SAPA UK by Nikela – From classes to a community

Meet Nikela, the founder of SAPA UK and a step aerobics instructor. She is the youngest of eleven siblings, a sports person and the daughter of an athlete. Nikela is determined to showcase different ways to keep fit starting from step aerobics. She was inspired to found SAPA on a quest to find enjoyable ways to workout after she successfully reached her weight loss goal. SAPA stands for “Step And Praise Aerobics” and everything started when one day Nikela was stepping while playing “Sound of Upper Room” in the background, as she was training the Lord met her in the middle of her workout.

 

From that encounter she has then learned how to acknowledge the Presence of God in every workout. “From that day I straightaway knew people needed to try this!” she proclaims. As a Kingdom Ambassador and fitness enthusiast, Nikela carefully crafts each session at SAPA with the consciousness of allowing the Holy Spirit to take the lead in every step, movement and engagement. All classes have gospel-only playlists, non-provocative/sensual movements and carefully coordinated to every ability.

 

SAPA is not your usual stepping class, it is totally led by the Holy Spirit and in each workout session His Presence is always felt. It offers a non-compromising standard and excellent execution. There are many other great Christian fitness businesses out there but they are not SAPA. The Lord has entrusted Nikela to share the revelation of Jesus Christ in her own unique way. The Word of the Lord says

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” I Corinthians 12:4-7 NKJV.

 

Here are 7 reasons why you should include stepping in your fitness routine this year:

1. It is a high-intensity workout designed to support fat loss and weight management

2. It mainly targets your lower body such as glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves

3. It helps improve coordination and agility, improving your movement patterns

4. It requires minimal equipment, all you need is a step

5. It is enjoyable, most of the time people are surprised by how quickly the sessions go by!

6. You are in charge of the intensity, you decided if it is a walk equivalent session or an intensive session to improve your speed – it is between you, your step and the music

7. It combines dancing and rhythms while trying your ear to recognise pitches, melodies and harmonies

 

During our interview Nikela also shared something remarkable:

“Fitness has become a regular act of worship, she said, a way to thank God for what He has given me. It is a way to declutter my mind, flee from sin, prepare for a season and to hear from God. It has become many things. It has become a necessity if I truly want to be fully aligned with the will of God for my life. I wasn’t always fit. In fact, I was the chubby kid in school who was somehow sporty. I encourage anyone who feels their body is just something they will always be uncomfortable with. That is what I always thought about myself, however, it is completely possible to transform your health without surgery, massive expenses and without hating yourself along the journey. The L ord is truly the One who helped me get through it all. If you have ever stopped believing in your ability to reach your fitness goals, at least believe in God’s ability to empower you to do it. His Grace is sufficient for you, His Power is made perfect in your weakness. “

“Nikki, what advice would you give to anyone who wants to start or restart their fitness journey?”we asked:

1. Start small, start with 2 or 3 days a week but be consistent.

2. Find something you enjoy, the gym is not the only way to get fit. Try a new sport, book that class. It doesn’t have to feel like a burden.

3. Set goals that are not only centred around your weight, maximise your reps, lift heavier. It’s not always about the scale.

4. Listen to your body when the pain is ‘sharp’, don’t injure yourself by pushing through the pain you shouldn’t be having.

5. Find a community or a good accountability partner, you don’t have to do this journey alone.

6. Renew your “whys”, are you doing this for aesthetics? If yes, then you are conforming to the world’s standards when it comes to fitness.

7. Submit your fitness journey to the Lord. He is willing to help you as long as you acknowledge your need for His help. Allow Him to help you plan your meals and your workout sessions.