Jazzercise is a cardio and exercise program that combines dance moves and other disciplines, pioneered by Judi Shepherd Misset in 1969. It has grown into a successful franchise business with classes offered in various communities. Some criticisms include less than ideal settings and varying instructor skills.
Jazzercise is a combination of cardio dance moves and other forms of exercise disciplines. This particular fitness program was pioneered by Judi Shepherd Misset in 1969. It began to gain popularity in the 1970s when Misset moved to San Diego and began teaching classes there. By the mid to late 1970s, this cardio and exercise program had grown into a successful franchise business. New instructors were trained by tape or in classes taught by Misset, and knowledge of Jazzercise spread throughout the US and other countries.
Misset’s continued involvement has meant updates and changes to Jazzercise’s training. There are many treadmill workouts for those who don’t have local classes and these can be tailored to your specific exercise needs. For example, there are prenatal and postnatal tapes/DVDs dedicated to working your core muscles. The degree of variety in locally taught Jazzercise classes may depend on the scope of the franchise owner. Certainly core classes will be offered, but there may be other classes as well. Often only the basics are available.
The standard Jazzercise class is much like many aerobic dance classes. Classes are one hour long and begin with a warm-up period. This is followed by half an hour of vigorous dance-oriented movements that raise the heart rate by incorporating movements of the major muscle groups. Approximately 15 minutes of anaerobic exercise on various muscle groups can finish the hour or be followed by a cool down period. Variations on the classes could incorporate things like kick-boxing, stepping, and the use of small weights and/or classes that are slower, shorter, or designed for people in specific age groups or who have medical conditions.
There are some criticisms of Jazzercise. Although all instructors are uniformly trained, certain franchises offer classes in less than ideal settings. Given the nature of dance aerobic part of the workout, attention must be paid to the floor. Wood floors are preferable and things like concrete or carpet on concrete could be hard on your feet and legs. Also, even though instructors are trained in exactly the same way, some may differ in skills and some classes might be better than others.
Jazzercise is often considered a holdover from the late 1970s and early 1980s, but this exercise program is still very active and is offered in various communities. If people are having trouble finding classes close to home, it may help to visit the company’s website, as it has a class search feature. Many people like the dance elements, which can be a bit more complex than other forms of aerobic dance, but are still fairly easy to follow, especially after taking a few classes.
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