Don't just get fit, get Moky fit!

10th January 2011

Under 12 months ago 60 people in Cumbria started their first Moky class.  Today up to 2000 people take part in over 35 locations in 3 counties.
And it's no wonder. The Moky dance fitness program is one of the most addictive forms of exercise. According to one member Rachel Buxton:
"I have never enjoyed any form of exercise! 13 weeks of Moky classes later I am ADDICTED, 2st 2lb lighter and 2 dress sizes smaller- WOW!!!! "

The fitness phenomenon taking the area by storm has seen thousands of women across Cumbria getting fitter and losing weight.  Participants can burn up to 1000 calories an hour.

Co-founder Shameem Arnold says: "This is not some kind of boot-camp hardcore exercise regime yet you still get the same benefits whilst having lots of fun.  We make sure the session is so much fun that participants don't realise they're working out and they just have a great time"

So what exactly is Moky?  Moky is a dance fitness program but don't worry you don't have to be able to dance. The moves are simple yet give you a great cardio and toning workout.  There is no pressure to look a certain way or to get the moves right.  As long as people keep moving they get a great workout and the great music used in the sessions helps to create a party atmosphere."
Co founder Mat Arnold says "We use anything from Lady Gaga to Kings of Leon, with a sprinkling of Latin, and music from around the world.  Moky is all about the music, if people love the tunes we play they're more likely to put more into their movements and burn more calories. It has the added bonus of that when people are out at parties or night clubs they'll know routines to many of the songs playing so even get a workout when they are partying!"

Moky now employs 16 members of staff to meet with the demand.   Shameem and Mat employed Laura Holloway in April after spotting her at their Keswick class.  Shameem says: "Laura has boundless energy and brings so much fun to the sessions".

Laura aged 22 started coming to Moky classes in April when the Keswick class first started. "I remember how much stress I had in my life I before I started Moky and then once I came to my first class I started to feel so much better and let go of my stresses.  I approached Shameem and Mat about applying for a job with them as I absolutely loved the buzz i got form the sessions and then before I knew it I'd quit my job as a Keswick Hotel Assistant Manager and I've never looked back"

Laura is now Deputy Manager/Lead Instructor with Moky and also a massive 3 stone lighter since May. "It's been so easy for me to lose weight with Moky, I love taking the sessions and the added bonus is it gets me really fit and healthy, both mentally and physically, and I'd recommend it anyone."
Moky is not just about weight loss and getting fit.  It's clear from the classes and the customer comments you see on their facebook page Moky that customers get so much more from it.  Shameem who herself suffered from the debilitating illness M.E and depression says:

"I know I'm not the only one who has turned my life around since starting Moky, we have so many people who tell me how they're getting over depression and getting out of the house more and feeling like a new person.  As someone who has suffered with depression in the past it means so much to me that I now can provide Moky sessions which lift peoples spirits and give them something to look forward to every week. It's an hour you can escape all your stresses and troubles and just let go and have a good time."

Moky classes are now all across Cumbria and have also moved into the North East and Scotland.  Find a class near you at our website  or on Facebook

Customer quotes off Facebook - we have permission to use
Amanda Oakes - after detesting any form of exercise for most of my life I gave Moky a chance. After only attending for 2 months I can honestly say 'I'm hooked'. I've lost almost a stone and half and I've dropped a dress size. I now look forward to being Mokeyed in the New Year. Oh yeah oh yeah.
Claire Porter - It may have taken 6 months and 2 classes a week but I have managed to lose a stone, woo hoo! It is an addiction I look forward to class each week, if I can't make one night, I find another, love it. Thank you Moky - what would we do without you, you have honestly changed my life, just ask my friends and family, they think I am slightly mad but it's the best way to keep, fit, lose weight and most importantly have fun!
Sarah Baguley - For me its self esteem + confidence when i had my first class I was adamant I'd hide at the back!! Then when I realised we all had to go to the front HORROR!! Now I can go 2 the front + have the time of my life! So although the physical advantages are wonderful Moky gives u much more!! Whatever mood am in when I get to Moky i leave physically + mentally smiling
Background info from our website

Married couple and business partners Shameem and Mat Arnold are something of a local celebrity couple in Cumbria, regularly appearing in local press and on stages wowing the crowds with their unique double style dance act. Although you would think they'd been dancing all their lives, you'd be mistaken.

With backgrounds in engineering (!), they met whilst working in same office building and took the life-changing decision to found their first company, Salsa Studio, in 2006, following their passion for dance and fitness. 3 successful years later, and with the company firmly established in West Cumbria, the beginnings of something much bigger was on the horizon.

Combining bass thumping beats, a sprinkling of Latin flavour, and the potential to burn up to 1000 calories an hour, the dance fitness craze soon to sweep the whole of Cumbria was born: Zumba Cumbria.
With over 2000 attendees per week, and classes in more than 30 towns across Cumbria and the Borders, Zumba Cumbria quickly became the number 1 dance fitness provider in Cumbria. 

As the company expanded, so did the content and style of classes. With customer feedback indicating a demand for more pop songs and chart music, the move towards a more contemporary yet effective workout was established under the new name: Moky. Combining  high impact toning routines, easy to follow yet calorie burning moves, and music from more mainstream pop and R&B, Moky has surpassed it's origins to become a truly unique form of dance fitness.  Moky bridges the gap between a fitness class and modern dance, allowing its customers to make the connection to the routines they have done in class to music they hear when they are at a party or in a night club.

Moky classes now take place in more than 3 counties across 2 countries, and are rapidly expanding with new venues being added at the demand of customers in new areas. The true versatility of Moky is evident in its members: women and men of all ages, shapes and sizes with one common goal: to have fun whilst getting fit.