So in my last post I was getting all rah rah about Jazzercise.  I wanted to share with you  some of the things I would have found helpful to know before I went.

I can only speak about my experience and some of these things of course vary from location to location but it gives you some idea of what to expect:

• Every Jazzercise is different, some have full facilities to shower and change etc, some don’t so you just have to check the one you are thinking of attending to see how it works.
• In the ones I have been in there are no mirrors generally where the class actually takes place, or if they have them they cover them up, which I think is really  kind.  I really don’t need to be staring at myself (or in my case trying not to see myself at all) in the mirror while I am trying to get my groove on…well at least not yet.
• Each instructor makes up their own routines from the sets they are taught and they use old and new ones, I think there is some ratio they have to use to design them.  But they really keep it fresh, rotating in new songs (current songs) and also bringing back old favorites from time to time.  You won’t get bored with the same old thing.
• They do also switch it up a bit and offer some classes that include circuit training or are shorter than the  full hour.  It just depends on the facility.
• Some classes and routines use extra equipment: exercise ball, hand weights, leg weights, exercise mats, exercise bands.  Some facilities provide some or all of these pieces, you will just have to see what your facility has and what you might consider buying.  Generally you can do all of the exercises without anything extra but you will find some of the equipment helps you get a better workout.
• Fees:   I am in Oregon and the fees here are generally $99 to start up and around $46 a month if you get direct debit.  I think each facility can set their rates how they want but it is usually about that.  These are my local fees as of as of January 2012.
• Look out for Jazzercise deals, they are always running specials to get people in.  So contact the one you are interested in and see if they have any coming up.
• Accept that the first 3 times you will feel like your feet are on backwards.  It’s called learning, so just have fun and go with it.
• Some members have been going for years and stake a claim on particular spots on the floor, it is theirs, much like a person who frequents a bar and has their own bar stool.  Woe be to the person that  takes the spot of Mabel who has been attending the 8:30 am class since 1983.  They can be a bit territorial.
• It can also feel a bit like high school with cliques of women that all seem to know each other.  Don’t let it bother you.  I don’t tend to be a major joiner, but  I am friendly and I have found that if you  smile, people will eventually return it.  And the group as a whole is very supportive.  Not something I can necessarily say for other group exercise situations I have been in.
• Bring a bottle of water and maybe a towel.  You are gonna sweat, but I promise you it will be worth it.
• The good news about the dance routines is that the steps you learn get used over and over again.  They take the steps and recombine them, they do bring in new stuff too, but you get to use the old with the new, so after awhile you can pick up even the new routines in no time.
• I like that you can work out in a group and feel collectively silly.  I don’t know what it is but for me it helps to know that my abilities and awkwardness are a lot like other peoples.
• I will talk more about shoes in detail in another post, but I really recommend good supportive shoes.  Jazzercise has some company they have partnered with I think that they really recommend.  But to boil it down I found what I needed was good arch support and non-slippery soles. Running shoes are not built the same and really won’t work. You needs something that supports hopping up and down.  Your feet will get fatigued otherwise.
• More about how I really feel about this in another blog.  Be sure to dress for fitness and comfort.  No thong leotards are needed and I think I have only seen those once there and it was as a joke.  Nobody wears those anymore.  Yoga pants and a comfortable exercise top and sports bra area ll a good idea.

So that’s about it.  I will let you know if more helpful Jazzercise tips come to mind, but that should get your started.  Have fun and please comment if you have some experiences you’d like to share.