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Photos Courtesy of CATHY LYLES
Exercise fads tend to come and go, but not Jazzercise. Even though Jazzercise was founded over 50 years ago and rose to fame in the ‘80s, the program continues to adapt to keep up with the times and is still a fun and proven way for people to get a full-body workout.
Combining current hit music with choreographed exercise routines, including dance, yoga, kickboxing and pilates moves, Jazzercise is a program that instructor Cathy Lyles says will make people feel amazing, look even better and is the ultimate confidence infusion that allows people to channel their inner pop diva; all while getting fit. Jazzercise offers several different class formats, including strength training, cardio sculpt and stretch.
“It’s not boring and we use the music from the latest playlists —that’s why everybody keeps coming,” Cathy says. “I can have anything from Lady Gaga to George Strait and Taylor Swift to Pitbull and Maroon 5. Some people think you have to be a dancer, but you don’t. It just blends in a little dance to make it more fun.”
“We get about 25 routines five times a year,” Cathy says. “All the routines are tested by exercise physiologists to make sure they are safe. When people come in, they will be comfortable because it is all follow the leader, so no one has to memorize the routines.”
Throughout her 42-year Jazzercise career, Cathay has overcome many health obstacles including cancer and a mini-stroke. She attests her health and wellness to staying active and God as the reason she is still alive today.
“People think I have nine lives, but I really have three,” Cathy says. “The truth is, Jazzercise has saved my life twice. After a three-year journey of surgeries, radiation and chemo I am still here. Today, I am healthy as can be, and I love every minute of it — I am a walking billboard of why you should stay healthy.”
Cathy loves Jazzercise so much that she considers it a mini vacation from the outside world for herself and her customers. She says even if she is in a bad mood, one look at all the smiling faces, and she is ready to go, and all the things on her mind vanish.
“When people walk in this door, no matter their mood or how they are feeling, they are all happy after this workout,” Cathy says. “The minute they walk in the door and hear the music, emotionally and mentally, they start feeling better. For me, as soon as I come into the building and turn the music on, it doesn’t even take the first routine before I am energized and ready to go.”
Each Jazzercise session lasts around 55 minutes, and Cathy says if participants put their all into it, they could burn up to 800 calories in a single session. Since the program is continuous, community members can join at any time. Prices start at $89 a month, and the very first classis free.
“Jazzercise is a lot more fun than other workout classes,” Cathy says. “We never ever want you to feel inhibited about the way you look or the ability you have because all Jazzercise instructors are trained and certified to teach according to the ability level of our customers. Don’t be afraid — the more you come, the easier it gets.”
Cathy urges people to stay healthy and work out, no matter what they do and encourages all community members regardless their age to keep moving to keep going.
“Find something you like to do and keep it in your life,” Cathy says. “Eat right, exercise, and do it the rest of your life. If you want to look better and healthier, you are the one who has to make that decision.”
Jazzercise classes are held Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Gym in Downtown Bryan. The number of classes varies each day. For more information on how to join or to learn more about the schedule, visitjazzercise.com or contact Cathy atcathy.jazzercise@suddenlink.net.
