Vanessa Gonzalez , Vancia Fitness

About this Nominee

“Vancia is the class I have to go to, not out of obligation, but because it hits in all the ways I need it to. Within Vancia, Vanessa has created a community that feels genuinely welcoming. You are not expected to walk in coordinated, confident, or already fit. You are expected to show up, try, move, and most importantly, have fun. Her positive attitude takes a lot of workout pressure off.

Vancia routines are full-body, and they work. I am always dripping in sweat by the end. But they are also fun. Vanessa changes the choreography enough that nothing goes stale, and I never feel like I am just repeating the same class on a loop. The blend of dance-based cardio, body-weight strength, and neurocognitive movement keeps both my body and my brain engaged. As someone in my 50s, I can literally feel my brain working alongside my muscles. That is not something I get from most fitness programs.

What really stands out is how well Vanessa understands people. She knows that coordination, confidence, and fitness all come on different timelines. She encourages effort without shame and challenge without intimidation… a very rare combination. Her program pushes you, welcomes you, and makes you want to come back, which is why I keep showing up.”
Tamara Caratachea.