I know what you’re thinking. But, no, you don’t have to break out your legwarmers and fluro leotards…Jazzercise is actually really, really cool!

In case you haven’t heard of it (you may be slightly younger than me), Jazzercise is a dance-based fitness program that has been running all over the world for 40 years, combining dance, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing movements into one fun and effective total body workout.

I went along at 8:30am on Saturday morning to put it through its paces and was surprised to find (a) instructors dressed in funky threads that would put Zumbawear to shame; and (b) a hall packed with women aged from their teens to their 60s (and beyond) .

They’re a friendly bunch, are Jazzercise devotees – I was warmly welcomed and shown what equipment I’d need for the latter half of the class; and struck up a conversation with one of the regulars. Then it was down to business, and instructor Megan bounced onto the stage.

So, what can you expect? Well, the music was very current – Pitbull, Usher, Beyonce and others that you can sing along with…no daggy 90s music here! The choreography was simple – most songs were two or three combinations – and it was very easy to follow along as a newbie. Not once did I feel like I was struggling to keep up with the regulars, and that’s really important.

The moves take their inspiration from jazz ballet (as you’d expect from the name), so there were chasses, plies, and other terms that I can’t really remember, since I wasn’t a dancer growing up…but I caught on pretty quick.  Plus, you can learn the basic moves at home by clicking Learn the Moves on the Jazzercise website.

It was a great workout…I sweated quite a bit and really got my heartrate up during the 40ish minute cardio component of the session.  According to the website, you can burn up to 600 calories in one 60-minute Jazzercise class!

And then, it was on to the muscle toning and strength segment. We used resistance tubes, handweights and body weight to work our arms, abs, and legs…and by the end of one particularly punishing inner thigh track, I was wondering how on earth I’d thought that Jazzercise would be a doddle.

I really liked the structure of the class, and that you truly get a full body workout in an hour. And the next day, I had that pleasant soreness that comes with an effective session.

I tried the traditional ‘Jazzercise’ class, but there are also ‘lite’ classes on offer – they are a similar format but designed for older participants, those with injuries, or women who are post-pregnancy. The ‘lite’ classes are lower impact with fewer twists and less complicated footwork. You can also try ‘body sculpt’, which are all muscle routines to really strengthen and tone.  You don’t bounce at all but you’re assured of getting a full-body workout!

I liked it. Really, liked it. In fact, it may become my new Saturday morning routine…I may even wear my legwarmers next time!.

the essentials

What: Jazzercise
Where: Northside – St. Josephs Primary School, Boronia Dr, O’Connor; Southside – Church Of The Good Shepherd, Hambidge Cresent & Proctor St, Chisholm; Pearce Community Centre, Colette Street, Pearce; Tuggeranong Community Centre, Cowlishaw St, Tuggeranong.
When: There are multiple classes every day of the week, check the website to find the class time that suits you best
Web: jcls.jazzercise.com/search