As part of the #WEAREAUSactive campaign, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of AUSactive members who are shaping the future of the exercise and active health industry.
This week, we are proud to feature Karina Santamaria, an AUSactive member whose passion for movement, dance and community has inspired countless people throughout her career.
Since becoming an AUSactive member in 2004, Karina Santamaria has helped people discover confidence, resilience and self-belief through fitness. As the creator of Latino Blast, she has built a vibrant community that goes far beyond exercise, helping people reconnect with themselves and transform their lives through movement.
Meet AUSactive Member Karina Santamaria
1. How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
I have been a member of AUSactive since 2004.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
My journey into the exercise and active health industry started at a very young age.
From around 12 or 13 years old, I was already drawn to aerobics. I would watch fitness programs on television and follow along at home. Very quickly, I realised movement was more than physical activity. It helped me regulate my emotions, feel stronger and connect with myself.
As I grew older, I continued training and competing. While studying Law and Political Science in Peru, I regularly participated in aerobics competitions and consistently placed first.
A major turning point came when my father opened a gym and an instructor failed to show up. I stepped in to teach the class, and from that moment everything changed.
That experience led me to join the Peruvian Aerobics Federation and begin a career helping people through movement.
3. What’s a part of your job that always brings you joy?
Watching people transform.
Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.
People often arrive feeling disconnected, lacking confidence or facing challenges in their lives. Over time, I see them become stronger, happier and more confident.
The most rewarding part is seeing people change the way they see themselves. That transformation extends far beyond the gym and positively impacts every area of their lives.
4. What qualifications or certifications do you currently hold?
I hold qualifications in:
- Certificate III in Group Fitness Instruction (Australia)
- Certificate III and IV in Fitness and Personal Training (Peru)
- Boxing and Kickboxing
- Kettlebell Training
- Pilates Matwork and Intermediate Pilates
- Choreography and Muscle Alignment Techniques
I also hold a Bachelor of Law and Political Science and am currently completing a Diploma of Counselling.
5. Can you share a little about your journey as an exercise professional so far?
My career began in Peru through the Peruvian Aerobics Federation.
After moving to Australia in 2004, I continued developing my skills while working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Over time, my work evolved beyond traditional fitness.
I became passionate about creating experiences that empower people, which ultimately led to the creation of Latino Blast.
Latino Blast combines movement, energy, confidence and transformation through dance fitness.
6. What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
Creating Latino Blast.
What started as a passion project has grown into a thriving community where people feel empowered, supported and connected.
Seeing people become stronger, happier and more confident is my greatest professional achievement.
7. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the exercise and active health industry?
Understand that this industry is about people, not just exercise.
Be disciplined, continue learning and always stay authentic.
When you focus on creating genuine impact rather than simply delivering workouts, long-term success follows naturally.
8. What is your favourite part of working in this industry?
The people and the community.
I love meeting people from different cultural backgrounds and helping them become more confident through movement.
Seeing participants dance, smile and feel proud of themselves is incredibly rewarding.
9. How do you see the exercise and active health industry evolving in the future?
I believe the industry is becoming more holistic.
People now understand the connection between movement, mental health, emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Fitness is no longer only about appearance. It is about helping people feel stronger, healthier and more resilient.
10. When did you realise this industry was home for you?
I always felt connected to movement.
However, moving to Australia and creating Latino Blast helped me realise my deeper purpose.
I realised I wasn't simply teaching fitness classes. I was helping people build confidence, reconnect with themselves and become the best version of who they are.
11. Can you share a moment when you realised you made a significant difference in someone's life?
One of my instructors first joined my classes as a mother of four children who lacked confidence and had become disconnected from herself.
Through movement, consistency and community, I watched her transform physically, mentally and emotionally.
More than ten years later, she is still working alongside me, teaching Latino Blast and helping others transform their lives.
That experience reminded me that this industry is about much more than changing bodies.
It is about helping people rediscover their strength.
12. What impact do you hope to have on the people or communities you work with?
I want people to reconnect with who they are and who they can become.
Through Latino Blast, I create experiences that help people feel stronger, happier, more confident and more connected to themselves.
13. How has your philosophy on health and movement evolved over the years?
My philosophy has become much more holistic.
I now understand that movement is not only about building a stronger body.
It is also about creating mental, emotional and physical balance.
Movement helps people reconnect with themselves and improve their quality of life.
14. What keeps you motivated during challenging days?
The people.
The energy they bring into my classes motivates me to continue showing up and supporting them.
Teaching is more than a job. It is a shared experience and a community.
15. What keeps you motivated to continue growing as an exercise professional?
Growing the Latino Blast Community
As Latino Blast continues to grow, I remain passionate about mentoring and supporting future instructors who share a love of movement, community and empowerment.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been helping instructors develop their confidence, leadership skills and ability to inspire others through dance fitness.
Latino Blast is more than a fitness program. It is a supportive community that continues to welcome passionate fitness professionals who want to make a positive impact through movement, connection and wellbeing.
I love helping people grow, both as instructors and as individuals, and I look forward to seeing the Latino Blast family continue to expand in the years ahead.
16. If you could change one thing in the industry overnight, what would it be?
I would love to see more recognition and support for fitness professionals.
Exercise professionals play a significant role in people's physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and I believe that contribution deserves greater recognition.
17. How do you think the role of exercise professionals will evolve in the next decade?
Exercise professionals will continue to become more important.
People increasingly understand the connection between movement, prevention, mental health and wellbeing.
I believe the value of exercise professionals will continue to grow.
18. What does being part of AUSactive mean to you?
Being part of AUSactive means belonging to a professional community that supports learning, growth and excellence within the industry.
I value being connected to an organisation that recognises the positive impact exercise professionals have on people's lives.
19. If you could describe your career in three words, what would they be?
Discipline. Empowerment. Transformation.
20. What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust yourself.
Stay authentic.
Keep going.
There will always be challenges, but passion, consistency and purpose will guide you forward.
“It's not just about changing bodies. It's about helping people reconnect with themselves, rediscover their strength and transform their lives from the inside out.”
~ Karina Santamaria
Creating Confidence Through Movement
Karina Santamaria's story is a powerful reminder that movement can transform lives.
Through Latino Blast, community and her passion for helping others, she continues to inspire people to become stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.
Most importantly, she reminds us that confidence, resilience and transformation often begin with a single step and the courage to move.
Key Moments in Karina Santamaria's Journey
Discovering the Power of Movement
Karina Santamaria's journey began with a passion for movement, fitness and dance. What started as a love of aerobics eventually grew into a lifelong career dedicated to helping people improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Building a Career in Fitness
Through years of teaching, competing and educating, Karina developed her expertise across group fitness, personal training, dance fitness and wellbeing. Her commitment to continuous learning helped shape the foundation of her career in the exercise and active health industry.
Creating Latino Blast
One of Karina's most significant achievements was the creation of Latino Blast. Combining dance, fitness, culture and community, Latino Blast became more than a workout program. It became a movement that helps people build confidence, connection and joy through exercise.
Growing a Community Across Australia
From local fitness centres and community clubs to universities, gyms and special events, Karina has introduced Latino Blast to thousands of participants across Australia. Her classes continue to bring people together through movement, energy and shared experiences.
Returning Home and Sharing Her Passion
Karina has also shared Latino Blast internationally, including events and programs in Peru. Returning to her home country and teaching through movement has been a meaningful part of her journey and a celebration of her cultural roots.
Developing Future Instructors
A major milestone in Karina's career has been mentoring and developing Latino Blast instructors. Over the years, she has supported instructors including Manal, Daniela, Tina, Mercy, Gigi, Pauline, Helena, Simone, Tami, Anna, Wendy, Nusreen and many others who now inspire participants in their own communities.
Celebrating Community and Connection
Beyond the classes themselves, Latino Blast has created a strong sense of belonging. Instructor training sessions, masterclasses, festivals, celebrations and community events have helped build lasting friendships and meaningful connections among participants and instructors alike.
Innovation Through Movement
Karina continues to evolve her programs through initiatives such as Latino Burn and Body & Mind by Latino, creating new opportunities for people to experience movement in ways that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Industry Recognition and Leadership
Throughout her career, Karina has been recognised for her contribution to fitness and movement, including receiving industry recognition from the Peruvian Fitness Federation. These achievements reflect her dedication to empowering others through exercise and wellbeing.
Latino Blast Today
Today, Karina Santamaria continues to lead, teach and inspire through Latino Blast. What began as a passion for movement has grown into a thriving community that helps people build confidence, resilience and self-belief while celebrating culture, connection and the joy of movement.
As Latino Blast continues to grow, Karina remains passionate about mentoring future instructors and welcoming fitness professionals who want to inspire others through dance, movement and community. Through education, leadership and support, she hopes to empower the next generation of Latino Blast instructors to create positive change in their own communities.
