The Buzz on Jazzercise
Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.

The name says it all.  Participants exercise to the rhythms and beats of current, upbeat music. Jazzercise offers an effective, total-body conditioning program in a group setting (similar to yoga or Spinning). Below are answers to many questions about Jazzercise. If your interest is piqued, check local papers to find out where Jazzercise is offered nearby.

How much does a class cost?
Because individual instructors independently own Jazzercise classes, there is no set rate. You will find that classes cost anywhere from $2 to $7, depending on the number of classes you purchase. Many instructors offer a special rate for new customers on their first purchase. You may pay as you go, or pay month to month.

How does Jazzercise improve your fitness?
  • Develops cardiovascular fitness
  • Increases energy
  • Strengthens and tones muscles
  • Improves flexibility and balance
  • Enhances metabolism
  • Reduces stress
What is a typical class like?
Each Jazzercise class is approximately 60 minutes. Here's how the class flows:
  • A warm-up segment comprised of gentle rhythmic movements and isolations for individual muscle groups
  • An aerobic segment to increase cardiovascular fitness and burn calories
  • An aerobic cool-down segment to reduce heart rate
  • A muscle-toning segment with weights to strengthen the hips, thighs, butt, abdomen, upper torso and arms
  • A final cool-down stretch segment to return the heart rate to normal
What are some Jazzercise exercises?
Here are a few of many:
  • Basic Aerobic Movements
  • Jazz Stretch
  • Attitude Lift
  • Diagonal Toe Touches
  • Flick-Kick
  • Heel Hop
  • Knee Lift
  • Pendulum Lift
  • Hip Rock
  • Power Legs
  • Lunges
  • Plies
  • Rock Lunge
  • Fancy Footwork
  • Jazz Square
  • Kick Ball Change
  • Side-to-Side Movements

To read more about Jazzercise, visit its main Website. Good luck and enjoy!
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Member Comments

1SUZIQ11
I did Jazzercise in the 80s but didnt know it even was still a thing. Report
CHRISINMIAMI
Jazzercise? Does this still exist? This was a 2004 article. Thanks, anyway! Report
EO4WELLNESS
Interesting. Report
MIYAMO
Interesting article. Report
KHALIA2
Never heard of this one either. Thanks for the info! Report
CECELW
This is an old article, but a fun one. Jazzercize was a lot of fun back in the day. Report
BARBARAJ73
I knew this was a blast from the past (written in 2004) when I saw Jazzercise in the title !! Report
ALABAMASUSAN17
I used to love Jazzercise! Those were good times! Report
YMWONG22
Good article Report
CHIGUYRICK
I love Jazzercize! Great article! I am a former Jazzercise participant. Yes, I am male, a "Jazzerdude."

It is a great exercise program and probably the only one that I stayed with for an extended length of time, 8 or more years. The set class times usually helped me make sure I made time for class. I don't work as well with the "I'll go to the gym after work" mentality. Too many obstacles and reasons to not get there. But I would make sure I could a scheduled 6:00 PM class time.

I even found other Jazzercise locations when I traveled for business. I found myself warmly welcomed when visiting in Alabama, Michigan and Texas. Some would charge $10 per visit, others would just welcome me with open arms and a closed wallet.

I stopped for pricing issues. When the price went over $40 per month, I stopped. I regularly attended 3 - 8 classes a week, which puts my per class pricing down to the $2 or less range per class. There are several franchise gyms in my area that I can use for $10-$20 per month.

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NOLAHORSERIDER
Great article. Oh how I wish I could do this type of exercise. My knees just don't allow it. Report
MONIQUEDVA
Sadly Jazzercize isn't as affordable as when this article was written. In the day when there are SO many fitness options including gyms that are only $10 per month, individual "come try us out" Jazzercize classes are $14 each. Sorry Jazzercize...I'll be checking out $5 Zumba right next door!!! Report
CBAIN5
LOVE LOVE LOVE my Jazzercise! It helped me lose over 60 pounds several years ago! Report
LAURANCE
The picture accompanying this article is wrong. We don't use steps in Jazzercise. Report
GYMMOM55
I have done Jazzercise for eight months on a twelve month commitment plan. I am counting the days until I am done. I find this exercise so low level. There are some instructors that move and offer a fair workout. Others are so lame that its hard to call it exercise. I consider Jazzercise an activity, not an exercise.
The dance moves are awful. The counts are off and hard to follow (two of our local instructors are also teachers so they are the better ones for instructions). The first month I heard the word "booty" so many times I thought it was a "booty class". We often do "single single, double" movements which are SO annoying. Just keep counting and moving!
Many participants think the class is their own private club. They shuffle, run and go ALL over the floor with no attention to others in the room. It is scary.
The instructors keep the music LOUD and will raise the volume repeatedly during the classes.
I find the exercises are very hard on the back. Each day has a new set of music but the latest set of music presented has been extremely hard on the back. It is not a class for those with any back issues.
Jazzercise assumes you have good core and are into shaking your hips with loud music.
There will be a PARTY in December when I am done Jazzercise.
I think walking, biking, kickboxing and spinning are MUCH better exercise options.
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About The Author

Zach Van Hart
Zach Van Hart
Zach is a journalist who regularly covers health and exercise topics.