Monday, June 18, 2012

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?

7 comments:

  1. As a Jazzerjunkie and an instructor, I would urge you to consider becoming an instructor yourself some day! You obviously have the passion required... and if you think taking a class is fun, you should try teaching to that amazing group of yours!!! Just a little something to consider! Happy dancing!

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  2. I just started Jazzercise....have done 37 classes and am totally addicted. I get upset if I think I'll have to miss a class...haha. Everything you said is true, I love it

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  3. Yeah!!! Am also proud dat am in the cirlce of jazzercise family!!! No matter where u are...us here in Malaysia also felt the same way too....!!!! Love from jazzercise Malaysia

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  4. Love your post! I couldn't agree more. I stopped Jazzercise a few years ago and was so happy when I found one close to my new house. It has improved my mood and waistline. I loved your part about the spandex. 100% true!

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  5. You seriously wrote exactly the way I feel! I started July 18, 2011 and I haven't looked back since! I was terrified to start due to my own insecurities. I called a friend who previously babysat and was a jazzerciser and drilled her about the environment. Even though she assured me everyone was genuinely sweet, I had my own thoughts and was skeptical (because women are women). BUT, I have NEVER heard a negative word, everyone is encouraging, loving, supporting, caring and the list goes on!
    I've had 11 friends join within the year and I wish I could get everyone I knew to join! It is my passion to get women on to a healthy life and learn that there is SO much more to their life than what those who are overweight and dealing with the struggle everyday.
    Thank you for sharing! Your fellow Jazzerjunkie ~Melissa

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  6. welcome to our Jazzerworld it's amazing read histories like yours and I am totally agree with the first comment you should try becoming an instructor if you think that you are addicted now wait until you will be up at the stage :)

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  7. You have said everything a lot of us think. I started jazzercise in 1982 feeling fat after a baby was born. Didn't have it in my life from 1992 - 2009 and then found it again and it feels like I never left. The other day I had a weepy moment during a routine when I thought I am 60 and still hopping around having the time of my life and able to cycle 35 miles without breathing hard.

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