Soca-Powered Fitness Brings Carnival Spirit to Workouts
Krista Martins has transformed the joy of carnival into a fitness movement. Her program, Wukkout!, blends soca music and dance into high-energy cardio workouts. What began as a simple idea in a New York dance studio is now a thriving fitness community.
For Martins, Wukkout! is more than exercise. It is a way to channel the freedom and joy of carnival into daily life. “Being on the road at carnival is the only time I am completely out of my head,” she explained. Her goal was to share that sense of release and joy with others.
From Childhood Passion to Business Success
Raised in a Guyanese household, Martins grew up surrounded by soca, basement parties, and carnival traditions. Dance was always her passion, from ballet to hip-hop, but soca was her heartbeat. “I love soca more than anything, I love carnival more than anything,” she said.
The idea for Wukkout! was born when Martins suggested teaching a soca class at her studio. She had never taught one before but decided to take the leap. Within six months, she realized she had more than a class—she had a business.
Building a Family Through Fitness and Dance
This summer, Wukkout! celebrated 12 years of bringing people together. Classes take place across New York City, from Manhattan to Coney Island, drawing participants from New Jersey, the Bronx, and beyond. The energy remains the same wherever the class is held.
Martins believes community is what makes Wukkout! powerful. “We’re a big family,” she said. “It’s like a family reunion. Everyone knows that they can come to Wukkout! and be exactly who they are.” That sense of belonging is at the heart of the program’s success.
Wukkout! Inspires Healing and Better Health
The program has had life-changing effects on its participants. Some come to dance through grief, reconnecting with loved ones through music. One student shared that classes helped her heal after her mother’s death by keeping the sound of soca alive.
For others, Wukkout! has delivered measurable health benefits. Martins shared that older women in her classes lowered their blood pressure enough to stop taking medication. One client even survived two strokes, with her doctor crediting her strong heart to the workouts. “When I hear things like that, that’s how I know we’re making a difference,” Martins said.
Leaving a Legacy of Joy and Empowerment
For Martins, Wukkout! is more than a fitness brand—it is her life’s purpose. The program allows her to combine her love of dance, the rhythms of her culture, and the power of community. She hopes to leave behind more than just a workout.
“If I can leave a legacy of bringing people joy in a world that’s very difficult to find joy in, I’ll be okay with that,” she said. Wukkout! continues to grow, inspiring people to dance, heal, and find strength together.
