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Mom to Iris. Wife to Todd. Our little family lives at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We love it here and I love sharing little bits of our life.

© 2014 sarahfortune.

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I tried Jazzercise for 6 months and Here are the Results

Six months ago I did something I never thought I’d do – I joined Jazzercise. As mentioned back in March (just one month in), I was curious to see how I would feel about it at the six-month mark. Well, here I am and here’s how it went.

In order to really get a full understanding of how Jazzercise works and how it works for my body, I decided to set a personal goal to attend 100 classes before my 6-month contract was up. Despite several weeks of travel, being out for two weeks because of a pulled neck muscle (not Jazz-related), and being slowed down due to multiple colds, I’m proud to say – I met my goal! My 100th class was just this week and now the verdict is in:
I’m just as in love with Jazzercise as I was when I first started.


Taken on a celebratory (wine) walk after I completed my 100th class.

The Basics:
+ In a perfect world I go to about 5-6 classes a week. However, with a busy work schedule, lots of travel, and a kid who likes to bring me illnesses home from daycare, that certainly doesn’t always happen.

+ The sessions last for a full hour and include a warm-up and a cool-down. When I started I was surprised to discover that there are several different formats, which took me a while to fully understand. Now I know that Fusion incorporates more strength, while Dance Mixx features more cardio. All I bring to class each day is a huge bottle of water, as they have plenty of mats and weights to use.

+ Unless you pay for each class individually, you have to sign a contract and pay a sign-up fee. However, occasionally there are specials where they waive that fee or a have free, no-strings-attached month. The longer your contract is, the cheaper your plan is. More info can be found on my first post or directly from the source at Jazzercise.com.

Why I still love it:
+ It’s a one-stop-shop. I do Jazzercise for the same reason I subscribe to Blue Apron. I want to work out for the same reasons I want to eat well, but in the past all of the preparation and planning got in the way. Due to my crazy busy schedule, I don’t have time to master the week of perfect recipes the same way I don’t have time to seek out the perfect fitness routine on my own. With Jazzercise, I know I have a place that I can go every day and get handed a full, well-rounded workout. With cardio, strength, and stretching – it’s everything packaged up nice and neat in every class.

+ I admit I had preconceived ideas about what Jazzercise was before I tried it and it wasn’t necessarily favorable. Of course I assumed it was stuck in the 80s, but the soundtrack proved instantly that it’s not. Also, I immediately realized how much people really loved Jazzercise, so I wondered if there was some sort of incentive to share the excitement and get your friends to join. I was actually happy to learn that the fanfare is genuine. So if a girlfriend tries to get you to go, it’s most likely because she really thinks you’ll love it too. One exception to this is that I did once win a sweet Jazzercise water bottle during a special sign-up promotion, but I think you still get my point.

+ That brings me to one other thing I’ve earned – my very own Jazzercise beach towel. And yes, I mean earned and not won. Jazzercise holds periodic challenges throughout the year, where if you attend a certain number of classes during a set amount of time, you earn some special Jazz-merch. This was the first challenge I’ve accepted and, while the towel is great and all, it’s more about having a goal to work towards.

+ The workout creates such a positive feeling. As cheesy as it is, there’s something about the combination of music, pushing your body has hard as you can, and the encouragement of the instructors that leaves you feeling incredibly happy to be giving it your all. While some days I might think about going to the happy hour next door instead, I still look forward to it instead of the normal dread I have about other exercise. And by the way, according to their website, the average person sticks with Jazzercise for seven years. That’s a long time for a workout regimen.

+ Even after six months, it’s still just as much a mental work out as it is a physical one. Jazzercise does a good job shaking things up with new songs and routines just as soon as you think you know what you’re doing. This is still the only hour of my day where I’m totally focused on one thing and one thing only.

+ After my very first class, the instructor told me that it takes about a month to fully get it. She was right. I still have my off days and I still mess up during every song, but I don’t care and neither does anyone else. You’re made to feel comfortable and are reminded that this is your work out, so you can make it your own. And believe me, we all do.

What I’ve gotten out of it:
+ I went from not exercising at all to exercising 4 – 6 days a week. So, did I lose a bunch of weight? Not really, but that wasn’t my goal. I’ve always had a smaller frame and I tend to eat semi-well, so I started this journey to tone-up and to feel better overall. While I’m not perfect (who is?), I am more confident and I’m finally wearing clothes again that I hid in the back of my closet long ago. Shockingly, I even fit into my wedding dress recently, which took place nearly a decade ago.

+ I also gained the confidence to wear a bikini in public for the first time since before Iris was born. While I still often choose my one-piece, it’s amazing to have options you feel good about.

+ Beyond the outer benefits, I definitely feel better inside too. I fall asleep easier, I haven’t had a serious migraine since I started Jazzercise, and I have more energy. I also like knowing that Iris sees me taking time to care for my health and I hope it instills something in her too.

Will I continue?
+ My answer at this point? DUH! Right now Jazzercise just works for me. It works for my schedule, it works for my body, and it works for my mind. So right now my answer is a resounding YES! Will I be writing a year update? Two year update? Seven years? Only time will tell. Till then, see ya there?

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

65 Comments

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  • Laura July 22, 2016 @ 8:46 am

    Love every word of this, Sarah—so proud of you!

  • Becky Mooneyham July 22, 2016 @ 10:59 am

    As a Jazzercise fan for over 36 years and still going strong, it is so refreshing to read this from a young mother’s perspective. Thank you for validating what I’ve always thought is the best dance fitness program out there. Congrats on your achievements and thanks for sharing!

  • Gail Schell July 22, 2016 @ 11:10 am

    What a great article–you really hit the nail on the head with regard to Jazzercise! So glad you found it. And you are rockin’ that healthy look!

  • Kristine A Rooke July 22, 2016 @ 11:10 am

    So awesome! Great for you and Jazzercise ROCKS!

  • Hoa Nguyen July 22, 2016 @ 11:21 am

    Love your Jazzercise journey! I’m glad you found it! Six years for me and I still love it like the first day! 👯💪🏼

  • Jody July 22, 2016 @ 11:32 am

    AWESOME TESTIMONIAL!!
    Looking Forward to your future updates, who knows, you may consider becoming an instructor one day! “NEVER SAY NEVER!!” “HAVE AN AWESOME WEEKEND!!”

    THANKS FOR SHARING!!”

  • Stacey Horvath July 22, 2016 @ 12:31 pm

    What a great article! I became an Instructor 9 years ago for the very reasons you just mentioned! I don’t ever plan on teaching this wonderful program. If you’re ever in Lindenhurst, IL, my doors are open!

  • Julie July 22, 2016 @ 12:44 pm

    Great review of a great program! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm Sarah! I just celebrated my 7 year anniversary with Jazzercise and am looking forward to the next 7 — and beyond!!

  • Linda C Frrazier July 22, 2016 @ 12:44 pm

    Thank you so much for telling our story. It’s difficult to explain that you get a great workout and have fun too. You did a great job!

  • Elaine Benson, Newark DE Jazzercise July 22, 2016 @ 1:28 pm

    Awesome! You make me Smile! I’m 64 years old. My “exercise” from my early 20s to my early 50s was mostly ballet and a few other forms of dance. I took classes, performed civically, and taught for a few years. In 1998, as I was gearing down from ballet I discovered Jazzercise. I’ve been doing it for 18 years now and have always loved it! But it wasn’t until I retired from Corporate America 3 1/2 years ago and studied to become a Personal Trainer, that I realized what a phenomenal form of exercise it is! I already knew the moves were dance perfect and carefully choreographed to each beat of a variety of music. But after my personal training, I was amazed to realize that I wasn’t just getting my “dance fix.”I was also getting a workout that was purposely created to work each muscle group effectively and safely. Wow!!!

    I’m so happy to hear about your experience with Jazzercise! I’m sure you will stay with it for years to come. It’s a workout for Everyone, no matter your level or age. It’s ever changing and totally fun! And you will always be family at any Jazzercise class you attend!

    Congrats onyour 100 classes and also for earning your Beach Towel!!

  • valerie newark de jazzercise July 22, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

    Awesome job I’ve been jazzercising for over 6 years I believe my friend invited me to try it and man I was hooked after the first class. I love the workout and how it targets all parts of your body. I love my jazzercise family jazzercise is my happy place. I will never stop no matter what I can’t live without my jazzercise.

  • Kate July 22, 2016 @ 2:16 pm

    Super cool! Glad you love it and got so much out of your new routine. I see so many Jazzercise knock-offs, but the various formats and fun atmosphere keeps me coming back to Jazz Mills-50!

  • Gay Vaughan July 22, 2016 @ 2:52 pm

    I already follow you on Instagram and Snapchat…you had me at Iris’s CVS party. When you began to talk about Jazzercise, you truly won me over as I have been jazzing for 3 years and just last year certified to teach. My son attends U of A and someday when I am visiting I plan to Jazz at Fayetteville…would be cool to actually meet you.

  • Linda July 22, 2016 @ 3:38 pm

    I did jazzercise for 20 years and always loved it! I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii 5 years ago where there are NO classes. Yoga is the best thing I have found so far, but it doesn’t come close to the fun and benefits from a regularly scheduled jazzercise workout. I’ve been begging someone to bring it here, but no luck yet. I’ve spoken to other women who would be more than willing to have the chance to join again. Please come to kailua kona and get us moving, and dancing again! (Not fond of Zumba)

  • Clair July 22, 2016 @ 3:54 pm

    In my 10th year and still loving it!

  • Linda Simonton July 22, 2016 @ 4:30 pm

    I am going on 11 years of Jazzercise, I have had a few months out at a time due to injuries (not at Jazzercise) but generally go 5 or 6 times per week. It energizes me in mind, body and spirit. By the way, I was 60 years old when I started and past 70 now. I feel better than I did at 30. I too, am small framed and short as well. I am no more than a bundle of muscle and bone with the strength ad agility to garden on a boulder slope in my yard here in eastern Oklahoma County. I cannot recommend it enough. I am there for the rest of my life.

  • Jazz Hands! :) July 22, 2016 @ 4:35 pm

    um yhea – Jazzercise is pretty rad … I’ve been doing it for 15 years and everyone thinks (by the looks of my long lean muscles) that i am a personal trainer or a spartan racer…no way, not me… i like to have FUN (and look great)! I ONLY do Jazzercise.

  • Nadine (Attorney & Instructor) July 22, 2016 @ 5:16 pm

    This article is fantastic! Thanks for your honesty! I started Jazzing in high school and breaks home from college, and it took just a couple of weeks before I was approached by Jazzercise instructors telling me I just HAD to become an instructor. And here we are … I’m celebrating my 10th anniversary as an instructor! Jazzercise has had a substantial role in my life; I’ve met so many wonderful people, who I’ve not only inspired, but they’ve also inspired me. It’s helped not only with keeping my body looking and feeling good, but also offers a healthy outlet for stress reduction. And from what I can tell, Jazzercise Inc. is only getting bigger and better. LOVE!!!

  • Jazzy TC July 22, 2016 @ 5:22 pm

    Jazzercise rocks and so do you! Thanks for helping us spread the word. It’s the only exercise program I have ever stuck with.

  • Jane July 22, 2016 @ 5:50 pm

    Thank you for the wonderful words about Jazzercise! In addition to your comments, I also love the friendships developed with other class members.

  • Paige Revis July 22, 2016 @ 6:15 pm

    Fantastic! And, I am so happy for you! You are taking class with some of the best instructors out there! I will look forward to reading about and celebrating many years of Jazzercise to come with you!

  • Shelley Hood July 22, 2016 @ 6:19 pm

    I’m older than you ( you might just be my daughter) and have been doing this Jazzercise thing since 1986. It still rocks me 5 days a week and IT IS MY FAVORITE WAY TO WORK OUT! So glad you joined our little workout program!

  • Sophia G Hubbard July 22, 2016 @ 6:27 pm

    Heading on 20 years and still loving it. The addiction is there for sure. I can’t think of anything else to be addicted to than Jazzercise. Rock on!! Jazz hands!!

  • Melissa Thurnhofer July 22, 2016 @ 6:43 pm

    This is such a fantastic review of Jazzercise! I just celebrated 5 years as an instructor, and over 9 years total being a Jazzercise lover! My mom dragged me there when I was 18 and I fell in love. Hope you keep with it! My Jazzercise friends are some of the most wonderful, kind, supportive, uplifting people I know. Such a great community to be part of! :)

  • Kristen July 22, 2016 @ 9:24 pm

    I’ve been wanting to join just nervous because I’m not sure what to expect. I’m looking to lose weight and tone at the same time is this something that may be doable should I choose to join. Thank you

  • Arlene DeCotis July 22, 2016 @ 10:14 pm

    Thank you for this wonderful piece that we can share with our customers and hopefully potential ones too! (I’ve already had a request to start this back home where I am from). “See” you on the dance floor!

    Arlene DeCotis, Owner & Instructor of Jazzercise locations in Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Garner and Apex, NC

  • Jill Wheeler July 22, 2016 @ 11:06 pm

    So happy I get to sweat it out with you!!!

  • Sandra Schuff July 23, 2016 @ 5:05 am

    I just wrote a post this week about the spirit and community of jazzercize, all due to the strong women who are the core of jazz. ( no pun intended!)

  • Diane July 23, 2016 @ 6:26 am

    Awesome article! Thanks for sharing!!

  • Saundra July 23, 2016 @ 12:04 pm

    Very cool! I’m so glad it’s working for you. I’ve been a member for 10 years now and, I tell people, it’s because I LITERALLY have to have someone standing on a stage–with a microphone, telling me what to do (or I won’t do it). The music is always up-to-date and the instructors get new “sets” of music about every six week, so it’s never boring. Currently I’ve been loving the “Flip Fusion” class that incorporates a TON of strength exercises among the dance routines. It’s a great change-up and is confusing the heck out of my muscles…which is what we want. It also helps me sleep better and stay sane (and with teenage girls and a job…that’s saying a lot). Thanks so much for your post!

  • Shelly Rehffeldt July 23, 2016 @ 12:08 pm

    Speaking as a 14 year jazzer, 10 year certified instructor and 6 year owner, I cannot express my thanks and appreciation ENOUGH for this fabulous testimonial!! You said everything we ALL think when it comes to Jazzercise but sometimes just can’t put it all into words. The best part is letting all the readers out there know that this is not a paid advertisement but rather words coming straight from your jazzer-heart!! I bet it won’t be long and we’ll see you on a Jazzercise stage somewhere…just sayin’ – thanks again!!

  • Lisa July 23, 2016 @ 1:11 pm

    I know you have to sign a contract and pay a fee but I feel that it is a great investment for my future health! And don’t forget to add the great friendships formed!
    Jazzercise Rocks!!

  • Barbara July 23, 2016 @ 6:35 pm

    I’ve done Jazzercise since 1984 when I received free class offer in hospital having my 2 nd son , did it classes to day I gave birth to 3rd son and still going everyday I’m able to get there around my everyday busy crazy life! I still love it !

  • Joann July 24, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

    I’ve been going for the past 5 months- about to hit 100 classes. I love it! Tons of options for a class time that I can fit my schedule, I feel strong and toned, and I’ve never had the same class or combination twice. It keeps my on my toes mentally and physically. No gym- just friendly people.

  • Sharilyn Milcoun July 25, 2016 @ 6:56 am

    Great job! I to use to be a Jazzercice lover! I meet the most wonderful friends, life long friends! It is one of the best exercise programs out there! You will have friends for life and a very healthy strong body as well! ❤️

  • Lindsey July 25, 2016 @ 12:31 pm

    I’m an avid jazzerciser as well. I’m young, so people always look at me funny when I tell them, but I’ve fallen in love with it. Since I’m a college student I get their awesome student discount as well. Paired with my medical insurance’s fitness rebate, I only pay $15 for my membership each month. How can you not love that?! Happy to connect with you! Following on you social media channels. 😉

  • Eileen July 25, 2016 @ 2:36 pm

    Love this. It’s like you were reading my mind and watching me at Jazzercise. I started Jazzercise in February 2016. I admit that I still do my own thing because I have no coordination or rhythm. I love that nobody seems to care that I’m going the wrong way or doing something completely different. I’m having fun and getting healthier. I am almost 58 years old and love every minute of my class time when I go.

  • June July 26, 2016 @ 11:56 am

    As soon as the music starts and we ‘get set’, I start to smile and I look around and see other smiley faces! It’s fun and it does you good!

  • June July 26, 2016 @ 11:58 am

    I should have added that I am 59 (and a half) and live in Aberdeenshire in North East Scotland.

  • Lindsay July 26, 2016 @ 2:23 pm

    Hi Sarah!
    I’m a Jazzerciser as well! I LOVE IT! It’s the best thing of my entire day (besides my husband of course haha). I only need a few more classes before I earn my towel!

  • Cynthia C. Shear July 30, 2016 @ 12:33 pm

    Hi. I started Jazzercise Feb 1st. A friend from classes at the Fitness Center introduced me to this. I am hooked. When I go on trips now I look up where classes are in the area & go to them. I am 71 & going strong. I do Jazzercise classes usually one each day, sometimes two.
    ~Cynthia~

  • Corinne August 2, 2016 @ 6:06 am

    I’ve been trying to find something fun to integrate into a workout besides walking/jogging and some things i do at home. I’ve always been curious about Jazzercise but never serious enough to try it. Our local city magazine just delivered a coupon with Jazzercise right after you posted this and I’ve decided to take the plunge. I’m excited to try it out and see what it’s all about – although I’m confident I’ll feel like a fool for a while! What’s even more appealing? They offer childcare! Thanks for sharing your thoughts – it’s helped me finally take the plunge!

  • Marj August 7, 2016 @ 9:05 am

    Gotta try that “wine walk”!!!!

  • Kathy August 12, 2016 @ 5:32 pm

    Well said. I love it too and am never bored with my workout! Have made some great friends at my studio too!

  • Karen Wilson August 16, 2016 @ 1:32 pm

    I’m excited about your results. I’m looking for the same in my life.

  • Gwen August 26, 2016 @ 2:12 pm

    Enjoyed reading your Jazzercise journey. Looking forward to reading the next one. Thank you☺

  • zoe. -reifsteck@yahoo.com September 27, 2016 @ 7:09 pm

    you. look. fabulous

  • Susan December 28, 2016 @ 7:42 am

    Thanks for your honesty! I am returning to my first Jazzercise class after a long stretch off due to an injury(not Jazzercise related). I was nervous but your article made me feel better! thanks!