Some of my most popular blog posts have been the ones about my journey with Jazzercise, and some of my most commonly asked questions from friends and folks online is about Jazzercise. Since I was a beginner myself not that long ago, I thought I would answer some of the questions I’ve gotten, as well as some that I had when I first began:

What do I wear?
Sorry to disappoint, but the neon leotards and spandex left with the 1980s. For your first Jazzerise class wear whatever you are comfortable in, but remember you’ll be jumping and moving around, so you’ll want something that gives you flexibility and support. Personally, I wear cropped leggings (even in the winter because you truly work up a sweat), sports bra, tank top, and sneakers. You’ll see a wide-range of outfits though. Some people are head-to-toe is cute workout gear, while others keep it ultra-cas in a t-shirt and shorts.

What do I bring?
Just water and yourself! Some people bring their own mats and weights, or even a towel or extra cushion to put down on the mats that are provided. At my center, there are almost always enough mats and a range of weights to choose from. While you use weights in every class, mats aren’t always needed. You’ll occasionally use exercise balls and resistance bands, but those are provided as well (and no prior experience is needed).

Okay, so there are weights. What do I start with?
If you are already familiar exercising with weights, then you probably know what’s best. But if you are a newbie like I was, I started with 3-pound weights and then after about a week went up to 5-pounders. Currently I go between 5 and 6-pound weights depending on the class.

So there are different types of classes?
Yes! That’s what helps keeps it fun and what helps keep it a well-rounded workout. Each class format is a different mix of songs/workouts, with some being more focused on cardio (Dance Mixx) while others are more focused on strength (Strength 60). You can read more about the different class types here. And you can always find out what classes are happening and when via the Jazzercise app or by searching for your center on their website. For example, here’s my center’s schedule!

Is it really a good workout?
As with any exercise, you’ll only get out as much as you put in. Overall though, people (like myself) are surprised to find out how much of a challenge each class can be. The classes are typically an hour long and are a good “one-stop-shop” for your daily exercise.

I can’t dance. Does that matter?
Anyone can Jazzercise. I don’t consider myself a dancer in the least, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have fun trying. Plus, one of the many things I love about Jazzercise is that it’s helped with my coordination overall. You’ll learn that each routine is choreographed to work specifically with each song, so you can feel (and hear) when you’re about to change movements. And if you count in eights, it will be easier to stay on track. None of that truly matters though – The environment is made to make you feel comfortable so that you can just do your thing and make it your own workout. It’s a no-judgement zone.

Do they still dance to 80s music?
While I think a throw-back class would be awesome, Jazzercise definitely keeps it fresh with what’s popular on the radio (my fave routines are the ones to Bruno Mars). That means we get to learn new routines pretty often, so even if you are brand new to Jazzercise, it’s likely that the veteran next to you is learning something for the first time too.

I have an old injury. Can I still try it?
Absolutely! While there is a lot of hopping and lunging that can be tough on the knees, instructors give low-impact options for each workout.

How many calories do you burn?
I wear an Apple Watch and I find that I burn approximately 450 – 550 calories per class. I discovered this blog, which has some good insight into the amount of calories burned for each class format.

How do I get started and how does it all work?
Once you sign-up (you can pay per class or join for 3, 6, or 12 months), they print you out a little card with your name on it. Before each class, you pull your card so that they can scan it. This helps keep track of how many classes you attend in a year. They usually announce during class when you hit a milestone, such as 25, 50, 75 or 100 classes. And with the new app, I think we’re going to see a transition to scanning your phone instead of the card, so that’s exciting! Jazzercise also announces great deals a few times throughout the year, so be on the lookout for a joining special – that’s how I got hooked.

Any questions I missed? Feel free to ask or share your insight below! The Jazzercise community is a warm and welcoming one, so if you are curious the best thing to do is just give it a shot and keep in mind it usually takes at least a few classes for it to “click.” You can read my previous posts here and here.

PS – This is not a sponsored post. I’ve just enjoyed sharing my Jazzer-journey!

Well, I did it. Today I met my goal of 150 Jazzercise classes in 2016! That’s a total of 150 hours of exercise – the equivalent of almost four full work weeks (yes, I’ve done the math). And as a mom that works full-time, runs a blog on the side, and travels whenever and wherever I can, I feel very proud to meet my goal.

So how did I get here? Looking back to my first Jazzercise post where I made my confession, it all started when I noticed that a Jazzercise location had opened near my office. Before I knew it, I posted an update at my six-month mark. And now here I am, dancing my way to the end of my first full year. So in honor of hitting this milestone, I wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned in my first 12 months of Jazzercise.

– A Jazzercise class is as much mental as it is physical. This was one of the first things I realized in class and one that has stayed true even a year later. While I find myself feeling more confident to let my mind wander mid-routine, I’m usually jolted right back to the present moment when I’m not sure what is coming next. I never knew how much I needed a mental break from my day until I began taking these classes.
– It gets easier, but never easy. When I first started, I was told to give it a month and then you’ll have the basics down. From there on out, learning a new routine isn’t as difficult and you can really concentrate on the workout, rather than just trying to keep up. If you give it your all, every class is a tough, yet rewarding workout.
– It’s addictive. With the combo of music, dancing, and endorphins, it’s pretty easy to get hooked.
– You’ll have ‘off’ days. And that’s okay. For example, I had four great classes in a row this week and then for no good reason this morning (my 150th class, actually), I felt like I was off a few more steps than normal. Just like anything else, you have good days and bad days, but with Jazzercise it doesn’t matter. Just by showing up, you’ve completed the hardest part.
– It’s not stuck in the 1980s. Expecting bodysuits and leg warmers? Sorry to disappoint, but Jazzercise has evolved with the rest of us. Combining modern dance choreography, kickboxing, and Pilates to the tune of top 40 hits, I’ve noticed that many of my fellow Jazzercisers are way younger than I am. In fact, they are offering free classes to girls 16-21 years old in 2017 as a part of their GirlForce program.
– I’m still a terrible dancer. But I sure have fun pretending otherwise!
– Just when you think you have it, they throw in new routines. New routines mean new moves to learn and new songs to dance to, so the workouts are never boring. Jazzercise likes to keep you on your toes. Literally.
– It’s never too late to start. As I’ve mentioned many times before, I’ve never been a regular exerciser. So when I decided to finally devote some time to my health in my mid-thirties, I felt a little intimidated. Jazzercise has perfected the recipe to make a newbie feel comfortable, yet still challenge a veteran. I’m sure that’s part of what keeps such a diverse crowd in the audience. A crowd where no one ever feels out of place.
– I’m still learning. After a year, I still feel like I’m pretty new at this and have a lot more to learn, which keeps it fun and exciting. The average Jazzerciser sticks with it for seven years, which gives me hope that even years later – I’ll still feel the same way.

PS – This is not a sponsored post. I just wanted to share my honest journey.