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Roni, age 41
San Antonio, Texas
Jazzercising since 2002

I have been what is considered socially “seriously obese” all my life.  Who would of “thunk” that I would be that same person who would have rather had my toenails pulled out than to even dream about doing ANYTHING that would be considered that big ugly bad word:  EXERCISE! 

I remember coming to class in January 2001 due to my cousin Monica’s invitation to “try it out.  You have nothing to lose.  It’s a freebie class!”  Dragging the feet, whining, and hesitant, I found myself quickly thinking, “I’m having fun!  Surely this is not exercising.”  

Let it be a gift that you give to yourself.  This way you can take care of others!  My one hour class became what I called my cheap therapy session from the rustle and bustle of work, school, and home.  I had more energy to face the world. 

Don't be scared of the Personal Touch class! (a.k.a. Commando Babes).  This is the class that had me seeing some definite results.  I now see muscles I didn’t even know existed! 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I would have lasted this long, spend an hour daily with dear friends and new ones too, and be among an awesome group of ladies who have motivated me through my journey. 

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Liz, age 44
Delta, British Columbia
Jazzercising since 1992

In April of 1992 I stepped on the scale only to find that I was the heaviest I had ever been in my entire life.  I'd joined gyms before (given a tour by a tall brunette named Snow with 4" high heels) and I'd even bought an exercise bike - nothing worked!  A friend through work told me about Jazzercise so I decided to give it a shot. 

I began going to class 3-4 times a week, turning down invitations to things that happened on my class days, and began to lose weight.  Between June 1992 and September 1993 I lost 72 pounds and felt great. 

Things started to happen in my life that made me stop going to class.  In July of 2002 I again stepped on that scale and realized that I would love to be the weight I was back in 1992!! I started back at Jazzercise. I simply don't feel good if I don't go!  I'm 43 years old and have finally figured out that I need to do this for myself - not only to lose the weight but, to feel good.  I feel healthy.  I've lost 111.5 pounds and have about another 10 to go.  I have energy to do things and am generally a happier person (for this I'm sure my husband would like to thank Jazzercise!!).

For one hour the only thing I have to worry about is which way my feet are moving and if I'm going to run into someone standing beside me!!  There's a great mixture of music so you get everything from Country to Latin Salsa - it appeals to everyone!  No one worries about what you're wearing or even if you make a mistake - it's fun and it's a great stress release.

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Jennifer, age 34
Bailey, Colorado
Jazzercising since 2005

I have become a Jazzercise Junkie. I started in January of this year with your typical New Years resolution. I have never been able to stick to any exercise regimen.  When I started the program I weighed 210 lbs and wore a size 20. Since August of this year I am now 150 lbs. and wear a size 10. It has completely changed my life! I love the class, I praise my instructor every day, and my husband loves having his wife back. Thank you Jazzercise, you have made me beautiful once again. I will never turn back!

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Shelly, age 41
McHenry, Illinois
Jazzercising since 2003

		I had obtained a free class coupon from my daughter's Brownie troop in about 2001. I shuffled the coupon almost throwing it away MANY times. Why I didn't I will never know. It was do or die time — I was sick and tired and ready to give up finding a way to lose weight. One day I found the coupon — I was about 240 pounds and 5 feet 7 inches tall and wore a size 20 — BARELY. I was greeted by the most wonderful people who did not make me feel ashamed of my size or lack of ability. I finished the class and thought I LOVE THIS!!! I CAN DO THIS! I signed up that moment. I started going three times weekly and then I was challenged to increase to four times, then five. I now go at least six days a week. I am now 50 pounds lighter and in a size 10 pair of jeans. I was honored to be accepted as a class manager. I am looking better than I ever have and feel fabulous! Friends at Spring Grove challenge me to be the best. I just finished the first Personal Touch class offered. During those four weeks I lost 10 pounds and as many inches. My family is also adopting a much healthier lifestyle since my involvement.
left: Shelly before weight loss. right: Shelly after weight loss.

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Christine, age 23
Rochester, Minnesota
Jazzercising since 2000

		Beginning Weight: 267 pounds (Aug. 16, 2000) Inches Lost: 81 1/2 over my total body. After reaching 267 pounds at the age of 21, I looked into the mirror and realized I had to make a change. Not only was my health at risk, but I was suffering mentally and emotionally because of my appearance. I wanted to believe that my scholastic achievements would give me the edge I needed to land a job after graduation, but when I began sizing up my competition, the reality hit me. I realized that no matter what my qualifications or grade point average, I could very well be denied a job due to my weight. I did not want my career goals undermined by my weight problem. On August 16, 2000, my life changed. I took advantage of a one-week pass at a local women’s fitness center, and after a week of trying Jazzercise, I knew I could make the necessary lifestyle changes to turn my life around. Jazzercise provided me with a workout that I had never experienced. I worked hard, burned calories, built muscle, and most importantly, had fun. I have met so many wonderful people and encouraging and motivating instructors. I have now lost 102 pounds and I just passed my one-year anniversary this August 16th. I continue to do Jazzercise four times a week along with other physical activity. I believe that losing more than a hundred pounds has been my greatest achievement thus far and I look forward to applying the lessons I have learned to a life full of new challenges.
left: Christine before weight loss. right: Christine after weight loss.

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Chrishelle, age 27
Oregon City, Oregon
Jazzercising since 1995

When I was growing up, I could eat ANYTHING and stay very thin. In fact, a few times I even tried to GAIN weight. Well, that all changed when I became pregnant with my first child and gained 70 pounds. When he was breastfeeding, I continued to eat like I had been while I was pregnant. He was gaining weight extremely well and I didn't want to jeopardize that, but I was miserable. I was tired all of the time, I felt fat and ugly, my back hurt, and I had lots of headaches.

When my son turned nine months old I decided to make a change. I drove by the local school, saw a Jazzercise sign, and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! I absolutely loved it! I went to class 4-5 times a week and lost all of the weight that I had gained in only three months. I not only looked better, but I felt so much better! I had more energy and I slept better.

I gained only 24 pounds with my second child and 28 pounds with my third child and felt terrific. After each pregnancy I went back to Jazzercise, lost the weight, and kept it off.

I'm now playing on a softball team for the first time in ten years. It's been seven years since I found Jazzercise and I believe that it has made my life so much better. I feel so good about myself, mentally and physically, and that makes me very happy. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

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Michele, age 36
Indianapolis, Indiana
Jazzercising since 1987

I hate aerobics and I get bored jogging in place or doing jumping jacks. I have attended class at least twice a week for several years now. In May of 1999 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My instructor, Janice Clark, and all the other sweaty folks were there for me. I had my modified radical mastectomy on June 2, 1999. My first chemo treatment was June 22. I returned to Jazzercise on June 30. I truly believe that it helped me through my situation. I continued to Jazzercise twice a week through all the treatments. Now granted, I did take it easy at first, but it was so wonderful to sweat again! We laughed about my baldness (showers were so much faster for me now). Everyone took an interest in my progress and wanted to know what was happening and how I felt. It allowed me to 'do something normal' while something so abnormal was occurring. I wanted to take the time to let someone in Jazzercise know how much it means to me. I will gladly share my story with anyone, and will definitely continue Jazzercising. Thanks for listening. Light and laughter.

I Used to Avoid Exercise:  But now I'm hooked!

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Erin, age 28
Lake in the Hills, IL
Jazzercising since 2005

To lose weight is difficult, and one of the main problems I had was sticking to what I started. After my first Jazzercise class, I was hooked. Now, rather than finding excuses to stay home from "the gym", I find myself negotiating with my husband so I can go... for example... "I'll cook you anything you want for dinner when I get home from class at 7:30, as long as you watch the baby while I go".

The classes are FUN. That's the main key for me. I enjoy going, and the weight loss and being more fit are more of a great side effect. I have made friends, and become a better me because of these classes. It's an interesting switch to WANT to work out.

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Shari, age 41
Nashville, TN
Jazzercising since 2005

Last winter, I went to the doctor who recommended that I find a way to bring exercise back into my life.  Exercise...I had never enjoyed it.  It was always a dreaded line on my "to do" list that I marked off with a "whew."

A few weeks after my doctor appointment, I talked to my sister who is an avid Jazzerciser in East Hanover, NJ.  She pumped me up to just TRY Jazzercise.  A few days later, I went for the first time.  I felt so welcomed by such a warm bunch of Jazzercisers. The moves are so fun...it's always fresh and exciting music (which is a big deal with constant 3 & 6 year old children's music in this household)!  Sometimes I have so much fun that I forget I'm exercising.  Now, I go to Jazzercise as often as I can.  I'm always looking forward to the next time I can go, I love every minute during the workout and I love how it makes me feel.

A year ago I never would have believed that I would be arranging my life around my commitment to Jazzercise...doing something SO good for myself AND having a BLAST doing it!  Even though I haven't been Jazzercising too long, ask me in 10 years, I'll still be there!

Over 50 Crowd:  How Jazzercise energizes me.

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Carol, age 64
Pembroke, FL
Jazzercising since 2004

My parents always said that I was born dancing and singing.  As a child I took dance lessons and always looked forward to those lessons. 

For some reason I stopped dancing about 20 years ago.  Then menopause came on with a vengeance.  I gained a considerable amount of weight, had major family issues to deal with and lost my Mom.

I decided to do something about my declining mental and physical health so I joined the S.W. Focal Point Senior Center here in Pembroke Pines, Florida.  I signed up for a Jazzercise class and was reborn!

Kerrie Shechter, our Jazzercise instructor, is by far the most knowledgeable "exercise" instructor that I've met.  She takes the time to explain to us "seniors" the various muscle groups, how they work, what a particular movement will do and then always offers an optional move for those who may have a physical problem in that area.  Her patience with us is infinite and I marvel at the fact that she can say "no, your LEFT foot" 10 times without losing it!

My life, my state of mind and my health have changed dramatically since starting Jazzercise last Fall.  In 3 short months my cholesterol went from 239 to156 with only slight modifications in diet.  It's the dancing!

Thanks to all of you involved in Jazzercise who help people like me get their lives back.  A very special thank you to Kerrie for her kindness and patience.

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Mim, age 62
North Augusta, South Carolina
Jazzercising since 1994

I started Jazzercising 10 years ago and haven't stopped. I have so many 100 club shirts I could start my own shop. I have used Jazzercise as my basis to improve my stamina, weight control, flexibility, cardio and strength. Because of it, I have accomplished a lot of adventures like ice skating, snow skiing, sculling, rock climbing, wall climbing, hiking, bobsledding and more. I have climbed several mountains — Mt. Hood to 10,000 ft, however didn't make the summit due to bad weather. Now I am going to climb Mt. Adams at 12,276 ft. I also do yoga, but continue to Jazzercise because without it I would have never been able to accomplish these other endeavors.

On my birthday I am going skydiving. What does Jazzercise have to do with skydiving? Well first of all, strong bones on the landing, flexibility avoiding trees, and deep breathing when descending out of the aircraft. I owe a lot to Jazzercise because without it I would be overweight, a couch potato and not enjoying life to its fullest.

Making Connections:  I've met wonderful people.

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MaryLou, age 54
Raleigh, NC
Jazzercising since 2004

 One class. Just one class and I was hooked. I came home and talked non-stop to my husband and daughters about how FUN it was. That first day at Jazzercise was the best workout I had ever had. The instructors were all so friendly and even remembered my name! I quickly signed up. I attend all five classes offered a week, the Body Sculpting class and Jazzercise, it is so refreshing.

I have enjoyed Jazzercise longer than any exercise program I've ever attempted. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be around such strong and powerful women -->

I've also enjoyed losing the extra inches as a result of my participation. Thank you so much for having this program in Raleigh. I am indeed fortunate to have found you. It always puts a smile on my face! I know that Jazzercise will always be a part of my life and also the best part of my day!

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Susan, age 54
Jazzercising since 2001
Longmont, Colorado and Omaha, Nebraska

As an empty-nester my life can be exactly as I define it. That definition includes travel and exercise. When I accompany my husband on a business trip, I drop him off for his meeting and then I head out to morning Jazzercise. I discovered that when lost, all I needed to do is dial 800-FIT-IS-IT on my cell phone as I did in Sunnyvale, California last year. The lovely woman who answered zeroed me in on my class. She stayed on the line with me until I found the venue itself or, in this case, until I saw the procession of people carrying Jazzercise mats!

I find that often my husband's business takes us to mid-sized cities that are not tourist Mecca's. So going to Jazzercise puts the human element into my trips. I chat with fellow Jazzercisers and I enlist their help to maximize my trip. Last week the Jazzercisers in Omaha, Nebraska pointed me to wonderful antique shops. Similarly, Jazzercisers in Erie , Pennsylvania pointed me to less traveled wineries. Sometimes I make an instant connection that results in luncheon plans. And other times I discover other surprises.

simply could not find an easier way to add fitness to travel. I know the routines. All centers have mats and weights for my use. The instructors are consistently good. But more than anything is the human element. Jazzercisers are great people. They make a ho-hum trip Jazzerific!

If you would like to tell your JazzerStory, send an e-mail to info@jazzsanantonio.com with your name, age, city, state, how long you've been jazzercising, and of course your JazzerStory.