When you hear the word “Jazzercise” what images come to mind? Perhaps it’s a picture of the 1980s – when neon bodysuits, fluffy legwarmers and colorful tights were all the rage. But what if I told you that idea of Jazzercise was outdated? That the fitness courses were modern, fun and full of regular women and men wearing regular gym attire. Would you believe me? If you answered no, I’d advise you to read on. Because the Jazzercise of today is not the Jazzercise of the past and you can experience that for yourself through a new deal offered at Jazzercise Mount Clemens.
Celebrating anniversaries
As background, this article was partly inspired by the 50th anniversary of the founding of Jazzercise. The always-evolving program was created in the Chicagoland area in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, with a single aerobic dance class based on classical jazz dance. “I turned (my students) away from the mirror when I learned that, for them, it wasn’t about learning dance,” she said. “It was about having a dancer’s body and enjoying the fun of dance.”
Clinton Township resident Lisa Michalik caught the Jazzercise bug 11 years ago. She’d joined Weight Watchers to lose a few pounds and decided to mix in a fitness routine. After finding an advertisement for a free Jazzercise class in the newspaper, she decided to give it a chance and was instantly hooked. But when the studio near her home closed, she had to find another option. This led to her taking the plunge and opening her own facility – Jazzercise Mount Clemens.
Now that studio is celebrating two significant milestones – eight years in business and one year at the Mount Clemens Community Center. Offerings include morning and evening group fitness classes for all levels that incorporate cardio dance moves with strength training for the ultimate full-body workout. It’s all toe-tapping fun.
I can attest to that statement. I visited Jazzercise several weeks ago and watched a Dance Mix session led by a very nice teacher named Miranda. She confidently guided the class through a warm up and right into cardio. It all seemed so fun. Almost as if it wasn’t a work out at all. I left with a bit of pep in my step and the desire to perhaps take a course myself. Why? Well, the instructors were energetic, the participants were friendly and nonjudgmental and the music was right up my alley – with Top 40 songs and dance beats.
And don’t just take it from me. While on site at the Mount Clemens facility, Lisa and Miranda introduced me to Mary, a 72-year-old woman who has attended classes for two years. When she started, she was 176 pounds. Today, she’s 109 pounds – a healthy weight for her 4’11” frame. Mary takes classes three times a week and now says she has the energy to keep pace with her very active husband. Perhaps more important, she no longer has to take blood pressure medicine. All told, Mary is a believer in Jazzercise and a committed supporter of the Mount Clemens studio.
A special offer
For those interested in trying the fitness regime, Jazzercise Mount Clemens will host FREE classes this Saturday, August 17 as part of its one-year anniversary celebration. They’ll also have a special deal for individuals wanting to make more of an investment in their fitness – 10 classes for $100. Considering each class is about $20, this is a steal!
Other regular opportunities and offerings include free workouts for individuals ages 16 to 21 and childcare. Visit Facebook for more details or just stop by the studio to check it all out. Everyone is friendly and I’m certain you won’t feel any pressure to sign an agreement or put down a deposit like we’ve all experienced at other gyms. Because Jazzercise Mount Clemens is not like those places; it’s truly a community space where you’ll fit in no matter your fitness or workout ability. Just keep your legwarmers and tights at home.
Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
**Jazzercise Mount Clemens is a client of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. Working with MCPED, they have access to services like assistance with marketing, financial analysis and planning, strategic planning, management and operations. To learn how our services can help your business grow, visit http://www.MacombBusiness.com or call 586-469-5285.