherine also teaches a ‘Body Sculpting’ class immediately after Zumba on some days. She also offers nutrition counseling and weight management education.
I LOVE going to this Zumba class — it is the first exercise activity that I actually look forward to. I’ve lost weight and several sizes since I began attending, as have other class members. I’m taking the trouble to post this on Unilocal because I think it is such a great thing.
Currently Catherine is teaching morning classes only but she is looking to add an instructor and evening classes. So, come on, Unilocalers, help build the business!