Jazzercise
For your mind, body & soul
By Micah Gaudio


  It’s exercise. It’s dancing. It’s camaraderie. Jazzercise is so much more than a way to stay physically fit –just what many local women said they needed. Some praise the weight loss, others the energy, but everyone agrees that the people really make the biggest difference.
  “I’ve been jazzercising since June of 1988,” said Janet Broughman. “It’s the best thing for your body, mind and soul. It keeps you healthy and sane. And it just makes you feel good.”
  Jazzercise has become the top dance in the country It includes a warm-up, 30-minute aerobic workout, muscle and strength toning, and the full body stretch. Many people find that it is a fun way to lose weight, tone their bodies or just stay in shape. Trish McCormick explains, “I love it because it’s not just like exercise – it’s like dancing.”
  It’s actually 60-70 minutes of dancing that is choreographed so everyone can participate. You work at your own level so you can choose high or low impact moves and each session includes fun music in a variety of genres.
  “I like everything about Jazzercise,” said Jane Bowes. “I just can’t get enough of it. I could come seven days a week. I’m not afraid to say that I’ll be 60 years old next month and I’m still coming.”
  Jill Muccino has been leading Jazzercise at the lake for 17 years. In that time she has developed quite a following. Many of her clients feel that she really brings the class to life.
  “It’s more than just an exercise class,” explained LeeAnne DeMonbreum. “Jill adds so much to it. She creates an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.”
  “You just can’t describe Jill – she’s so great,” added Sandy Merriman.
  Jill’s class focuses on increasing muscle tone and enhancing the Jazzercise workout by targeting varying muscle groups with specific techniques. It has worked for Mona Haley. She commented, “It’s just the best workout I’ve ever done.”
  “I think I’m an addict,” added Anne Telford. “I love to work out and aerobic dancing is perfect for all age groups. The movement keeps us limber.”
  For some of the women, Jazzercise is the only exercise that inspires them. Marlene Trudesdell explained, “It’s the only thing that gets me up and moving. Even on the days I don’t want to do it, I’m always glad I did.”
  While about everyone in the class loves Jazzercise, there are always a few who just don’t like exercise. Mary Jane Calhoun explained, “I don’t like it at all…but I need it. It’s so good for you and there is such camaraderie in the group.”
  That camaraderie is what keeps many of the women coming back day after day. “It’s good for my body, but mostly I love what it does for my emotions,” commented Anne Mohaupt. “I have a group of sisters. It’s a social club that is good for your body.”
  “I’ve lost a lot of weight,” added Lisa Morgan. “But that’s not the most important thing. We miss each other when we’re not here – we’re a family and that’s important.”
  In fact many of the women who initially were just looking for an exercise program developed to attack all major parts of the body found that Jazzercise gave them something extra.
  “I came for the exercise, but the people are a great part of this,” explained Bev Waddell. “It’s an incredible and supportive group.”
As a relatively small group, the Jazzercise class has also turned into a great way for new women in the community to get to know their neighbors. Sandy Wiles said it’s the way she meets the people who live here.
“I drive to work in Roanoke every day so I don’t get to know many people,” she said. “I bumped into Jill one day and I’ve been coming ever since.”
Jaci Anderson had a similar story.
  “I was new to SML and I’ve made so many friends here,” she said. “It’s a place where you can let your hair down, cut loose and get to know people.”
  The Jazzercise Center is conveniently located at Westlake Commons. They also feature baton lessons taught by Diane Diel. (Call 890-5510.) And, a six-week yoga class designed to bring balance to the mind, body and spirit by combining awareness, breathing and movement. Yoga is known to benefit stress management, flexibility, physical functioning and well-being. That class is taught by Mary Lynn Tucker, R.N, M.S.N. (Call 721-6352.)
  Annette McQuaid sums it all up: “If you’re thinking about some type of exercise – don’t even think about it – just come. It’s fun, fun, fun!”
  For more information, call Jill Muccino at 721-1988.