When I was in high school, I didn't go to the gym. Instead, I would come home after school and shut myself up in a room with a TV and pop in one of the many workout videos I hoarded from the library. My workout time was incredibly precious to me; it was a period during which the music and the sweat could work away the stresses of the day. It was time reserved just for me. Well, me and my onscreen workout buddies, my favorite being Judi Sheppard Missett and the rest of the Jazzercise gang. I loved everything about those high-energy, dance-based workouts, and within an hour, my spirit inevitably felt freer and my abs tighter.
Sadly, once I went away to college, my old love for Jazzercise fell by the wayside. It took Jazzercise's May Special, during which one can attend classes for free during the whole month of May without a membership, to get me back in the groove. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one who seemed to have forgotten Jazzercise. Although a major fitness trend in the '80s, interest has declined since, especially with the rise of the newer dance workout trend, Zumba. Realizing people tend to view Jazzercise as an outdated '80s fad, Jazzercise is trying determinedly to brand themselves as a modern movement with slogans such as "Get to Know The New Us" and "The New Jazzercise."
Dancer, former Broadway performer and Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett began the method while studying at Northwestern University in Chicago. After finding success with other students, the movement spread, especially with the help of workout videos. Judi still continues to develop Jazzercise alongside her daughter, Shanna Missett Nelson. And contrary to popular opinion, their techniques do evolve with the times.
For those who are unfamiliar, Jazzercise routines are typically 60-minute workouts (although shorter ones certainly exist) and are usually taught as group classes. Popular high-energy music helps structure the workout, which is split into routines for different songs on the playlist. It is a primarily dance-based cardio workout, but after the cardio section, there is typically a strength training portion that utilizes weights, isometric isolation, and Pilates-inspired movements to work several muscle groups. It is rare to go down on the floor, and even abs usually are worked while standing. Jazzercise uses many high-impact moves such as skipping and kicking, but can easily be modified for low impact. The combination of cardio, strength and stretching creates a dynamic, full-body workout -- all set to fun music.
Zumba and Jazzercise are similar in many ways, and both are efficient workout options. The main difference lies in their origins. Zumba was created by Alberto Perez in the '90s and draws on hip hop, Latin, African dance, and martial arts. Jazzercise, on the other hand, has its origins in jazz, ballet, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. Jazzercise is a bit more structured and choreographed, whereas Zumba is more like something you'd see in a club. If shaking your hips is your jam, Zumba is a great choice. If you're more inclined towards high kicks and arabesques, Jazzercise might be more your thing. But, if you like one, you'll probably like the other. I would encourage anyone interested to give both a whirl. Just remember that Zumba being younger doesn't necessarily make it more modern or effective. Jazzercise still works just as effectively, and the only reason to pick a side on the Zumba versus Jazzercise debate is for personal preference.
No workout is perfect for everyone, but Jazzercise definitely changed my life. It gave me a deep appreciation for fitness and helped me find joy in connecting with my body. Not only that but their slogan "Jazzercise: It Shows" is no false advertising. It's just a fantastic workout method that works your body in great ways.
Remember: Jazzercise is offering a pretty great deal for the whole month of May. If you've thought about trying Jazzercise but felt afraid to commit, now might be a great time to give it a whirl. Spandex and leotards may be out of style now, but Jazzercise is still alive and kicking.
