Confessions of a 40 year old Jazzerciser
7 Mar
It is time I came clean. I Jazzercise. I am the child of a Jazzerciser. My Mom, now 67, has probably been Jazzercising since 1982, 30 years. And so, I’ve hit a class or two over the past few decades, mostly to indulge my Mom and some girl QT, or so I said.
Last year was pretty weak with my excuses of balancing 2 active kids, and working, and all those lame reasons we give to put ourselves last, not work out, be lazy. This year, I quietly made a resolution to do more, work out, take better care of myself. Perhaps it was 40 yelling at me: “your bone density will only degrade from here!” Whatever it was, I’m trying my darndest to be in class at least 2 times a week (hey, cut me some slack, this is a huge improvement over NOTHING)
But what I kept finding myself doing was whispering that I go to Jazzercise, being sheepish, or kind of making fun of myself when it came up in conversation. Well NO MORE.
I JAZZERCISE and I’m proud of it!
Yesterday, when I looked around that room, the class full of amazing women giving it their all, and the lot of us, in great harmony and rhythm, I decided it’s time to come clean, and be proud. Jazzercise is pretty darn amazing, and the women – all ages, all sizes, all skills – who Jazzercise are even more amazing. J’adore!
It’s a great, HARD work out. I sweat. A lot. I hurt the next day. Its fun, it’s hip and current. YOU HEARD ME. We are sweating to Usher, Gaga, LMFAO, PitBull, Enrique, JLo and others every class. I regularly hear a song FIRST at Jazzercise. I’m serious. It’s a great, sweet community, supportive and inclusive of everyone at every level and skill. And it’s very affordable.
Hip and current! Poor Jazzercise. It gets this terrible rep of being right there with Jane Fonda, Aerobics and the 80s. Wrong! Jazzercise was started right around when I was born. Judi Sheppard Missett stated Jazzercise in 1969. Do you know what else happened in 1969? Amazing things! First man on the moon with Neil Armstrong; Woodstock, the creation of ARPANET (which became the Internet) and the establishment of PBS. Oh, and Jennifer Aniston was born.
Jazzercise has gone the distance, for over 40 years. My mother looks amazing at 67 years old and did over 150 classes last year. Her lazy daughter is getting there, over 10 12! (as of publish, I underestimated myself!) classes already in 2012 and determined to keep it up. I’m also determined to no longer be sheepish or make fun, but be proud to say “I JAZZERCISE!”
2012 Update – I completed over 80 classes in the year!
May 15, 2013 update – today, marked 50 classes so far in 2013!!!!!
BRAVA! Well said. I have Jazzercise since 1980 and loved every minute of it. My hubby is a marathon runner. His running “girlfriends” kept making fun of me. I told them, don’t dis it if you haven’t tried it. They came to class (I was teaching by then). They walked in all cocky saying this is a piece of cake. They slumped out – tired, sweaty, and sore making only one comment to me on the way out…how can you talk and workout that hard! HA! It’s been here 40 years, and here’s to 40 more!
I discovered jazzercise when I was 59, I am now almost 74. I credit Jazzercise and my wonderful instructor with still being able to do regular jazzercise, step and palates. In our class, we are more than an exercise group, we are truly family and have seen each other through some very trying times. Since I am retired, I consider this my big social time 5 days a week. I am so happy that I was introduced to jazzercise by my best friend and we are still going strong.
Um, THANK YOU! I own the Center in Chelmsford MA, started in 1981 at the age of 17 and have been teaching 17 years. Awesome post!
Woo Hoo!! I jazzercise too
I started in Nov. 2008 when my personal life started falling apart and it kept me sane. I love the amazing women in my class and my instructors are incredible. We call it our little cult and try to convince everyone else to come join us.
Well stated! Be loud and proud for Jazzercise! It’s a rockin’ program! Happy for you and your mom! Preach it, jazzer-sista!
I too am proud to Jazzercise at the ripe old age of 33! I’ve been jazzing for over a year now and I love it more than my usual Zumba (ssshhhh…our little secret). Thanks for a great read!
I am a proud Jazzerciser! I have been going for a least three years now. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast cancer in Oct. of 2010. I was 44 years old. My Jazzercise family was so supportive! I have been through six months chemotherapy and 8 surgeries so far! I have been trying to get to Jazzercise when I am up to it! I love it! It makes me feel good not only physically but mentally!!! It clears my head and I have so much fun Jazzercising with my friends!!! I should be able to go back full force ( three to four times a week) by next month!! I can’t wait!!!
Lisa,
I was diagnosed with Stage III, triple negative breast cancer in Feb 2010 at age 52. I am proud to say Jazzercise got me through the surgeries, chemo, radiation and reconstruction. I kept teaching through the entire “adventure”. Yes I had to take breaks when the surgeons forbid it, but I went back as soon as I felt it was okay. My doctors were all amazed at how well I recovered each time. Keep up the positive attitude.
well said, laura! i too was a reluctant joyous advocate of Jazzercise (even though I’ve been a student since 1990 & am a 5yr instructor)! This gal is so proud to be a part of this fabulous group of people!!!
I proudly do Jazzercise as well Laura! I love that you posted this and am thrilled to comment.
I found Jazzercise after losing a little weight on Weight Watchers – I’ve now lost over 55 pounds and have been below goal weight for over 4 years. I credit Jazzercise for that.
I coerced my two sons into trying it, which they agreed to because they know how important it is in my life. My older son, making fun about forgetting his leg warmers and pink shorts at home before class talked the next day about his ‘thrashed calfs’. On another visit we were cooking dinner together with my IPOD playing and Bulletproof came on. He immediately said THAT IS THE SONG! Yup. My other son, a Marine Reservist took a class and admitted to me after, ‘I’m surprised, but that was a truly good workout mom’.
I Jazzercise and I, too, am very proud. Cathy
Dear Shirtshorts….My mother did not Jazzercise when I was growing up, but my daughter has come to classes with me (occasionally) since she was about 9 years old. Maybe she’ll be like you — whispering about Jazzercise, until she realizes how awesome it is. But not me. I LOVE JAZZERCISE! I come 6 days a week, and it has changed my body and my life for good. Thanks for sharing! — Kelly Holtz
Hooray!!!! Jazzercise is awesome!
I love this!! I am just about to celebrate my 5th year as an instructor!
Yay you! I’ve been Jazzercising for 16 years (and, I’m 44!). Love, love, love the workout and all of the dear friends that I’ve made over the years. Stick with it – you never know – your very best friend may be working out next to you
OMG I love you! I have been an Instructor for just over a year. I love it more than words can say. Like you, I was a “Child of Jazzercise”, too; My mother attended classes in the early 80′s as I hung out in the childcare area. I experienced my own first classes while in high school. In adulthood, I “jazzed” off 70 lbs before becoming an instructor. So I get it! I join you in shouting from the rooftops!
Great read! I have been doing Jazzercise for about 22 years…8 of which I have been teaching! I have tried other programs over the years, but kept coming back to Jazzercise…that’s when I decided to teach…best decision EVER! How many people can say they love their job? I CAN!
Listen girlfriend……Say it loud….I Jazzercise and I’m Proud…..how wonderful to feel happy about taking care of yourself……We need to continue to tell the world about Jazzercise…..great story….wish I would have thought of doing the same….happy you did….
At first I thought your post was written by one of my daughters, both of whom are instructors! I, too, began jazzercise in the early 80′s when it was the only outlet for exercise in my small community. I’ve followed it from skating rinks to community centers to church halls, all the while loving the great workout and especially the fun! I have arthritis now, and when I don’t get my three or four workouts a week, I can really feel it! Thanks to Jazzercise and all my instructors over the years, I am doing great and staying strong.
When my daughter was in college she and a couple of friends came to one of my classes. They were dance majors and took ballet classes all day every day so they were in awesome shape and, of course, twenty-something young ‘uns. I could tell from the jokes about leg warmers and leotards on the way there that they weren’t expecting much of a work-out. Well guess what!?!? They got their butts kicked! Huffin’ and puffin’ I tell you! Needless to say, no more wise-cracks on the way home. =:-D
YEAH FOR YOU!!! I have jazzed since I was 16–that’s 25 years!!!! I LOVE it and live FOR IT every day! I have 2 kids who keep me running every day with their activities, I also work part time. I try to schedule as much as I can around my jazz time!!! KUDOS to you and best of luck at making the 150 fit club this year- you’re off to a great start with an awesome attitude!!
Stand tall and be proud Laura! Well put and well said! I Jazzercise and I’m 44! I became and instructor at 42 and I’m only getting stronger! The 40′s are the time to shine! You can do it!
I too first Jazzercised with my mom in 1982. I’ve worked out periodically over the years, trying everything new. I worked out because I had to, not because I liked to. Last January Imade the commitment to exercise regularly. I joined Jazzercise, and by November I’d earned my 150 class t-shirt. Over a year later, I exercise now because I LOVE IT! Jazzercise is the best work out ever. BTW, I love going into fitting rooms now
I said this same thing the other day. So many times I hear a song FIRST at Jazzercise and then I hear it on my daughter’s ipod or the radio! I thank Jazzercise for kicking my butt and for keeping me up to date on the music of today so I can “talk” to my teenager about music.
Tracey
“Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance.”
Ha Ha…I am an instructor and my daughter gets her music from ME! When she hears a song on the radio that she likes, the first thing she asks is, “Do you have this song?”
I love your blog and reading all of these comments!! Everything said here is so true. I Jazzercised with my mom when I was a teenager in the early 90′s and just recently went back to the same class, only to find the same awesome instructor and some of the same ladies from my childhood! Now, I’m training to become an instructor, and Jazzercise has truly changed my life for the better! I absolutely love it, and I know that it will help keep me happy and healthy for many, many years to come!
I am a newbie to Jazzercise and I LOVE it. I have the best time and feel great afterwards (well, minus the muscle soreness). If I can’t go on a day I feel like I am missing out. I know, because of Jazzercise, it won’t be long until I am back in shape and wearing clothes I haven’t been able to fit in for quite a while-years!
I’ve been a Jazzerciser since age 17…becoming an instructor at age 25. I am going to be 52 (still an instructor!!!) and have LOVED Jazzercise from the beginning. This workout has evolved over the years and continues to challenge its devoted students each and every class! Sure, it’s still FUN. Sure, it still feels like a girls night out. But Jazzercisers take their workouts seriously. For that hour we give it our ALL. But it is definately much, much more. It is a place where we find love and support when the tough times hit. A place we share happiness, sadness, excitement…frustration. It’s our extended family. Here’s to many, many more years of that wonderful thing we call JAZZERCISE!!!