Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Amy: Week Nine - Jazz Hands!


A few weeks ago I was contacted by the owner of the local Jazzercise studio. There was a new program kicking off and they were enrolling twenty-five fresh faces to take part. The program incorporates Jazzercise classes with nutritional guidance and mentoring and it lasts twelve weeks.

I lucked out and got selected. Thanks Wendy! Fortunately there was no dance audition tape required, so my lack of coordination and basic rhythm did not disqualify me. It may end up injuring one of my classmates, but that is a post for another day.

I went to my first class on Thursday and loved it. The hour workout combines cardio, strength training, toning and stretching, so you get the whole package in one workout. The program requires that I do this workout at least three times a week for the first four weeks.

The class itself was pretty low-key. Everyone was dressed in comfy clothes, no shiny lycra or Flashdance outfits in sight - thank goodness! They were women just like me in all shapes and sizes and incredibly welcoming. My instructor Tina was supportive and thankfully didn’t draw attention to me while I was finding my feet (and then tripping over them from time to time). It’s not like a bootcamp where they call you out and egg you on, it’s a fun and comfortable environment.

Music is the key to this workout. It keeps you moving and it makes the time fly by. I’ll admit at about song three I was gasping for air and wondering if I was crazy, but by song five I found my groove. When I couldn’t get the moves right away, I just marched or slowed things down a bit - the key was I kept moving the whole time.

Once the aerobic part wrapped up, we did a most wonderful stretch routine. It seems silly but it was like having that delicious, relaxing glass of wine after a hard day.

I know it’s early, but I really think I may be on to something with this. I went out of town this weekend and hoped to make it back on Sunday for the last class of the day. Time flies when you’re having such a great time with Shannan, Susan and Jennifer, so I didn’t make it. I realized that I was disappointed to have missed the class - ME disappointed to miss out on a chance to exercise? Huh, what?


It’s reminded me of what the experts have told us for years: you have to enjoy the exercise you’re doing or you won’t do it. So keep that in mind. You may not be into running or aerobics, maybe it’s swimming or tennis? You have to find what works for you to make it stick.
Great news - I'm down 2.8 today for a total loss of 32.4 lbs. 42.6 to go! Til next week...

7 comments:

Maura said...

That is so excellent! I'm glad you found something that you can enjoy doing and that pays benefits. :-)

PsychMamma said...

Rock on! I think I might enjoy a jazzercise class too, but I don't think there are any in our area. I'll have to do a search. So far, my number one, favorite exercise is kick-boxing. There's something super-empowering about feeling like I could actually kick someone's @ss, if necessary. :-)

I can't find my blog said...

I'm thinkin' that you need to post a pic soon-all this losing must be showing!

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a lot of fun. I've always been intrigued by jazzercise. I always do better in an organized exercise environment, rather than hitting up the elliptical machine. Where is the Jazzercise studio in Cincy? I think I may need to hit it up soon. :)

*Lissa* said...

How fun! I would love to do a dance/exercise class! You are doing awesome!

Susan said...

I can't believe we both lost after that weekend! Well, hot damn. Sometimes you win. And I think I might have to try Jazzercise with you. It sounds like fun! I'm always up for something different in the exercise department.

GOOD JOB.

Anonymous said...

I am a newbie to Jazzercise too and just LOOOVEEE it!
I played sports in High School and College, and honestly went into Jazzercise thinking it wouldn't be a "real" workout. WRONG! It is a fantastic workout, full of sweat - the perfect combination of cardio, stretch and weights. I highly recommend it, especially if you are trying to lose baby weight. After the first class you just feel better! And after a few more you start seeing results.