Jazz Hands Anyone?

So I have to admit an addiction I have… I’m addicted to Jazzercise. My love affair started back in July, when I got a Groupon e-mail that was for 2 months unlimited Jazzercise classes for $39. My thought at the time was it would be a nice change of pace and maybe it would help me slim down for vacation in September. I was slick enough to coax two of my good friends into it.. Well as it turns out, I absolutely fell in love with it. Jazzercise is one of the hardest and best workouts I’ve ever done. Literally. I can tell you after two months of doing no other cardio other than Jazzercise I was able to do 5 miles without much of a problem. (For those that know me, I know you are shocked, for those others… let’s just say.. I was a goalie in soccer because I didn’t want to run.. yeah.. 5 miles, big deal for this girl!)  I had to take a month off for a sickness that prevented me from going... but I started back this week.. I have gone 3 consecutive days and it feels sooooooo good.

So a little bit about it.. No we don’t wear leotards and heck no we don’t wear leg warmers! We do dance to new songs… for instance, Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland and Club Can’t Handle Me b Flo-Rida are two songs currently on the playlists. It’s fun. There are no mirrors, so I cannot see how ridiculous I look while I am doing it. Don’t worry, I know I’m ridiculous. My ‘friends’ don’t mind telling me that! The great thing about it, is you can make the workout as difficult or as easy as you want it to be. I obviously go all in and it pays off. One of my trainers always mentions how she didn’t have a behind before she started… I thought she was just trying to sell me a story… Low and behold less than two months in and I was like ‘OH MY. Too much booty in the pants!’ but in all honestly, it’s a really great workout. My class age ranges from me to people in their 70’s. The great thing, is it works.

The structure of the class starts with aerobic workout for the first 35 minutes or so (which does include stretching before and after the more aerobic songs) and then you do a brief period of strength training. Typically for the Tri’s, Bi’s, Shoulders, and back.. During this time is when you really focus on Abs. Let me state this. My abs have NEVER been stronger than when I’ve been doing this workout. It is ridiculous how strong my abs have gotten by doing these routines, I actually have muscle. It’s insane.

So basically from the dancing part you work your calves, quads, hams, inner and outer thighs, and behind.. if you are really good your abs will get a very good work out as well.

Then during the strength sessions, you focus on the upper body and abs. Everyone so often they throw in songs for the inside and outside of thighs.. Feel the burn is an understatement!

There is also an additional class that my studio has when is a Body Sculpting class. Try it. It’s challenging. This is coming from the girl who still lifts 3 times a week AND does this… Body Sculpting really focuses on different muscles and does a lot of reps with light weights… It’s a lot less aerobic than the Jazzercise class. Try it. That’s all I am saying!

Moral of the story. Find a Jazzercise class and try it. They have coupons in the Entertainment book… or at least they used too. Trust me. You are in for a great GREAT workout. There isn’t a workout that I don’t come out dripping sweat.  Don't worry if you aren't coordinated, I've always found that there are people a lot worse than I could ever imagine myself... That keeps me coming back :)

p.s. yes I’ve tried Zumba… but only AFTER I got involved with Jazzercise and I am not as big of fan as others… My perspective is Jazzercise moves are purposeful and work certain parts of the body… at Zumba I felt like I was ‘shaking it’ for 40 minutes… I didn’t feel like I really got anything out of it.. I do realize that my instructor might not be the best… but anyways – that’s my 2 cents.