You don’t have to exercise alone. Why not experience the connection and community of my group fitness classes? I teach aqua fitness, in-person group fitness and online group fitness classes (live on Zoom and on demand) in accordance with my fitness philosophy.

I am also available for corporate wellness events and to do warm-ups and teach segments at charity events and fundraisers, as well as teach private group fitness and aqua fitness classes at condominiums and apartments.

In-Person Group Fitness

I teach a variety of group fitness classes at fitness centres across Toronto.  Some of these classes are dance-focused, while other classes focus on strength and resistance training.

Class Schedules

I currently teach at LA Fitness Signature Club in Toronto. To view my class schedule, click here.

Sorrel, Stretch and Sip

Next week Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 1 pm EST, I’ll be hosting a FREE cooking class for all those who want to learn how to make the popular Caribbean and West African festive drink, sorrel. The cooking class will be followed by a FREE stretch and mobility class at 2 pm EST.

Sorrel (also called agua de Jamaica in Mexico or zobo in West Africa) is a popular spiced Caribbean holiday drink made with sorrel roselle hibiscus flowers (not to be confused with hibiscus flowers or these green leaves which are also called sorrel). In the Caribbean, you would use freshly picked sorrel or sundried sorrel. Here in Canada and the US, you can find dried sorrel in most West Indian/Caribbean food stores or online at Amazon.ca. (not an affiliated link).

I did a YouTube tutorial a few years ago on making sorrel, and the ingredients are included in the video below. For your reference, you will need:

3 inches ginger
1 – 2 cinnamon sticks/quills
1 pinch ground cloves (or whole)
1 pinch ground nutmeg (or whole)
1 pinch ground allspice (or whole allspice pimento berries)
orange peel (optional)
1 – 2 cups sugar (white, brown… doesn’t matter)
rum (optional — I recommend Wray and Nephew white rum)

If you can’t find sorrel, you can just buy some apple cider and make mulled apple cider alongside us.

For the stretch and mobility class, you will need a yoga or exercise mat and comfortable clothing. By participating in the class, you agree to the terms and conditions, including liability waiver, on simonesamuels.ca

Come for one or both classes. Although free, you do need to register to receive the Zoom link.

Bubble & Bells

Kettlebells In Black led by Damali Fraiser has partnered with me (Simone Samuels) to bring you “Bubble & Bells” – a fitness holiday fete for Women of Colour on December 15, 2024.

Kettlebells In Black programming is offered to marginalized genders, including women, femmes, non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women of colour. 

We will combine dance fitness with Kettlebell strength and conditioning to bring joy to the world. Join us for a 60-minute class kicked off with Zumba, led by Simone, and finished by kettlebells, led by Damali. Afterwards, participants are invited to socialize and wind down with complimentary sorrel (the sorrel we made the week prior at the FREE cooking class on Dec. 8) – a popular spiced Caribbean holiday drink made with sorrel hibiscus flowers. There will be music, snacks and light refreshments – alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be made available.

Come catch a vibe, sip some sorrel and swing a bell to ring in the holiday season.
 

Bubble & Bells with Guest Instructor: Simone Samuels
Sunday, December 15, 2024
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
PHNX Fithouse, Central Technical School, North of Stadium,
725 Bathurst Street,
Toronto, ON, M5S 2R5
Canada

(Wanna come but don’t live in Toronto? Send me an e-mail and if there’s enough demand we’ll provide a virtual option!).

Fitness Vacation/Resort Teaching

I have also taught at resorts in the Caribbean:

Aquatic Fitness

As a licensed and certified aquatic fitness professional, I have taught and currently teach a variety of aquatic fitness classes that focus on cardiovascular endurance as well as muscular conditioning.

I have taught and/or currently teach the following:

• Aqua Zumba
• Aqua Muscle and Core
• Aqua Intervals
• Aqua Sculpt

For class times, check out my Zumba website.

I have also taught aquafit classes at resorts in the Caribbean:

I’d love to see you in any one of my classes.  Come visit me and let’s have fun together!

Online Group Fitness

I offer a suite of online options that you can do in your own home!

For most of the classes, no equipment is required (and if we do use equipment, it’ll be stuff lying around your home — no worries!).

Class Schedules

When I teach online classes, I host them on Zoom. To view my class schedule, click here.

I also teach pre-recorded classes (strength, mobility, Zumba, HIIT and more) which can be found here. These classes are “on demand” and available immediately after purchase to access for 24 hours.

How Should You Prepare for Class?

• Have a towel and water bottle at the ready for use during your class.
• Clear an area of your home free from anything that you can trip over or slip on. Exercise in a well-ventilated room/space. Make sure that the space in which you are exercising is safe and secure.
• Be mindful of the floor you are on (e.g. carpet, tile, wood etc.). Certain types of flooring may make it hard or dangerous for you to execute movements (e.g. pivoting, swivelling etc.)
• Athletic footwear is recommended but optional.
• Classes are taught via an online videoconferencing platform. For the moment, we are using Zoom (or Zumba.com for pre-recorded Zumba classes).  You need a stable internet connection and a computer/laptop/tablet in order for programming to be successful.
• If at any point (right before, during or after class) you feel dizzy, faint, or are experiencing any pain or discomfort, please let me know immediately and discontinue the exercise if necessary.
• Please inform me of any previous injury or pre-existing condition before undertaking my fitness programs. See PAR-Q+ below.

Health and Fitness Liability Waiver and Informed Consent

You recognize that the program(s) above and on Patreon may involve strenuous physical activity including, but not limited to muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular conditioning and training, and other various fitness activities. You hereby affirm that you are in good physical condition and do not suffer from any known disability or condition that would prevent or limit your participation in this exercise program.

You acknowledge that your enrolment and subsequent participation is purely voluntary and is in no way mandated by Simone Samuels. You acknowledge that you participate in this program at your own risk.

In consideration of your participation in this program, you hereby release Simone Samuels from any claims, demands and causes of actions as a result of your voluntary participation and enrolment.

You fully understand that ensuring the safety and working condition of the equipment you use in the program as well as the safety and security of the environment in which you participate in this program is solely your own responsibility.

You fully understand that you may injure yourself as a result of your enrolment and subsequent participation in this/these program(s) and you hereby release Simone Samuels from any liability now or in the future for conditions that you may obtain.  These conditions may include, but are not limited to, heart attacks, strokes, muscle pains, muscle pulls, muscle tears, broken bones, shin splints, injuries to knees or other joints of the body, injuries to back, foot injuries, heat prostration or heat exhaustion, dehydration, or any other illness or soreness that you may incur, including death.

You fully understand that all sales are final.

By purchasing or enrolling (whether online or by e-transfer) and/or participating in the program(s) offered by Simone Samuels, YOU HEREBY AFFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, AGREE WITH AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE AFOREMENTIONED STATEMENTS.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+)

Please complete this form in advance of the exercise program in which you have enrolled: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+). You can e-mail me (Simone!) if you would prefer a .pdf version. Please ensure that you return the completed form to me and inform me of any injury or pre-existing condition that you may have.

By purchasing (enrolling) and participating in the program(s) offered by Simone Samuels, YOU HEREBY AFFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND COMPLETED THE PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) for Everyone FORM.

You should always consult with your physician before beginning any physical activity or exercise program.