Jazzercise is the word that popped into my head when reflecting on what to write about this morning. I just came from the 5:30 am express class, ready to launch this beautiful day, with the music of “Working on a Dream” still playing in my head.
I didn’t know anything about Jazzercise till a friend introduced me to it a few years ago. For that gift, I am most grateful. Thought I would tell you about it in case you’d also like to give it a try. It has since become my main source of exercise.
Jazzercise combines aerobic exercise, strength training, music, and dance, all rolled into one. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a dancer. Jazzercise is a national organization, and the routines are scripted. The home office sends the instructors across the country the identical routines to practice and then teach. I have sampled lots of instructors, and all are very skilled in teaching the routines. The routines are changed every few weeks to provide variety.
After every visit, you leave the facility feeling good about yourself. You have done something to help your heart, lungs, weight, and muscles, just to mention a few, but the psychological benefit may even be more important.
There is simply something about music that helps to relieve stress. For thirty minutes or an hour (depending on the class), stress seems to melt away. This weekend Joey Korn, internationally renowned dowser, shared with us, “Music is the bridge to the spiritual world.” Something about music just makes you feel better energetically.
Here is one of the most amazing things I notice about Jazzercise: no matter your size, shape, weight, or age, each person feels welcome and at ease in every class. There is no need to fear attending if you are self conscious about your weight. No need to “lose some weight before you can go to the gym.” No need to have a hard rock body to attend! I like to study people, and I love how every single person seems to feel comfortable there.
It doesn’t take long to develop camaraderie among the attendees. The sound of laughter, accompanied by smiles, is commonplace. The organization also keeps things interesting by hosting fun little attendance contests where individuals and teams can compete for prizes such as tote bags, t-shirts, beach towels, etc.
You can be out of state on vacation, Google jazzercise.com, and find a Jazzercise facility in the area you will be visiting. There is no additional charge when you are a visiting guest. I recently attended a facility in Florida while on vacation. Though a complete stranger, I wasn’t there 30 seconds till I was made to feel like “one of them.”
Why not Google jazzercise.com, grab a friend, and go check it out for yourself? You can attend a session or two for free, just to try it out. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it!
