- 54 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Since 2009, Nu Body Fitness and Soul Steppers have helped residents across Tampa Bay turn fitness into something that feels less intimidating and more fun. Founded by Natasha Walker, the St. Petersburg-based program combines exercise and line dancing to create a space where people of all fitness levels can improve their health without the pressure.
Walker’s journey into fitness began after experiencing personal loss within her family. Following the deaths of her aunt and grandmother from diabetes, she decided to make major lifestyle changes of her own. She decided that making a hard shift would be the only way to figure out her next steps from there.
“My fitness journey started when my aunt and grandmother passed away from diabetes, and I decided to lose 75 pounds,” Walker said. “In doing so, I inspired other people around me, and as I started showing them how I did it, I realized I wanted to be a personal trainer.”
Her passion for helping others eventually led to a larger opportunity in 2007 when she was approached through the FAB Grant program to teach exercise and strength training classes focused on African American communities. The program included nutrition planning and line dancing, and attendance quickly grew.
“The grant ran for three years, and our largest class was 150 people,” Walker said. “When the grant was over, people wanted to continue the class, so I started Nu Body Fitness and Soul Steppers, and we kept it going ever since.”
Not the traditional workout class
What separates the program from traditional workout classes is Walker’s intentional approach to movement. As a licensed personal trainer and group exercise instructor, she incorporates fitness techniques directly into the choreography to maximize the workout while keeping the mood upbeat and engaging.
“When I incorporate my line dance, I do it in a pattern that speeds up the metabolism,” Walker said. “I may add a few extra things to the dance steps to get more cardio and more muscle activation.”
On top of the physical benefits, the class also provides participants with social connection and a sense of belonging that many say keeps them coming back week after week.
“One thing I love about my class in particular is that we not only exercise, but we pray together,” Walker said. “We’ve been through losses and celebrations together. We travel together, and everyone feels a sense of family and friendship.”
What the classes have to offer
Today, Walker’s impact stretches across the Tampa Bay area through partnerships with local organizations and community programs. She serves as a Healthy St. Pete ambassador, participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, performances, and senior center activities throughout the city.
Walker also partners with the Pinellas County Urban League to offer free community classes twice a month and works with Reachup, Inc. in Tampa, where she teaches line dancing as a form of stress management through the Salvation Army.
Along with line dancing, Nu Body Fitness offers a variety of things at its location at 800 49th Street North in St. Petersburg, including: boot camp, nutrition classes, yoga, cardio and strength classes, and diabetes prevention classes.
“Line dance cardio has many benefits,” Walker said. “It’s good for bone density. It also helps with balance and coordination, and your memory. It’s just great cardio while having fun.”
Walker believes line dance cardio continues to be one of the most effective ways to encourage people to move. Starting July 1st, classes will be held at Frank Cubby Fellowship Center.
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