Jazzercise a fun way to fitness

Janice Triffon

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With a new year comes new year’s resolutions, and for many, the goal to get in shape is No. 1 on the list. But with a myriad of aerobic options available, finding the right one can be difficult.

For more than 40 years, Jazzercise has been helping women from 18 to 80-plus get fit while having fun.

The fun aspect is critical, says Delta Jazzercise instructor, Janice Triffon. For long-term health, it’s important to make regular exercise a part of your lifestyle. If you can find a workout routine that you find fun, you’re more likely to stick with it.

However, Triffon says those without dance experience needn’t worry about being uncoordinated.

“It’s fine if you goof up the steps,” she says. “The important thing is that you are having fun and getting fit.”

An introduction to the basic moves can be found on www.jazzercise.com, but first-timers will find a welcoming and easy-going atmosphere at Jazzercise classes. Despite being more than 40 years old, Jazzercise has evolved with the times, says Triffon.

“It’s lasted so long because it’s kept changing,” she says. “It’s not leotards and headbands anymore.”

In addition to being a fun way to dance away an hour, Jazzercise provides the body with cardio, strength, and stretching, all in an hour.

Classes incorporate work with weights, exercise tube, and mats. After a warm-up, the class moves into a 30-minute cardio session, before moving on to cool down and stretching. Each hour-long class burns close to 600 calories. But like any exercise routine, Triffon says it’s important to manage your goals, and make sure they are realistic.

“A lot of people seem to have a misconception they’ll lose 40 pounds in the first month,” she says. “But that weight took years to gain, so it’s not going anywhere overnight.”

The important thing is to make lasting positive changes to your lifestyle to promote healthy living.

• Triffon leads Jazzercise classes at Ladner Baptist Church, Ladner Fisherman’s Hall, and the McKee Seniors’ Centre. For more information about Jazzercise, call 604-813-3990.