Grace Dorsey’s Review

As I entered the class, it was interesting to see the demographic. I mean, who would get up before 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday to combine cardio, pop music on blast and a high-spirited instructor shouting encouragement and commentary to the crowd?
To say the least, I wasn’t too surprised with the collection of people who filled up the fairly small but brightly-lit studio. As we started, I was incredibly aware of the fact that I had basically no idea what I was doing while my fellow jazzercisers seemed to be fairly familiar with the choreography. The setup and movements seemed to replicate the stereotypical fitness class almost perfectly, with lots of stepping, kicking and arm swinging.
Soon I realized the best way to synchronize was not to look at the instructor on the platform, but the people in front of me. It was easier to figure out the timing and technique that way, especially since the teacher didn’t actually explain exactly how to do some movements, and sometimes she wasn’t even moving along with us. I have to say, once I got into the swing of things, I did enjoy myself. As a fan of top 40 music, I enjoyed the selection of songs which lifted my mood. It was also great to be a part of a community, even if only for an hour, that prioritized fitness and fun.
The energy in the room was welcoming above all. Several times all the ladies would erupt in applause after the teacher complimented a Jazzercise or made a enthusiastic reflection. I knew I got a boost when the teacher complimented my side kicks, asking if I was a dancer. Of course, at this point I was a little out of breath and had some difficulty answering her question.
When it came time for the strength and stretching segment of the workout, I was a little surprised as I didn’t know that it was a part. I got stuck with eight pound weights and a slightly questionable yoga mat. I would have definitely brought my own equipment if I had known beforehand. Ultimately, everything turned out perfectly okay.
In reflection, Jazzercise is a great alternative to running or other cardio in the winter. When the weather is cold and gloomy, having a burst of energy is incredible. Additionally, it got my heart rate right up there. Compared to a run, it wasn’t as intense, but I never really run in the winter and I would consider a Jazzercise class when it drops below 60 degrees. The only true barrier is cost. I was a little shocked to find out it’s $20 for a class pass. However patrons can find deals from $99 to $64 a month, depending on one’s plan. Students also can receive a deal, $75 for unlimited classes per semester. I can’t afford that. It’s only cost-effective if one’s going every single day, which I can’t see myself doing. For that reason, although Jazzercise is fun and effective, I don’t see myself returning anytime soon.

Emily Oba’s Review

As a self-declared morning hater, I woke up and instantly regretted agreeing to try Jazzercise at 8:45 on a Saturday morning. An hour later, however, I was pleasantly surprised.
For those who do not know what Jazzercise is, no it is not a new millennial fad; in fact it was born in 1969 in Chicago IL. As a dance-based exercise form, it uses a combination of strength and cardio to target a multitude of muscle groups: upper body, abs and legs, and one gets to dance to top radio hits.
Jazzercise claims to burn up to 800 calories in just 60 minutes, and there are 12 different classes to choose from, depending on one’s physicality.
For my first Jazzercise experience, I tried the Dance Mixx class. If you are worried about not being able to dance, have no fear. It was very easy to learn the steps because they were repeated and went perfectly with the beat of the song. In terms of intensity, I would say it was medium, but depending on your fitness level it could be higher or lower. I think all ages would enjoy this class because of its structure.
The difficulty is low at the start, slowly builds up and then goes back down again. This is perfect for those who do not regularly participate in high intensity exercises. Instead of immediately jumping into a sprint type of activity, this class eases your heart and lungs into action so that you can get up to that calorie burning level.
The best part about Jazzercise was it didn’t feel like I was working out; I felt tricked into doing cardio. If you want to slim down and lose body fat but don’t like running, try Jazzercise instead. While dancing, you work up both a sweat and your heart rate but in an exciting and energetic way. I was definitely tired after an hour of Jazzercise but not so much that I couldn’t function the rest of my day. It actually made me feel more energized and awake throughout the afternoon.
The staff was also welcoming and made customers feel like long time friends. While dancing, the instructor up in the front asked people how they were doing or if they got a haircut. Our instructor was an energetic young woman who cracked jokes while belting out the song lyrics. The playlist seemed perfect for the moves; pop icons such as Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran blasted throughout the room.
If you like dancing, strength and cardio as well as pop music, Jazzercise is right for you. In Columbia, Mo. students are given a full semester of classes, February. to May, for only $75, while regular customers pay $64 a month or $20 per single visit.

Types of Classes

• Dance Mixx: A heavier dance-filled workout that focuses on strength and current dance moves. Listen to top 40s music as the three main muscle groups gets stronger.
• Interval: Half circuit-based cardio and half strength, this class works full body at a high intensity.
• Fusion: Fusing dance moves with muscle work, this workout is a high intensity interval training class.
• Flip Fusion: This class mixes short blasts of cardio with targeted muscle sets to help burn calories and quicken metabolism.
• Core: To get the perfect abs, this class uses cardio and strength moves to work the entire core.
• Strike: Release endorphins by jabbing and kicking to blood-pumping music and relax as the calories burn away.  
• Strength: Choose either 30, 45 or 60 minutes and engage in weight and resistance training to get the perfect toned body.
• Express: Spend half an hour dancing away as one works on cardio and strength.
• Personal Touch: Additional fees may apply with this individual or small group class, which is tailored to specific goals.
• Junior Jazzercise: Introduce kids to fitness and let them have fun by dancing to new mixes and playing fitness games.
• Lo: For all fitness levels, this class uses muscles to boost one’s metabolism.

Lite: As a lower intensity class, one can build balance and increase flexibility to hit music.