Confession #24: I am an addict.

I am addicted to Jazzercise.  I would never have thought I would utter those words, but alas, it is true.  I find it hard to even have a conversation without mentioning the word (jazzercise).  I would like you to take this journey through (jazzercise) with me and understand why it has consumed my life.


When I first walked in the door on October 26th, 2011, I didn't really know what I was doing.  It was 5:15 a.m., and I was completely out of my element.  I have never taken dance classes or any formal aerobics classes either.  (it's obvious when you watch me...)  I was nervous about what to expect from the class and the people there.  


Nearly eight months later, I am a self-proclaimed addict.  The others who go at 5:30 a.m. would say the same things about themselves.  It's easy to get sucked into the Jazzerworld for many reasons.  


#1.  I have lost a lot of weight through this dance craze, but that is not the most important thing to me.  It is truly what I have gained that matters most.  I have become stronger and built my endurance for exercise.  My body is capable of withstanding more while exercising, playing with my children, and I have more energy throughout the day.  


#2:  While I am working out, it is impossible for me to think about anything else in my life.  My mind is sucked clean as I try to anticipate each upcoming move my body and mind have memorized.  If I do think about anything other than moving my body, I mess up and feel foolish by my own actions.


#3:  This is the ONLY place where I have walked into a building full of women and felt welcomed, appreciated, and affirmed.  There is no bitchiness allowed at (jazzercise).  If you're wearing a cute new top, you receive compliments....genuine compliments.  If you've lost weight, people notice and tell you with happiness, not jealousy.  If you say something funny, people laugh and don't talk about you behind your back about how weird you are.


#4:  There's kick-ass music. (and you can lip sync!)


#5:  There's dancing.  (and you don't have to be drinking margaritas to do it!)


#6:  There are friendships, connections, and unique bonds to be made there.  It's truly hard to explain until you go to class for awhile and your conversations move beyond where you got your tennies, or what color nail polish you're wearing.  You cheer on your friends when they reach big milestones.  You bring your friends dinner when life has given them more than they can handle.  You share in ceremonies, both happy and sad, because you know how important it is to them to have that support.  You wear spandex in front of these ladies, and you don't even think twice about it....you know they aren't judging.


So why do I talk about (jazzercise) all the time?  Why do I put the window cling on my car to show that I am a proud member of this faithful group?  Why do I try to encourage you to come with me to class?  It's because I want you, as a woman, to feel the same way I do:  happy, confident, fun, energized, and dedicated to something that is nothing but positive.  Who doesn't want that in their lives?