Perfil: Thaver8962

As a PE teacher, I actually welcome the structure. We've been missing national benchmarks in school fitness since the original test was phased out.

I appreciate that the 2025 version seems more inclusive, and the resources in that article (especially the training guides) are really helpful.

Hoping they continue refining it though — we can’t go back to shame-based models.

Hey NtaiFitness crew! I’ve been digging into unique workout spots in Los Angeles, and Shiva’s Dance & Fitness caught my eye. Located at 1101 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (some listings note 9952 Robbins Dr, Beverly Hills), this studio blends dance and fitness for everyone from kids to seniors.

With limited chatter about it on platforms like X, I thought I’d share what I’ve found, including reviews, to spark a convo. If you’re into dance workouts or looking for a new fitness vibe, read on!Founded in 2002 by Shiva Bagheri, a former competitive gymnast (SCATS), professional dancer, and fitness competitor, the studio offers a wide range of classes.

Bagheri’s got serious credentials: she started dancing at nine, appeared on Star Search at 15, danced in commercials (Planet Fitness, Disneyland), and won titles like Ms.

Fitness Inland Empire 1999. As a certified personal trainer (PTA) with over 25 years of teaching, she’s worked with choreographers like Debbie Allen and staged ballets like The Nutcracker.

The studio reflects her expertise, offering ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, Persian dance, tumbling, musical theater (acting, voice, dance), and fitness classes like Stretch & Firm.

They even have “shivafitness” sessions for dogs and owners, which is super unique for pet-loving fitness buffs!Shiva’s Dance & Fitness serves ages 2 to 82, from beginners to pros, with kids’ camps during school breaks.

Operating hours are Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–7:30 PM, Friday until 6:00 PM, and weekends until 5:00 PM. Check www.shivasdanceandfitness.com for schedules and upcoming dance instruction videos (soon on Amazon).

Their Facebook page (Shiva’s School of Dance, 4,073 likes) posts about student wins, like a dancer placing second in a pageant, showing community engagement.Yelp reviews (21 total) paint a mixed picture.

Many rave about Shiva’s teaching. Parents say their kids learned ballet, jazz, or Persian dance, with one noting their daughter became a professional dancer (e.g., “Shiva’s great teaching!”).

Others praise her energy and results-driven workouts, like the Tone and Firm class, which burns 300–600 calories per hour, per a 2024 Les Mills study on dance fitness. Reviewers call her “passionate,” “patient,” and “positive,” with a family-friendly vibe (e.g., “Great atmosphere… warm, caring”).

Some have followed her across multiple studios, showing loyalty. The studio has 2 “Faves” on Nextdoor, and a MapQuest review calls her teaching “100%” effective.On the flip side, some Yelp reviews raise concerns.

A few criticize Shiva’s teaching style, saying she brings personal or political opinions into classes (e.g., “Keep your own personal opinions to yourself”).

Others claim her choreography lacks “flavor,” especially Latin styles, and a couple of serious allegations mention inappropriate behavior, like calling ICE over trivial interactions (e.g., saying “hola” or preferring water without ice).

Shiva and a reviewer suggest these could be from “non-customers, bots, or trolls,” but the claims are notable.

The studio’s not as freestyle as Dirtylicious or Latin-heavy as Zumba, focusing instead on structured dance styles.I’m curious what you all think!

Has anyone tried Shiva’s classes or seen her videos?
Are the kids’ camps fun?
How does it compare to other LA spots like Debbie Allen Dance Academy?
For those mixing dance into fitness (maybe with your NtaiFitness gear!), what’s your take on studios like this?
Drop your reviews or thoughts below—let’s get the discussion going!

Solid post, Jake. I’ve rowed for years, mostly on a Concept2 RowErg, but tested the Ntaifitness Superfit-9004 last month. Its magnetic resistance is smoother and quieter—huge for home setups.

Tip: match resistance to your level. I started too high and burned out fast. Also, don’t death-grip the handle; it kills your forearms.

I do 20-min steady rows at 70% effort, 3x a week. Hits my back and core hard. What resistance are y’all using?

Great post, Jake! The Lyons trend caught me off guard – my teen showed me the X memes. ~

Yo, this is awesome! I’m 16 and signed up for the Summer Pass last year. Honestly, I was nervous at first—gyms can feel intense! But Planet Fitness was super chill.

The trainers helped me figure out the treadmill and some weights, and I ended up going three times a week. It was cool to feel stronger and not so stressed about school stuff. I’m definitely signing up again for 2025.

Anyone else tried it? What’s your favorite thing to do at the gym? Thanks for sharing this, it’s gonna help a lot of people!

Hey everyone! 😊

I just discovered something super cool: the Vacutherm treadmill. It’s this special kind of treadmill that somehow uses vacuum technology—I’m still learning—but the idea is you lose more fat and burn more calories FAST. You literally WALK while it helps you slim down. Sounds like science fiction, right?



A friend of mine tried it last week and said her legs felt less tired and she saw results quicker than with a normal treadmill. I’m not a pro athlete or scientist, just someone who loves staying fit and being healthy. But this treadmill got me so curious. Has anyone here tried it? What was it like to walk while the machine uses vacuum?

I’m thinking about setting up a demo session at my gym or local fitness center near me. If it really helps target stubborn fat areas or boosts metabolism, I want in. This could be a total game-changer!

Let’s share experiences, tips, and even rumors we’ve heard. Maybe we can even get a group together to try it out. Who’s in? 💪

Facebook Marketplace is like the Wild West. I once drove 2 hours for a “barely used” squat rack… turned out to be a rusted-out DIY disaster. If you can swing a supplier like Ntai, pay for the warranty — it’s peace of mind.

Loving Your Plan, Mate!  

Cracking post!
I’ve been looking for a proper 7-day plan, and yours looks spot-on.
I go to JD Gyms in Salford, and I’ve been doing something similar but skipping core work—big mistake!

Last week, I added planks like you mentioned, and my abs are already feeling tighter.  
My Tip: If you’re short on time, I cut my cardio to 20 minutes on day 7 and still feel great.
Also, try supersetting your triceps and chest exercises on day 1 to save time—it’s a killer!
What weights are you lifting for your squats these days?

Re: What gym machine should be the top priority in a home gym setup?
If I had to pick one piece of equipment to anchor a home gym, it’s a power rack, hands-down. Here’s why it’s the MVP for serious lifters:

Versatility King: A power rack isn’t just for squats. You can bench press, overhead press, rack pull, do pull-ups (most come with a bar), and even set up bands or pins for dynamic work. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for strength training, covering nearly every major lift.

Safety First: Those adjustable safety pins let you lift heavy without a spotter. No more praying you don’t get pinned under a barbell or skipping reps because you’re nervous. This is huge for building confidence and pushing progressive overload solo.

Progression Enabler: The rack’s stability and consistent setup (same bar height every time) let you focus on form and microloading for steady gains. You’re not wrestling with wobbly stands or sketchy setups, so you can dial in technique and chase PRs.

Space and Budget Efficiency: Unlike cable machines (expensive and bulky) or Smith machines (which lock you into a fixed path and limit functional strength), a power rack delivers max bang-for-buck. Pair it with a barbell, plates, and a bench, and you’ve got 90% of a gym’s functionality in one footprint.

Long-Term Investment: Cardio gear like treadmills is great for heart health, but it won’t build strength or muscle like a rack. Plus, racks are durable—buy a good one, and it’s a lifetime companion.

Cable machines are cool for isolation, but they’re pricy and less foundational. Smith machines? They’re like training wheels—too restrictive for free-weight gains. If you’re starting a home gym, a power rack is the cornerstone.

You can always add cardio or cables later. What’s your training focus—strength, hypertrophy, or a mix? That might tweak the convo, but I’d still bet on the rack.

Re: Why do serious lifters swear by power racks for squats?

Power racks are the gold standard for serious lifters squatting heavy, and it’s not just about safety (though that’s huge). Let’s break down why they’re practically worshipped in the iron game.

Safety Without Compromise: The adjustable safety pins are a godsend. They let you bail on a failed rep without risking a trip to the ER or a YouTube fail compilation. This is critical when you’re pushing near-max loads or grinding through high-volume sets. You can go all-out knowing the rack’s got your back (and your spine).

Confidence to Push Limits: That safety net translates to mental freedom. When you’re not sweating a potential catastrophe, you can focus on squeezing out that extra rep or chasing a PR. This psychological edge is huge for progressive overload—lifters can test their limits without second-guessing.

Microloading Precision: Power racks pair perfectly with microplates for fine-tuned progression. Serious lifters live for those 1-2.5lb jumps, especially when plateaus hit. The rack’s stability ensures you’re not wobbling while chasing those small but critical gains, keeping your form locked in.

Technique Refinement: The rack’s structure promotes consistency. Fixed barbell height means you unrack at the same spot every time, drilling proper setup mechanics. You can also use the pins for partial ROM (range of motion) work, like pin squats, to target sticking points or overload specific phases of the lift. This is a game-changer for refining technique and building strength off the floor or out of the hole.

Versatility for Variations: Beyond standard squats, power racks let you experiment with pause squats, tempo squats, or even rack pulls to hammer weak points. The adjustable pins and j-hooks make it easy to switch between exercises without sketchy workarounds. You’re not just squatting—you’re sculpting a lift tailored to your biomechanics.

Stable Platform for Heavy Loads: Unlike squat stands or makeshift setups, a power rack’s bolted frame handles hundreds of pounds without budging. This stability is crucial when you’re moving serious weight, ensuring the bar stays put and your focus stays on the lift, not the equipment.

Accessory Work Integration: Most racks come with pull-up bars, dip stations, or band pegs, letting you superset squats with other movements. This maximizes gym efficiency, which matters when you’re balancing lifting with life.

In short, power racks aren’t just gear—they’re a system for building strength, confidence, and precision. They let you squat heavy, smart, and consistently, which is why lifters treat them like the holy grail. If you’re chasing big numbers or bulletproof form, a rack’s non-negotiable. What’s your setup like—got a rack yet or still debating?