I consider myself to be a pretty active person, but I must admit I underestimated Jazzercise. Having received a flyer in my campus mailbox detailing the new location on Main Street, I inquired about the free one-day trial on Thursday the 19th. Class Manager Anne Carlson told me, “You’re in for a treat. Find yourself a spot anywhere and don’t be afraid!”
Instructor Janet Byerly, a petite 50-year-old woman with belted workout pants and a perpetual smile, stood on a stage in front of the class announcing instructions and encouragements through a hands-free microphone.
“If everybody looked the same, we’d get tired of looking at each other!” she said, quoting the song that was playing.
That sentiment appeared to be true. Every age and body type was represented in the class. According to the instructors, the only factor determining success in Jazzercise is dedication. This is exemplified in an 81-year-old woman who showed extreme dedication by attending more than 200 times last year. Heidi Dobson, a Whitman Biology Professor, was one of two members to attend 300 times. “There are some bragging rights involved for people like them,” said Byerly.
Amanda Stevens, one of the members, said that through Jazzercise she has lost 30 pounds and eight inches from her waist since September.
“And I haven’t even changed my diet!” she said.
To her, Jazzercise is a stress-reliever and she suggests that Whitman students try it for that reason.
“You feed off the energy of other people,” she said. “[Jazzercise] gets you away from the normal routine and it’s a great way to start good habits, because the stress that you feel now isn’t just going to go away when you start your career.”
The one-hour session involved lunges, stretching, weight training, jumping, skipping and hip thrusts all to the rhythm of popular songs. “It’s not what it used to be,” said Byerly. “We get songs in our program and then they hit the top 20. And we keep getting younger and younger people.”
Stevens cautioned first-timers not to be nervous.
“When I first started, I literally went right when they said left. But now I stand at the front of the class without feeling weird about it. My dad says I can’t chew bubblegum and walk at the same time, so if I can do jazzercise then anyone can,” she said. “It’s changed my life, I just love it.”
Carlson said that another benefit to exercising in a group setting is the social aspect of it.
“I was in Spokane for 15 years, but in the two years that I’ve been here I’ve made more friends than I did there,” she said. She gives Jazzercise some of the credit for this.
Each session lasts one hour and there are 20 opportunities to go every week. But make no mistake: This is an exercise class that will leave you thoroughly winded and reaching out in all directions for a water bottle. Bring one.
