SUE THOMPSON (center), owner of the local Jazzercise franchise, exercises with a group of Jazzercise students at the Hockinson Middle School on Jan. 14. Although it is often associated with the neon-clad Jazzercise of the 1980s, this exercise phenomenon has stood the test of time. Today, Jazzercise participants can choose from a variety of classes, including the classic dance class as well as a mix of strength-training, core-focused, high-intensity cardio and toning classes. Photo by Kelly Moyer
Forget what you think you know about Jazzercise. Forget the neon spandex and the big hair and the unfortunate legwarmers — because today’s Jazzercise is much more than just a 1980s flashback.
Sure, some of the old remains. The catchy pop tunes are still pumping and Jazzercise still provides a high-intensity, fat-burning exercise routine. But the new Jazzercise also offers a variety of strength-training, core-focused and muscle-toning classes that give participants a full-body workout.
And then there’s the community building aspect. Ask any Jazzercise enthusiast about what brings them to class and they’ll probably list “friendship” as one of their top three reasons.
“For me, it’s about the people,” says Gail DeLuke. “I’ve met some of my very best friends at Jazzercise.”
DeLuke is referring to Sue Thompson’s Hockinson-based Jazzercise franchise, which offers more than 70 classes each month. DeLuke has been Thompson’s class manager since 2002. She says that, while she does love the variety of classes and the upbeat music that accompanies each class, for her, Jazzercise is more than just an exercise class.
“It’s the camaraderie,” DeLuke says. “We support each other. We’ve been to weddings and funerals together. When people go through tough times, they say they want to come to class, that they need to be here.”
Nancy Wunn, 61, agrees with DeLuke’s assessment of the tight-knit Hockinson Jazzercise group. When Wunn’s daughter died in a car crash three years ago, Jazzercise helped keep the overwhelming grief from consuming her.
“I wanted to come here,” Wunn says. “I needed to be with upbeat people and this group of women is super. Coming to class helped me keep my sanity.”
Like many of the women and men who flock to Jazzercise classes, Wunn first experienced the exercise phenomenon in the early 1980s. Years later, when she wanted to keep in shape, her mind returned to Jazzercise and she discovered that Thompson’s classes were convenient and close by.
“I’m addicted now,” Wunn says. “I like that I can do this in the evening … and it’s a hard workout. It really works all areas of the body.”
Thompson says she tries hard to shake the misconceptions surrounding Jazzercise, including a never-ending stereotype that Jazzercise is just for older folks.
“We have all ages,” Thompson says. “I’d say the average age is about 40. We have students who are 7 years old and students who are 70.”
The “new Jazzercise” also offers a variety of class formats. A peak at Thompson’s monthly class calendar shows everything from the classic “Dance Mixx,” which mixes dance-based cardio with strength training to “Fusion,” a circuit-based, high intensity interval training class, and “Strength 45,” a 45-minute muscle-sculpting workout that promises to “forge the tight, lean body you’ve been looking for.”
“We wanted to have a variety of classes,” Thompson says. “And we try to make it fun. We have challenges and give away prizes. For instance, we’re having a 35-day challenge where you have to attend 30 classes in 35 days. The winners get a tank top with the new Jazzercise logo on it. People are excited about it.”
Thompson currently has three Jazzercise instructors and two more in the wings, trying to earn their certification. The variety of instructors means more classes for local residents. Currently, Thompson offers between one and four classes every day at two Brush Prairie locations – Hockinson Middle School at 15916 NE 182nd Ave., and Vinette’s Gym at 14222 NE 192nd Ave. The classes run from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on various days of the week to accommodate a variety of work schedules.
For anyone who has been wanting to get into better shape, or just add to their already-healthy lifestyle, Thompson says Jazzercise is a perfect fit.
“I know a lot of people are nervous about coming to class for the first time,” Thompson says. “But the people here are very welcoming and down to earth … we love meeting new people. And it’s such a fun workout. For anyone who wants to get healthier, this is perfect.”
For more information about the Hockinson-based Jazzercise classes or to get a full list of class times/locations, call 1-800-FIT-IS-IT (1-800-348-4748) or visit www.jazzercise.com and enter “Hockinson” or “Brush Prairie” as your location.
