Jazzercise

I rejoined Jazzercise in order to get my body moving. I got an immediate payoff in terms of stress reduction and mood elevation - so that's worth the effort and expense, right there. I hoped for a corresponding drop on the scale, but so far I'm holding steady just under TNTMNBN.

Here are some of the reasons Jazzercise works for me:

• I have always loved dancing, and Jazzercise is derivative of dance in a way that aerobics classes aren't.
• I enjoy learning the moves, and mastering them to the degree I'm able.
• As an extravert who offices at home, I enjoy the interaction with other people. It's like having 2 dozen exercise buddies who never let me down.
• There's a center very near my house, with a nice, broad section of classes. Logistically, the fact that they hold a 9 a.m. class 6 days a week works really well - I drop Matt off at school, go home and handle my morning email, then head over there.
• The music, enjoyed by more than just me. I have an iPod nano now, and can augment my walks with tunes - but I find I prefer the quiet, nature sounds if I'm outside. The iPod makes me feel like I'm shutting the world out, and on an outdoor walk, I'm there to let the natural world in, you know?
• The cheerleader, dance team, performance aspect of it. Is that a bad thing to admit? In my late 40s, I don't have many outlets for my performance side. There's only a select few willing to endure my karaoke.
• Distracting use of resistaBalls, hand weights, and other gadgets. The choreography and my focus on keeping up makes the time speed by, and using gadgets adds some variety.
• Happens indoors, rain or shine, sleet or ozone action day.
• Mix of aerobic dance and resistance training. Anybody else out there read those "Strong Women Stay Young" books explaining the need for women to have muscles and strength training? My mom gave me the book and some weights years ago - and I still believe.

Keys for keeping it going

The quality of the teachers/leaders is key, just as they are in Weight Watchers. I prefer a certain blend of snarky good humor and happy motivational chatter. Getting into a schedule or rhythm is also key for me, going at 9 a.m. every day. Having a goal of 3 times a week or more. I used to journal regularly (sigh) and gave myself a colorful star on my spiral's cover for each day I exercised - should wake that practice up again.

Another key is to pick something that's FUN.

What's your exercise of choice? Got tips for keeping up with it?

Comments

[Julie Gomoll]

It's walking with the dogs for me, although I haven't been as diligent about it recently. For nearly a year I did it daily, missing only if it was raining, which was infrequent here in Austin. A few trips out of town, an ice storm, and crappy weather got me out of the daily habit, and now I'm struggling to get back to it. It's good for me, it's good for the dogs. They love it, it made me feel good... why is it so hard to stay on track?

I've never tried Jazzercize, myself. Is there much bouncing? My chest is simply too big for me to put up with much bounding.