Jazzercise, not your mother’s outdated ‘80s workout.
Abilenians of all ages are turning to Jazzercise for a fun, exciting means of getting healthy.
When it comes to working out, who doesn’t enjoy dancing to music you love with all your best friends? Jazzercise, an exercise program, incorporating 60-minute fitness classes, is essentially just that. A typical class involves cardio, strength, and stretch for a total body workout. It’s different from other fitness programs because it’s a fun, non-intimidating workout. Grandmothers all the way down to high school students are dancing to top 40’s music all at their own fitness levels.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary this month, Jazzercise Inc., a multimillion-dollar organization, was founded by Judi Sheppard Missett. Jazzercise offers classes that incorporate jazz, hip-hop, and country dancing, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, and weight training. An anniversary celebration at Chicago’s Union Station brought together more than 1,000 people from all over the world. Further proof that Jazzercise, a very successful corporation, is here to stay.
Jazzercise has more than 7,500 instructors and 32,000 classes. It’s in all 50 states and 32 countries, and has even found a home in Abilene. At a location one would not imagine group fitness classes being offered, The First Baptist Church of Abilene, ladies of all ages are heading to the church to workout.
Kim Romines, a Jazzercise instructor who moved from Georgia to Abilene a little over a year ago, realized Abilene did not have any Jazzercise classes. After dancing professionally for over 30 years, Kim was looking for a fitness program she could do as a new mom. Kim attended Jazzercise after a friend relentlessly told her how great it was, and after her first class she was hooked. Within three months, Kim became an instructor and has been teaching classes ever since.
Back in Georgia, Kim ran a successful Jazzercise center with 15 Jazzercise instructors that offered over 40 classes a week. When Kim’s husband took a job in Abilene, she had to start completely over.
In November of 2008, Kim decided to get Jazzercise classes up and running at the church. The best facility for class was in First Baptist’s family life center’s skating rink. It was a very unusual spot for an evening workout, but one with plenty of space for dancing.
“Jazzercise, Inc. gives you all the tools you need to run a successful business. Starting here was easier in the sense that I knew how to find a facility, but it was difficult going from a large center setting to starting from scratch again. I am not very patient, so I wanted what it had taken me 4 years to build in one year,” Kim said.
Along with Jazzercise’s 40th anniversary, this month marks the year anniversary of Kim’s startup in Abilene. Since beginning classes last November, she has already begun to see the fruits of her efforts, “I’m amazed at how fast it’s grown. Jazzercise was definitely needed in Abilene. After a year, it’s been such a blessing to get to know these ladies and help them reach their fitness goals.”
Kim initially started offering classes Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at 5:30 and a Saturday morning class at 9:30. In September she was able to add Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. classes to the mix. Chelsea Gaulden, a junior at ACU, became Jazzercise certified over the summer and was able to take on teaching Kim’s morning Jazzercise classes.
Chelsea attended classes at the Southlake branch of Jazzercise in high school and fell in love with the program. “Jazzercise is so great because not only is it a full body workout, but it’s fun and something people look forward to. It’s so important to find a workout you enjoy because you’re not going to want to do it if you don’t. I love Jazzercise because you’re dancing and getting endorphins. You’re doing something so healthy and good for yourself, and you can’t help but feel exhilarated after your workout,” Gaulden said.
Together, Kim and Chelsea are motivating women all over Abilene to come workout and look and feel their best. Having taught classes for several years, Kim claims that being a Jazzercise instructor is never boring, “There is always something new to learn. We have over 150 exercise routines we teach a year, along with advertising and promotions that keeps it interesting for instructors and members alike.”
Kim says that the success of Jazzercise is its uniqueness to always be evolving. “Our founder, Judi Shepperd Missett, is always changing the look of Jazzercise to keep it fresh and up to date. What other exercise program can say that they have been around for 40 years? Jazzercise celebrated its 40th year because of Judi’s willingness to change and her knowledge of how to create the most effective workouts,” Kim said.
For the month of December, members and even first timers to Jazzercise have much to look forward to about coming to Kim and Chelsea’s Jazzercise classes. On Tuesday, December 1, Jazzercisers will be marching in the KTXS Christmas Parade. They are representing Jazzercise to all of Abilene. They will also be handing out 7-day passes for a week of free Jazzercise. Also this month, there is going to be a drawing for a free pair of Ryka athletic shoes. When members refer a friend to Jazzercise in November or December, if the friend signs up, the member will be entered into a drawing to win a free pair of Ryka shoes. Finally, Jazzercise is offering a cosmetic bag that comes with 12 classes for 20 dollars. Kim says it’s a great gift for friends, family, teachers, coworkers, and neighbors alike.
Both Kim and Chelsea are more than thrilled for the coming month of January, and for the many events they have planned for Abilene Jazzercise in the New Year. Kim is a firm believer in fitness goals and thinks Jazzercise is a great place to start them.
“I love watching ladies that begin our program each year and how they just blossom in front of my eyes. Their posture changes, their self-esteem increases and their waistlines shrink! What a better way to start your new year’s resolution than to come out and give Jazzercise a try,” Kim said.
Email Teaser:
Looking for a jump-start on your new year’s resolution? Do something good for yourself this holiday season. Come join in on the fun with Jazzercise and dance off all that pecan pie and eggnog.
Subject: Give Abilene Jazzercise a try this December!
Sidebar:
GETTING STARTED:
How much does a class cost?
Since individual instructors independently own Jazzercise classes, there is not a set rate. Some instructors offer a discount for first time customers.
What are the instructors’ credentials?
Jazzercise instructors go through an intensive screening process that includes training. There is a certification program, which included CPR certification.
Do new sessions begin at certain times, or can I start anytime?
One of the cool things about Jazzercise is that you can start anytime. Classes are made up of new customers and customers who have been doing Jazzercise for a long time.
Do I need special clothes or equipment?
You can wear any workout clothing. Many people wear capris or jazz pants and a workout top or T-shirt. You can also bring a towel or exercise mat for the floor work. Rubber-soled aerobic shoes are recommended, but athletic shoes are acceptable.
