One of Litchfield County’s most popular fitness instructors, Wanessa Anderson, has launched W. Rhythm Fitness, a studio offering classes and workshops that rock.

Known for her high-energy Zumba classes and her ability to inspire by turning every workout into a whole lot of fun, Wanessa Anderson has been in high demand for years, running classes at many studios and gyms in the area. With clients coming from all of the surrounding towns to take her classes in the center of the town of Kent, it’s no surprise that she is now in charge of her own studio.

When Mountain Falls Fitness Studio closed their doors in December of 2015, Wanessa Anderson took over the space and turned it into W. Rhythm Fitness Studio, currently the only studio in Litchfield county specializing in Barre workouts.

Wanessa uses three phrases to describe the overall philosophy of her program: Healthy Lifestyle. Fit Body. Peaceful Mind. “When I started thinking about starting a fitness program, these are the words that came to mind. I strongly believe that these three things must be the ultimate goal. After being in the fitness industry for over 6 years and a dance enthusiast since a very young age, I realized that a lot of people are in need of guidance towards that goal. Throughout the years I have seen people’s lives being completely transformed for the better as a result of a workout routine that they truly enjoy because it resonates with who they are. To find it, you must be on a journey, allowing yourself to try and discover different paths you can take to finally meet the best version of you.”

At W. Rhythm Fitness the classes are fresh, innovative, and designed to take one’s fitness journey to the next level. They offer a variety of Barre classes (from beginner to advanced), including YogaBarre, PiYo (fusion of Pilates and Yoga), Piloxing (fusion of standing Pilates, Boxing and aerobics dance), Zumba and Belly Dance Party.

Barre is a mix of ballet, pilates and yoga and has been around for a long time. It’s low impact and very effective. Barre workouts are uniquely designed to work every small and large muscle group in your body. Squats, lunges, push ups, planks, intense and deep abdominal work are all part of each and every class. Combine all of this to the science of isometric exercises that will make you feel the burn of each movement. Because heavy weights and high impact exercises are not part of this workout, everyone can do it. Everything is set to a dynamic, high energy, and most importantly, a fun workout. Results are usually seen in less than 2 months of taking regular barre classes. With these classes, people can significantly improve their overall body strength, especially the core muscles. Wanessa emphasizes that all levels of fitness and ages welcome.

Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wanessa is a resident of Kent with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. She has an extensive ballet and modern dance background, having studied and practiced since a very young age. She started teaching fitness classes at Mountain Falls Fitness Studio 5 years ago and her career took off from there. “I have taught classes in most of the gyms and fitness studios in Litchfield county including New Milford Sports Club where I have a full-time position there as a membership advisor and group activity manager. Throughout the years I’ve acquired many certifications including Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer by AFAA, Zumba, PiYo, Turbo Kick, Piloxing and my most recent one as a Barre Fitness Instructor from the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association, level 2. And at the moment, I am also working on my Nutritional Therapy certification from the Nutritional Therapy Institute.”

In addition to Wanessa, there are two more instructors teaching at the studio. Cruz Zoeller is a yoga instructor and Stephanie Grusawski teaches a class called Total Body Strength. As part of their New Year’s resolution plan, the studio has launched a 30-Day Whole Food Plan that will help to reset the body in a natural and healthy way delivering long lasting weight loss results.

When it comes to growth, the sky is the limit. The studio is open for fitness professionals and dancers to rent the space and run their programs. Since the grand opening in December 2015, the studio has held various workshops: Restorative Yoga, Latin Dance, Journey Dance and Boxing classes. Wanessa is also working on offering Tai Chi and Intuitive Movement in February. Check the Live & Learn section of Happening in the Hills for future classes and workshops.