Happy Friday!
I’m Liz Webber, a news curator for the Quartz homepage, app, and newsletters, here today with an ode to my favorite form of physical movement. Mid-quarantine may seem like an odd moment to celebrate the joys of a group fitness class, but its absence has made me realize just what a good thing I had.
Back in 2011, when I was solidly in my mid-20s but still sometimes eating (and drinking) like a college freshman, I decided it was time to start exercising regularly. (Or you know, at all.) I fatefully stumbled across a Groupon for two months of Jazzercise classes for $40—quite the steal, considering a single high-end workout class can cost upwards of $35—and figured, why not? Pretty soon, I was hooked. Nine years later, it’s still my preferred way to exercise.
So what exactly is Jazzercise? So glad you asked. More pop-focused than its younger cousin Zumba, Jazzercise is a mix of aerobics, dance, and kickboxing. Instructors lead a rotating roster of choreographed routines set to upbeat Top 40 hits. Routines vary from class to class but contain similar steps and movements. Each class also includes at least some strength training—think crunches, squats, and hammer curls. That variety makes me feel like I’m getting a complete workout every time.
Jazzercise started in 1969; its septuagenarian founder still runs the company and choreographs routines, which are taught in 8,300 franchise studios in 32 countries. Let’s Jazzercise.
A great escape. My formal dance training ended at age seven, and I was not particularly coordinated before I took my first Jazzercise class. Often, I have to concentrate so much on doing the right moves in the right order during the aerobic portion that I can’t think about anything else. This is actually kind of a relief, considering I spend most of my day trapped in the never-ending news cycle of the US presidential election and the latest coronavirus case counts. Jazzercise is a way for me to escape from the world for an hour.
Lean in to the quirks. Though I’m normally a straight-laced, no-nonsense type of gal, Jazzercise has turned me into a “woo girl.” That’s partly because when the instructor asks, “Is everyone having fun?” in the middle of a high-intensity cardio routine, there’s not much else you can do to respond besides “woo.” But more importantly, I am having fun. Woo!
I’ve also found exaggerating every chest pump and hip shake is the best way for me to get the moves right. Plus, it’s a better workout. And if I’m ever worried about looking awkward (I cringe every time I see myself in the mirror during a routine with a step-and-clap combo), I just remember everyone else looks as silly as I do. Whether you Jazzercise like a baby giraffe just learning to walk or run like Phoebe, as long as you’re not doing anything that might cause an injury you shouldn’t worry about how you look.
About that. As a workout, Jazzercise can be as intense as you want it to be. If I’m having a day when skipping or jumping is too rough on my knees, I can switch to a lower impact move like marching, and there’s always the option to stay standing during floor exercises like hip lifts that might hurt my back. Instructors frequently tell us that “no pain, no gain” is a good way to get hurt—sound advice for any type of exercise.
Find your people. Until recently, something about a small group class, where I would see the same people week after week, provided me with the accountability I needed to keep going. I’m definitely missing that camaraderie during quarantine, although the encouraging emails and Facebook posts from instructors have helped. My workout buddies are a major reason I keep going back to Jazzercise. The instructors know me by name, as do many of the people I’ve been exercising with for nearly a decade. Over the years, some of my fellow Jazzercisers and I have gone to Broadway plays, attended July 4th barbecues, and seen one of our own’s fabulous one-woman cabaret show. They may not be my best friends, but they certainly make life in and out of the gym more fun.
Don’t mind the doubters. I’ve gotten my fair share of giggles and eye rolls when I mention Jazzercise. People often ask if I wear neon leotards and leg-warmers. (I wear yoga pants and an athletic tank.) Friends may join me for one class and then never come back. Jazzercise isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It keeps me in shape and makes me happy—that’s what matters.
While your options may be limited right now, I’d encourage you to find your personal Jazzercise, whether that means actually trying out an on-demand class, taking advantage of other free online workouts, or just dancing around your living room to your favorite jams. We could all use a dose of silly, wholesome, Pitbull-fueled escape (plus that rush of endorphins can’t hurt).
You better believe once all this is over, I’ll be back dancing in the front row at my local Jazzercise franchise, woo-ing my heart out. Maybe I’ll see you there.
In the meantime, please reply to this email. Are you passionate about Peloton? Devoted to Yoga with Adriene? Attending The Class? We’d love to know about your favorite home workout routines, instructors, apps, videos, and playlists.
Have a great weekend!
Tunes to make you move. I learn about current pop music exclusively in my Jazzercise classes. As in, I would not have known who Billie Eilish was if “bad guy” hadn’t been one of our recent cardio songs. Admittedly, the sets include a lot of Little Mix and Pitbull (not that there’s anything wrong with Little Mix or Pitbull), but I’ve also been introduced to lesser known artists like Noisettes and Maia Vaidal. This playlist of the latest Jazzercise workout songs is sure to get you pumped up, no matter how or where you choose to break a sweat.