I have taken Barre and yoga classes with Abril for several years in a gym setting.  She is a highly sought after instructor and her classes always fill up immediately.  This is due to her extensive knowledge of all areas of fitness, the sincerity and personal attention she gives each client, and the challenging and encouraging workouts she leads.   When the gyms closed due to the pandemic, she switched her platform to online.  I had never done online fitness before and was a bit hesitant, but after the first class, I was hooked.  Thanks to all that she offered, I was able to "see" her everyday on either the Facebook live platform or Zoom.  In each of her classes, HIIT, Pilates Plus, Barre, Full-Body Workout, Yoga, Pilates-Yoga Fusion, and Master Class, Abril helped me start or end my day with a smile and a huge sense of accomplishment.  I told her that the old me would have resorted to making excuses and not exercised during this pandemic, but with her encouragement and expertise, I am in better shape than ever.  She pushes me to do my best and is so skilled in keeping her classes fresh and fun!  Her greatest gift is her beautiful personality, her deep commitment and passion for what she does comes through and she helps all of us leave her classes with a sense of gratitude and calm.  There is no better instructor anywhere!  I am so grateful that she is offering online classes so that I can continue to stay healthy and engaged under her guidance. 

~ Fran C. Columbia MD

Before COVID-19 hit, I was busy working full-time, going to school part-time and, with my husband’s help, raising two kids. I had a gym membership that I tried to use, but, honestly, did not have the 2 extra hours that it took to drive there and back and take a class. I also tried to workout with on-demand workouts, but never stuck with them. I used to rely on only running, but wanted to mix things up. When the pandemic hit and we were forced to be at home, my neighbor told me about Abril’s classes. I decided to give them a try, first with her Facebook format and then added her Zoom classes. First of all, I love Abril’s classes. She is a great instructor - very positive and challenging (she offers modifications when needed). She varies the type of class every day. I do HIIT, Pilates, barre, yoga and her master class. Second, I love doing classes on Zoom because Abril gives feedback and you feel like you are still part of a class. I also love that I don’t have to go anywhere and if I am away from home, I can still take her class. In fact, when my gym opened, I put my membership on hold because I love the classes that Abril offers. I have gotten to the point that if I don’t do one of Abril’s classes, I feel like I have missed an important part of my day. I have become stronger, more flexible and I feel great! Thanks, Abril!

~ Linda S. Ellicott City, MD 

I have been taking Abril's "Reformer 1/2" class on an almost-weekly basis for over two years now and absolutely love it. She is extremely well-versed in the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and how each pilates movement plays a role. Each week brings something slightly different along with the basics and is never boring. Her classes always have a waitlist because she is so energetic and entertaining. I have also infrequently (due to it being in the morning when I'm at work) taken her barre class, which is exhausting in that "I just got an amazing workout"-type of way and wish I were able to take it more often. Abril absolutely loves what she does and you can tell by the way she interacts with her students. 

~Alana H. Columbia, MD

Abril is an absolutely incredible instructor!  I have taken her reformer, barre, pilates, and yoga classes and most recently have started joining her Yoga Nidra workshop sessions.  My goal in recent months was to have a fitness regiment that embodied not only healthy eating, exercise, but also a focus on my total being.  Abril has provided that and so much more for me.  She is an instructor who is extremely well educated and experienced in her practice, and provides such motivation, inspiration, and yes - much perspiration in her classes.   She has a powerful presence as she is so proficient in her own practice. I have worked harder than I have ever worked in any of my previous fitness classes and have had family and friends, some of whom are professionals in their own right come to Abril’s classes and have left with a sense of serious accomplishment!  Abril lights up the room when she walks into class and immediately you get a sense of joy even though you know you are going to work as hard as you ever did!!  Her outlook on life and her practice is so positive and infectious that your class experience stays with you throughout the day.  As a person, Abril is also an extremely positive influence as she has a genuine concern for her students and ensures they are not only getting what they should out of her classes, but they are also “honoring their bodies” and not pushing themselves in a way that is harmful.  She has also selflessly continued on line free classes for her students during this time of uncertainty (COVID-19).  She has such a devoted following of students, you can feel the admiration and love during the online classes which is helping all of us maintain a life balance during this difficult time!  
I am also very much looking forward to continuing the Yoga Nidra workshops as my first experience was very profound and brought a sense of peace, calm and joy through meditation. Just starting my journey, but am grateful that I am starting it with Abril!
In short, this woman is nothing short of AMAZING, bringing her total self to everything she does, and graciously sharing it with her students!!  

Jackie W. Catonsville, MD

I have taken classes with Abril since 2017. She is an excellent teacher of Pilates Reformer, barre, yoga, pilates, and TRX. She has a comprehensive understanding of human physiology and is senior enough to have significant experience training a variety of age groups.  I have worked with her on the reformer following months of bedrest for a detached retina.  She knows what modifications to suggest to avoid injury.  Her classes are fun and the pace is lively.  I highly recommend Abril!  

~ Savi K. Columbia, MD

Abril is the complete package as a fitness trainer. Her group barre classes are energetic, fun, challenging full-body workouts, complete with modifications for common ailments; back, knees, shoulders. She cues proper body alignment throughout the workout. She can make you smile, teach you Spanish and help you sort out life’s issues all in a kick-butt 55-minute class. So competent in the high-energy arena, Abril is equally proficient in her skillset teaching yoga Nidra. Full relaxation was achieved in this class. In addition, as a Pilates instructor, Abril educates you on body awareness, teaching you to retrain your posture to live a healthier, pain-free life.

~ Rita M. Columbia, MD

This time of the pandemic has been trying for all and being quarantined for several months has made us all adjust our routine for daily life, including exercise. Abril has given me a platform to bring normalcy to my exercise regimen. Abril has brought the expertise, drive, enthusiasm, commitment and energy from the gym to her Facebook and Zoom classes. Her zoom classes are especially motivating because they are small group, she can coach you during class, motivate you to work harder and modify moves and poses to suit a particular ailment. In a word, they are awesome. In addition, Abril provides variety, in that she teaches Barre, Pilates, HIIT, Yoga and full body conditioning. I would highly recommend taking Abril's online classes. I look forward each day to taking a class with her as much as I did going to the gym.

~ Shrimati M. Austin, TX

Through a good friend I was introduced to Abril’s on line classes. The timing was perfect as we entered the pandemic lockdown. I simply cannot say enough good things. For someone who has trained their entire adult life and worked in sports I was instantly drawn to her passion for teaching, her professional integrity and her simple joy and ability to engage. Classes are hard and yet offer alternatives - She has a deep understanding of what she does and how the body works and moves. Her online instruction is clear, detailed and on point. I highly encourage you to try a class - you will not look back. 

 ~ Noreen N. New York City, NY

 Finding Abril’s classes on Facebook was a lifesaver for me!  Before the Pandemic, I attended classes pretty regularly at a club in Columbia, MD, including Abril’s Barre class.  After everything shut down, I was trying desperately to establish some type of exercise routine I could use to structure my days during social isolation.  I was thrilled to find Abril’s free, live stream classes on Facebook.  I tried them all.  I then signed up and paid the very reasonable fee to take her ZOOM classes via her website, www.vidaIam.com. Being over 60, I can’t do too much HIT because of my knees, so I enjoy her Master Class on Saturdays at 9am (fantastic workout with Yoga & Pilates), and her No Barre~Barre Class on Wednesday. She is an amazing instructor!  Her directions are flawless — she starts you out with the elements of the move and then puts it together. She always offers options and alternatives.  Her classes are expertly organized so that she gets every muscle and in the right order!  I highly recommend her classes.  I connect via my laptop and watch using Speaker View and Full Screen — it is like we are working out side by side!  I highly recommend bringing Abril into your life! Her smile, energy and beautiful spirit will make your day.

 ~ Cindy R. Silver Spring, MD & East Boothbay, ME

 I have been taking classes with Abril for over two years, first in person and for the past four months virtually.  She has opened my world to exercise through Barre, Pilates and Yoga.  Abril is an extremely knowledgeable instructor.  She personalizes her classes to make it a "perfect fit" for her students.  I am so grateful to Abril for taking her own time to consult with me regarding a back problem, outlining exercises that I should do and checking in with me.  Abril makes her virtual classes feel like you're in the room with her.  Her enthusiasm is contagious!  I look forward to seeing her smiling face and hearing her voice almost daily as I take either her free classes on Facebook or a registered class on Zoom.  Abril is the BEST!!!

~ Lenore S. Columbia, MD

I am very grateful to Abril for her commitment to wellness during the quarantine.  I tuned in to Facebook several times a week for over 3 months.  I have taken classes in-person with Abril, and felt the same warmness through the screen.  She is effective and offers plenty of modifications.  You’ll love her!!

 ~ Laurie L., Petaluma, CA

 Abril to the rescue!  That’s how I felt when it became clear exercise would no longer be what it was in early 2020.  I really enjoy the classes on Zoom and Facebook.  I was hesitant in that I never took virtual classes.  They are the best.  Abril is so generous in sharing her expansive knowledge of health and exercise.  I can’t imagine a week without her.  

~ Ellen S. Ashton, MD

Abril is an excellent instructor. Even though she is teaching online, she makes you feel like you are with her in person. She helps you relax, smile and makes you feel good about yourself. Abril makes sure you have options for doing the position and gives instructions if you have physical limitations, how to adapt.  I have and will continue to recommend her to others. Abril is a very caring and intuitive instructor. I feel privileged to call her a friend. 
Thanks so much for your encouragement. 

~ Fondly, Don and Belle V. Eldersburg, MD

I have absolutely adored Abril ever since the first time I took her class. Her energy is so fun, supportive, and positive. Her instruction is informative, energetic, precise and accurate.  She is not only SO knowledgeable, but very observant. Any time I try to get away with “hanging out” in a pose, she calls me on it! There are so many alignment cues would have never picked up on if it weren’t for her. Abril knew my body in such a short amount of time and now creates my workouts accordingly so that I get a very curated, personal workout. 

If you want to truly understand and advance in your practice, whether in pilates, yoga, barre, TRX, or personal training... look no further than Abril! She knows it all and it shows.

~ Ellen F. Columbia, MD