Get to Know Maria

Maria, has been passionate about movement and fitness since childhood. With over 15 years of dance experience and more than two years specializing in dance fitness, she brings high energy and enthusiasm to every class.  

As a certified Zumba instructor, Maria creates dynamic and engaging workouts that blend movement, music, and motivation, helping participants achieve their fitness goals while having fun. Her love for athletics and dedication to making exercise enjoyable make her a vibrant addition to the Burn30 team! 

What inspired you to want to teach Zumba? 

I’ve always loved dancing, but Zumba became so much more than just a workout for me. It became therapy, confidence, and community all in one. I remember walking into class and feeling like I could let go of everything — stress, expectations, pressure — and just be free. 

At some point I realized I didn’t just want to take that feeling home with me… I wanted to create that feeling for other women too. That’s when I knew I wanted to teach. 

What’s your favorite part of being a fitness instructor? 

Seeing people walk in tired and leave glowing. 

There’s something so powerful about watching someone gain confidence week after week. It’s not just physical transformation — it’s mental strength, friendships, stress relief, and self-love. 

I love when someone tells me, “I almost didn’t come today.” And then they’re smiling, sweating, and thanking themselves for showing up. That’s everything. 

What was your fitness journey like? 

My fitness journey has been about consistency and balance. I’ve always been active, but like many women, I’ve had phases where I was too focused on perfection instead of progress. 

Over time I learned that fitness isn’t about extremes — it’s about showing up, fueling your body well, resting when needed, and building strength that supports your life. 

Now I focus on feeling strong, energized, and confident — not just looking a certain way. 

How do you balance fitness with the rest of your life? 

It definitely takes intention. I teach, I work full-time in real estate, and I’m a wife — so my calendar is full. 

For me, balance comes from planning ahead and remembering that fitness is not separate from my life — it supports my life. When I move my body, I show up better for my clients, my family, and my community. 

I also believe in flexibility. Some seasons are busier than others, and that’s okay. Progress doesn’t require perfection. 

What’s your favorite exercise? 

Anything that feels powerful and athletic — especially lower body strength days. I love leg workouts and anything that makes me feel strong and grounded. 

But honestly? Dancing will always be my favorite. It doesn’t feel like “exercise” — it feels like joy. 

What’s your least favorite exercise? 

Long steady cardio sessions on a machine  

Give me energy, music, and movement over staring at a screen any day. 

What work do you do outside of teaching Zumba at Burn30? 

Outside of Burn30, I’m a licensed real estate agent serving clients in Pennsylvania. I help buyers and sellers navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. 

It might seem different from fitness, but both roles are about the same thing for me: building confidence, guiding people through big moments, and helping them create a life they love. 

Movement in the studio, movement in real estate — I guess you could say I’m always helping people make moves.