Tuesday, June 21, 2022
I thought I would write about my experience trying Jazzercise. This would also apply to any type of group exercise class, I think! My first experience with Jazzercise was in college. Some friends and I went to a church near campus and it was a ton of fun; heck, it just felt like dancing! Then, I did it again as a young teacher with another teacher friend – Hi Sheila! You can burn up to 800 calories in a class is what I have read.
The classes are either 45 minutes or 60 minutes. All of the classes I have been to start with dance and end in some strength training.
The name stinks in my opinion. It is outdated. Everytime I tell my sister Molly that I am going to Jazzercise via text she sends me a 70s aerobics gif. Thanks, Molly! But, it has name recognition and has been around for a long, long time. I feel like such an old fogey – I do Weight Watchers and Jazzercise now. Could that be any more basic? Middle aged woman basic! Ha! But, as you may know, Weight Watchers is now called “WW”. Lol! By the way, my WW app gives me 5 activity points for a 60 minute class and 4 activity points for a 45 minute class, while walking or weightlifting only amounts to 2-3 points.
My apologies to the folks in this photo. They are older than me and way fitter so they should take it as a compliment. Also, I am positive they don’t read my blog.
Here are your paybacks, ladies – my face gets as red as a beet. Why is this photo so big? Ha!
Here is what I like about the classes so far:
-they play really upbeat music and you do feel like some of the moves can translate to da’ club. Not that I go to any clubs. Why aren’t there dancing opportunities that happen before 9:00 p.m.? Anyone? There is a lot of bouncing for those well endowed ladies, so get you a decent sports bra. But, they also give you adaptations if you need low impact.
-there are maybe 6 cardio based songs and then 4 strength training based songs at the end. I could be totally wrong about this. They change routines often.
-they don’t just have one type of class. You can also choose traditional class and there are strength classes and HIIT classes. You can read the descriptions on the website. Also, you can stream any class. I decided I didn’t want the app to do this because I need to go in person.
-they have multiple class times from 5:45 a.m. until the after work hours.
Other thoughts so far:
-I don’t really like having to plan my day around the class times. I like the freedom of going to the gym whenever. I have gone to 7:00 a.m., 8:10 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. classes so far. I decided that I like the 7:00 the best.
-I like that my location doesn’t have mirrors, but also mirrors would help me with my form, which leaves a lot to be desired, I’m sure.
-Some of the routines are kind of hard to learn. Or, they don’t repeat long enough for me to get a hang of one thing before moving on. This is probably a good thing for the more experienced folks.
-I am probably the youngest or one of the youngest in the classes I have gone to. The instructors have been younger, though. There are some really fit older ladies in the classes, like I said. They are inspirational to me, though!
-The earlier in the day I go, the less crowded the classes are. I went to a 9:30 class and it was too crowded.
-I was super annoyed by two Chatty Kathys in their 60s that kept talking in front of me while I was trying to learn the routine and hear the instructor. Go get a smoothie after class, ladies!
-I have just worn shorts and a tank. They keep the room really cold and have fans, so that is really nice. I don’t feel like it’s a Lululemon fashion show at all.
-they don’t call you out or tell you that you are doing anything wrong. It is very non-judgey.
-It is really hard to try something new as an adult and risk not being very good at it. I didn’t know if I could make it through 60 minutes but I did on the very first time!
-I walked up to the instructor before each class and said I was new and that if I couldn’t make it through the whole class “it’s me, not you”. They were all so nice and then commended me at the end of the class (even though I didn’t deserve the praise!)
-It really has gotten easier each time I have gone.
Have you tried anything new lately? It doesn’t have to be a physical activity. I think it’s important as we age to try new things (not drugs, though – unless you want to, I guess). I think it’s good for our kids to see us try new skills, too (again, not drugs, though).
Amy
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Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I know what you mean about the name but I guess there is something to be said about name recognition. WW too – no matter what it’s called it will always be Weight Watchers – ha! Group classes can be a lot of fun but I know what you mean about people talking all through class, that makes me CRAZY. I am seriously uncoordinated, this morning I am going to a combat class and they use a routine – that I will not know since I’m not a regular. But I’ll laugh my way through it, it’s good exercise whether I’m in step or not!
xo,
Kellyann
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Ha! Yes, I am the rule follower student to my core. No talking while the teacher is talking! I bet you will burn some serious calories doing a combat class and then tell Brian to watch out tonight or you might use some new moves if he makes you mad.
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I’m super impressed that you’re doing this! I am like you- it’s so hard to try something new! Way to go. I’ve never done jazzercize before, but do you remember when Zumba became a thing? I had several friends who went that said it was so much fun. I should have gone, but I let my fears and insecurities hold me back. I also have a friend who is in her early 70’s that took a tap dancing class with her best friend when they were in their 50’s- they had a recital and everything! I smile as I write that, but I would love to do something along those lines.
I do feel like before I attempt to do any of this, I need to get more in shape, but you’ve inspired me to look for something today on YouTube. I worked out with a video on there one day last week…it wasn’t weird at all! You’ll have to keep us posted on how this goes! I feel you on the red face- mine turns a deep purple-y red when I get overheated!
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Aww, thank you. To be very honest, I started with diet and didn’t exercise one lick until I had lost some weight. I would have not had the ability to do this class before recently. I love zumba! I used to do it at my old gym. It was just hard making their class times. Some were a late as 8 p.m.! I love that about the tap dancing lady and what great exercise.
Yes, start with all of the free resources on Youtube and you might fall in love with something like this. I also used to love cardio kickboxing!
I will probably talk about it again, but I only plan on this being a summer thing. Maybe I will find a Youtube substitute, so please share if you find a good one!
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This post is so good! You make me laugh. I love that you are doing jazzercise! I don’t know if we have any locations near us…but I have friends who live in Nicholasville (20ish minutes from here who go often) you are so funny ! You have so many great tips
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Aww, thank you! I am just doing it for the summer because it is quite expensive if you don’t have this summer deal. I’m glad your friends like it. It’s really good exercise! As an extroverted introvert, I don’t think group classes are my fave, you know? I like walking alone or with one friend or doing my own gym program, I think.
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I’m not a big group workout person, but have been doing workouts at home. I follow Becky Fox. Nothing fancy and good workouts. We went zip lining as a family for father’s day. A first for all of us! I enjoy following your. I have a son that will he a jr in college this fall. Is it me or are they years flying. And a son who will be a high school senior. I’m a 2 year old teacher. I earned summer break this year. I love this age. They are still little and love on you but are so eager to learn. I also enjoy your book recommendations.
Happy summer!
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Same! I will have to look for her! I have not heard of her. I am kinda a chicken about ziplining and things like that. Were you scared? Also, do they ask your weight? Ha! Thank you so much. Same age as my twins! The college years seem to be moving faster than any other stage, but that could be because I am old now and time really does feel like it goes faster. Senior year will be so busy for you. 2 year olds are so fun! Enjoy your much deserved summer and I am so glad you commented!
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A neighbor encouraged me to try yoga on a week free pass to her class and I love it. It was really nice to have someone there to show me the things I needed for class, so it was helpful to know someone at the start. Besides that , a few years ago I started volunteering at a local foodbank not knowing anyone there, but here’s what I’ve learned from that, it seems that when people work together on a shared endeavor, you immediately have common ground and are with people eager to learn and do something new. As for the drugs, I have started to use a cbd oil, does that count? 😂
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