Why I became a Jazzercise instructor

13Mar14

I was recently profiled in my Jazzercise district newsletter, and it was a fun flip to be the interviewee for a change! I wanted to share a bit of the Q&A here because I think it expresses a philosophy I’ve adapted about life and health in my 30s.

Why did you become a Jazzercise Instructor?

My husband died suddenly in June 2012. I’d been Jazzercising at the Franklin Fitness Center for about 2 years, and both instructors and students rallied around me and were so supportive. In the weeks and months following his death, I found that the studio was my “happy place.” Continuing to exercise helped me feel in control, and like I was taking care of myself even on days when I felt like my life was falling apart. The instructors in Franklin, following [owner] Linda Cash’s amazing example, are so positive, and I always left class feeling better than when I’d come in.

I had thought about teaching before that—I’ve danced on and off for years—and even talked to Linda about it. In my day job, I’m an editor for a health magazine, so I’m passionate about encouraging people to get healthy, and especially finding a workout that is right for them, which I believe makes all the difference. (I was never a very consistent exerciser before Jazzercise!) But my husband’s death gave me the push, because training and getting certified helped me to feel like I was taking control of my life and starting a new chapter.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

So many things! I just love the idea of being part of people’s healthy journey by encouraging them and always being there for them at the center. It’s been especially fun to see new faces this January and to remember how I felt when I first joined Jazzercise—and how it has changed my life.

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Tags: fitness, grief, health, jazzercise