Jazzercise

Jazzercise logo

Jazzercise franchise

A Jazzercise hot air balloon

Jazzercise class in New Zealand, 1983

Jazzercise is a popular dance fitness program that combines jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing movements into one fun and effective workout. Founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, who turned her love for jazz dance into a worldwide dance exercise phenomenon, Jazzercise has evolved over the decades to include a variety of formats catering to people of all ages and fitness levels.

History[edit | edit source]

The inception of Jazzercise traces back to 1969 when Judi Sheppard Missett taught her first dance class in Chicago, Illinois. She quickly realized that the students were more interested in the fitness aspect of the dance rather than becoming professional dancers. This insight led her to restructure her classes to focus on fitness, thus birthing the concept of Jazzercise. The program gained popularity rapidly, and by the 1980s, Jazzercise had become a global fitness movement, with thousands of instructors and classes offered worldwide.

Program and Benefits[edit | edit source]

Jazzercise classes incorporate a blend of dance and exercise, including cardio, strength, and stretch segments to create a comprehensive workout that can burn up to 800 calories in one 60-minute session. The program is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. The choreography mixes hip-hop, Latin, jazz dance, and other styles set to contemporary music, making it an enjoyable way to stay fit and healthy.

Classes are offered in various formats, including:

Dance Mixx - A high-intensity workout combining dance-based cardio and strength training.
Strike - A cardio kickboxing session that includes body-sculpting dance moves.
Fusion - A class that blends Pilates and yoga with jazz dance for a full-body workout.
Core - Focused on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles, incorporating cardio and strength training.
Strength45/Strength60 - A strength training session designed to build muscle and bone density.

Training and Certification[edit | edit source]

To become a Jazzercise instructor, candidates must undergo a comprehensive training program that includes both practical and theoretical components. The training covers various aspects of fitness, including anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition, as well as choreography and business management. Upon successful completion of the training, instructors receive certification and are eligible to teach Jazzercise classes anywhere in the world.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

Jazzercise has made a significant impact on the fitness industry and popular culture. It was one of the first fitness programs to combine dance and exercise, paving the way for many similar programs that followed. Its success in the 1980s and 1990s helped to popularize group fitness classes, making exercise more accessible and enjoyable for the general public. Jazzercise has also been featured in various media outlets, further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Current Status[edit | edit source]

Today, Jazzercise remains a popular fitness program, with thousands of classes offered in countries around the globe. The company has adapted to changing fitness trends by incorporating new music, movements, and technology into its classes, ensuring that it remains relevant and appealing to a broad audience. With a strong community of dedicated instructors and participants, Jazzercise continues to thrive as a fun and effective way to stay fit.

Jazzercise Resources
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