Krista Martins has transformed her love for soca music and carnival culture into a thriving fitness business. Her dance workout program, Wukkout!, brings the infectious energy of Caribbean carnival to fitness enthusiasts across New York City. What started as a simple idea at a dance studio has now celebrated 12 years of success.
The Guyanese-American entrepreneur discovered a way to bottle the mental freedom she experienced during carnival season. She shares this liberation with others through high-energy dance workouts set to pulsing soca beats. Her journey proves that passion projects can evolve into meaningful businesses that impact entire communities.
From Basement Parties to Business Success
Growing up in a Guyanese household, Martins was surrounded by soca music and carnival festivities. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a dancer, but I was afraid to say it,” she explained. Despite training in various dance styles from ballet to hip-hop, soca remained closest to her heart.
The entrepreneur always dreamed of capturing the unique mental clarity she felt during carnival season. “I have a constant running to-do list in my brain at all times. Being on the road at carnival is the only time I am completely out of my head,” Martins shared. This desire to recreate that freedom became the foundation for her business idea.
Her breakthrough moment came when she suggested starting a soca class at her dance studio. “I had been toying with this idea of playing with soca, and the studio owner was like, great! I had never taught a soca class,” she laughed. However, this spontaneous decision marked the birth of what would become a transformative fitness movement.
Building a Fitness Community Through Soca Dance
Wukkout! classes now span across New York City, from Manhattan to Coney Island. Participants travel from the Bronx, New Jersey, and beyond to experience the unique workout atmosphere. The program has created a tight-knit community that extends far beyond typical fitness relationships.
“I think what makes Wukkout! special is the community. We’re a big family,” Martins emphasized. The classes function like family reunions where participants feel completely comfortable being themselves. This inclusive environment sets Wukkout! apart from traditional fitness programs that often focus solely on physical results.
The community aspect became apparent early in the program’s development. Six months after launching, Martins recognized the business potential. More importantly, she witnessed how the classes were creating lasting bonds between participants who shared similar cultural backgrounds and music preferences.
Life-Changing Health Benefits Beyond Exercise
The impact of Wukkout! extends far beyond typical fitness improvements. Participants have experienced significant health transformations that their doctors directly attribute to the program. Some older women with uncontrolled blood pressure found relief after consistent participation in classes.
“Some older women in my class who had out-of-control blood pressure—six months, a year, after taking the class, they’re coming up to me and saying, ‘Krista, my doctor took me off the blood pressure medication. They told me to keep going to these classes,'” Martins revealed. These medical improvements validate the program’s effectiveness beyond traditional fitness metrics.
One remarkable case involved a client who survived two strokes. Her doctor credited the strength of her heart directly to her participation in Wukkout! classes. These success stories demonstrate how culturally relevant fitness programs can produce exceptional health outcomes when participants feel genuinely connected to the experience.
Healing Through Music and Movement
Wukkout! serves as more than a fitness program—it provides emotional healing for many participants. The combination of familiar music and energetic movement creates a therapeutic environment where people process grief and celebrate life simultaneously. Cultural connection plays a crucial role in this healing process.
“There were a few moments where I realized that Wukkout! was making a difference—people coming up to me after class saying, ‘My mother passed away recently and I came to your class because she played soca music in the house … And now it’s making me not only feel closer to her, it’s helping me grieve,'” Martins shared. These testimonials highlight the program’s emotional benefits.
The cultural authenticity of soca music resonates deeply with participants who grew up hearing these rhythms. This connection transforms routine exercise into meaningful cultural expression. Consequently, participants develop stronger emotional attachments to their fitness routines, leading to better long-term adherence and results.
Creating Joy in Difficult Times
Martins views her mission as bringing joy to people in an increasingly challenging world. Her legacy goals focus on emotional impact rather than business metrics. The entrepreneur understands that sustainable fitness programs must address both physical and emotional needs of participants.
“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,” Martins reflected. This philosophy guides her approach to business development and class instruction. She prioritizes participant happiness alongside physical fitness goals.
The timing of Wukkout!’s growth coincides with increased awareness of mental health importance in fitness. Therefore, programs that combine physical activity with emotional wellness are gaining recognition. Martins’ approach demonstrates how cultural authenticity can enhance traditional fitness programming while building stronger communities.
