Ann-I LOVE Jazzercise, it’s that simple. I have always been active in sports and dance, but am bored with the workout that a typical gym offers.When I joined the Roxbury Fitness Center, I looked up at the instructor and knew that was what I wanted to do. So, in October 2006, after months of hard work, I became a Jazzercise Instructor. The great thing about Jazzercise is that it is vibrant. It has a life of its own, always changing and growing.I am a mother of 2 young girls and work full time as the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer of the Southeast Morris County MUA. I am a Certified Municipal Finance Officer and hold a Batchelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting from Montclair State University and a MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University. As you can see, my career is somewhat sedentary. Jazzercise, for me, is my alter-ego. I love to work out, dance, teach, and love people. I look forward to a life long, growing career with Jazzercise.
Dena-For most of my life I never had a major issue with my weight. However, I started to feel sluggish at work and my thighs were getting a little giggly. Scary. I knew I needed an exercise regiment and fast! One day I was reading a local community paper and saw an interesting Jazzercise advertisement. That one advertisement was enough to reel me in so I decided to visit the Roxbury Center. I instantly loved it. The staff was welcoming and fellow students appeared happy and engaged. I had a great workout and an amazing time during my first class. I joined Jazzercise that day on February 4, 2002. After a few years as a student and Class Manager, I stepped out on a limb and decided to become an instructor. This was a big decision for me as I also have a full time career. But I accumulated so many friends through Jazzercise and enjoyed helping and being around the students; I knew it was the right time for me to do it.
Since I became an instructor, I am more confident as a woman and professional. I feel a better sense of balance between my personal life and career. More importantly, I have met and befriended the most incredible women whom I am proud to call my friends and team members! Dena Foust
Donna R.-I grew up in South Florida with three older brothers. Needless to say, I was a tom boy. I always wanted to be outside playing sports with my brothers. Since I was not allowed to be on their football teams, the next best thing was cheerleading. I started as the mascot at age 4. That grew into an interest in gymnastics, tap, jazz and ballet. I participated in all of these activities into my early 20’s. After getting married, attending college, having children and no longer being involved in sports, like most women, I noticed some weight gain and tiredness. I knew I needed to exercise, but I had trouble finding a gym I liked. I find exercise machines boring. I tried regular aerobics classes, but I also found them uninteresting. Like most people, if I don’t enjoy the exercise I am doing, I am not likely to keep up with it. I needed to find something fun that would hold my interest.
I was first introduced to Jazzercise about 12 years ago in Florida. Since I grew up doing gymnastics, dance and cheerleading; Jazzercise was a perfect fit. I loved the music and the routines. I love the way the choreography challenged your mind as well as your body. It was just what I had been searching for. I immediately joined. I was soon asked to be an instructor, but the timing was not right. I did become a class manager in Florida for 6 years. I loved it. I looked forward to my workouts and meeting the students. I lost a few pounds, felt great and made new friends. My family was then transferred to New Jersey. One of my first thought was, “Would there be a Jazzercise center? “
I immediately went on-line to find out if Sparta, NJ had a Jazzercise center. At the time we moved here, Stacey did have a small satellite center in Sparta. I was thrilled. I started attending immediately. I can remember meeting Lisa C., the instructor, at my first class. She couldn’t believe I had just moved into our home about a week earlier and I was already taking a class. Exercise is a great stress reducer and Jazzercise is a great way to meet friends. Both of which I needed.
Unfortunately, Stacey had to close that office after only a few short months. Although I loved the Roxbury center, it was almost an hour from my home in Sparta. Having 2 girls still in high school, it was just too much of a time commitment to travel that far on a regular basis. Stacey asked me several times if I wanted to become an instructor, but the timing was still not right. Again I looked for other gyms to attend, but nothing was like Jazzercise. I would come and go from the Roxbury Jazzercise center over the next few years, depending on my schedule. It was always my exercise/fun of choice, when time allowed. My dream was that a center would open closer to my home, so that I could attend on a regular basis.
Dreams do come true!!!! I found out Stacey was opening a new Jazzercise center in Jefferson, NJ. , in September of 2009. I was more than excited. Then Stacey asked me again if I wanted to become an instructor. WooHoo!!! I was on board. The timing was finally right. My children are in college so I now have an empty nest and some free time. I am proud to say that in November of 2009, after several months of training and studying, I became a certified Jazzercise instructor. It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it. It feels like a natural extension of what I have been doing all my life. I have the dance/gymnastics background from childhood and a medical/health background from college. I love being an instructor and helping people learn to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Donna O.-I started jazzercise 3 years ago. I was a little bit nervous because I have Multiple Sclerosis and have been battling with it for 10 years. I did not know how my body was going to react. As soon as I walked into the center I immedialty felt welcomed. Everyone was so friendly and warm. When I peeked in on the class that was going on, everyone was having a great time and the music was great! I immediatley joined. Not only did I mentally feel good, I physically felt good and I kept feeling better everytime I went to class. Living with Multiple Sclerosis has been challanging, I always have pain and numbness and I constantly shake. My balance is not that great. Since I gave been Jazzercising, I have gained more strength and stability and I seem to be getting better everyday!
I decided that I wanted to become an instructor not only to challange myself, but to inspire others, thats what makes it all worth it to me.
I thank Jazzercise for giving me the confidence and strength to know that I can achieve anything!
Erin- In 2002 my mother turned me on to Jazzercise by bringing me to a huge Jazzercise convention in Delaware. I have always been an avid member of the gym, loving to exercise through kick-boxing, step and spin classes. When I went to the convention I had no idea what was in-store for me. Thousands of woman doing Jazzercise in one huge room, it was the most inspiring feeling. I immediately wanted to become an instructor. That being said, I did! Never became a student, went right into being an instructor, I loved it that much. I taught for a little while, had my first baby, took a hiatus from instructing, but remained a dedicated student. I then had my second baby 2 years ago and could not wait to get back to teaching. The idea of having so much fun while doing something so great for your body is just amazing to me and I never let that go; either being a student or once again being an instructor. The feeling that you are helping people help themselves is so gratifying and I am so glad to be able to bring that to each and every person that takes a Jazzercise class!
Holly- I have been Jazzercising for 22 years. I started when a friend from work talked me into trying a class in Albuquerque, NM in 1984. I had never heard of Jazzercise but needed to find some place to work out after working a full day. Back then it was in an elongated room where we could take our shoes off when needed. Since then I have Jazzercised in Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New Jersey, becoming a Jazzercise instructor in NJ in September, 2001. The thing I enjoy most about being a Jazzercise instructor is feeling that I make a difference in women's lives. Many women come to Jazzercise looking to find a place to not only trim down but to also socialize. They get the best of both worlds at the Center. I am only the catalyst in this process but appreciate the recognition in doing so. Jazzercise is the only exercise program I have ever maintained for the long hall, and that is for many years before becoming an instructor. I would encourage those of you who read this to consider Jazzercise an option for your work out needs.
Jenn H.-I started Jazzercise just like many other Jazzercise Students. With my back to the wall and a tee-shirt to my knees. Although I was instantly ‘hooked’ the first day, I slowly learned the steps, day by day then month by month. I found myself eventually moving closer and closer to the stage, allowing my confidence to build over time. Before I knew it, I was in the front of the class and was so eager to learn any new routines and show that I now was a ‘seasoned student’.I took two months of PT classes and developed the proper skills and correct techniques to increase my workouts even further. I never had never seriously entertained the idea of becoming an instructor until I truly took notice of how much fun the instructor’s at my center were having. They had a confidence about them. An eagerness to change the attitude of people’s everyday lives. Obviously, the health and physical changes of their bodies were quite noticeable as well.I too, noticed this of myself and loved the increase of endurance and confidence. My daily workouts gave me an opportunity to show my own children how important health and wellness are.I enjoy the skills of public speaking, the desire to increase overall health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit to those that I teach.
Jenn W.-Back in 2003, I started jazzercising with co-workers. I really enjoyed the energy of the class, how I felt afterwards, the music, the moves and the fact that it soooo does not feel like “exercise”. When I was asked about becoming an instructor, I thought who…me? Then I said I can do this. I want to give people that “feel good” feeling I get from jazzercise. It’s extremely important to be healthy and I want to help people be that way…All while having fun and enjoying themselves. It’s really a passion.
Karen-The first time I tried a class at Jazzercise I became a member that same day, I was hooked immediately. I loved the high energy cardio workouts combined with strength training. I enjoyed taking different classes taught by a variety of different instructors. Each instructor was unique and I never got bored, which is sometimes easy to do with exercise. Working out with great up-to-date music and exciting routines was so much fun and at the same time, I could see results. I knew right away that I wanted to become a Jazzercise instructor and have the opportunity to be able to work with such a wonderful group of people and to be able to help them with all of theIr fitness needs and goals. I am a certified Jazzercise instructor, it has been one of the best experiences in my life thus far.
Kim-In 1998, I gave up my career in Marketing to stay home with my two children. Giving up my job seemed difficult at the time. After all, I spent all those years getting that Marketing degree. But it was clear in my heart, that now was the time to be home raising our children. My neighbor was the one who introduced me to Jazzercise in the fall 1999. Since dance has been a part of my life since I was in Kindergarten, Jazzercise was just what this stay-at-home mom needed. I loved the music, and the total body workout I received. It certainly was a great opportunity when Stacey needed an Instructor. So in July 2000, I became a Certified Jazzercise Instructor.
I couldn’t ask for a better job. I am grateful every time I get to teach because I know I’ll meet wonderful people. To top it off, it feels good giving our customers get that one hour to themselves, making that time fun all while providing an awesome workout
Linda-I am a Wife and Mother of 3 young children. I tried Jazzercise after seeing a friend at a party who had gotten amazing results and she told me it was all from Jazzercise. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and have tried many different excercise and weight lost programs. Jazzercise is the first thing I have actually stuck with. I walk into the center and I instantly feel like I am surrounded by a room full of friends. The routines are so much fun and enjoyable I almost forget I am working out!
I became an Instructor in April 2007. I wanted to set a good example for my daughter and show her the proper way to stay in shape and live a healthy life. There are too many young girls with low self esteem and eating disorders. What I enjoy the most about being an Instructor is watching the transformation of women like myself, who have given so much time and energy to taking care of their families and now are finally making time for themselves again. Jazzercise works for all ages and all levels of fitness. So many people think they need to get into better shape before they come to class or know how to dance and it is just not the case. The routines work for everyone and the enthusiasm and support you get from the other students is amazing. I invite you all to come and give it a try.
Lisa B.-I joined Jazzercise in January of 2007. I was a new stay at home mom after selling my business that I had for many years, with three beautiful children, overweight, run down and rounding the corner to 40 with both heart disease and cancer in my family I knew it was time to do something! One of my friends invited me to come and take a class ....I felt right at home the minute I walked through the doors… I was greeted with a smile, a positive energy (who wouldn’t want to see that every morning!?) and……it just continued throughout the whole center as I entered the floor….the music, the instructor and within a week or two, it happened…I WAS HOOKED!!!!!! I couldnt believe it myself! In February of 2008 Stacey approached me about becoming instructor...she planted the seed… my journey started soon after that and was completed in June of 2008!!!!! It has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life, I have never felt better!!! I am proud to be a part of this great exercise program. I am having the time of my life!!!…. I welcome you to Jazzercise and know that you will also have a fun and exciting time while exercising! As an instructor, I look forward to meeting you whether a veteran or a new student! Keep on smiin'! Our students are my biggest motivators!
Lisa C.-In 2001, I was frazzled with a one-year old daughter on my hip and a five-year old running circles around me. With left over baby weight and my 20-year high school reunion right around the corner, my partner in crime from grammar school had just moved back home from California (living just outside of the California Jazzercise home office) and persuaded me to try something new. I first dipped my toes into the warm Jazzercise water with a step into working the babysitting room. Before one year had lapsed I was determine to become an instructor. The excitement and enthusiasm were the perfect hour long escape from a hectic life, with great benefits for my body!! True passion came with the personal attention and kindness each student received from the wonderful staff at the center. I especially admired the time Jazzercise dedicated to running warm-ups for fund raisers and walks that aid the MS Society, Breast Cancer Awareness, Light the Night Lukemia & Lymphoma Society and the March of Dimes, in addition to its’ contribution to the Susan B. Koman Foundation. I have had the pleasure of personally handling several of these warm-ups and just like at the center, the smiling faces constantly encourage me to continue to work hard.I hope everyone breathes the adrenaline in the air at Jazzercise, never stops pushing for their goals, and finds the satisfaction they seek. Dedication, as I have found, has extraordinary benefits.
Michele- I am a wife and mother of 3 awesome kids. I've been a dancer for most of my life and have a real passion for dance and music. My wonderful journey started the second I walked into the Roxbury Jazzercise Center, there was an instant vibe of comfort. Everyone from the staff to the students were so warm and caring. I actually looked forward to waking up and starting my day with exercise. My workouts went from 2 days per week to 5 days per week. My cholesterol count went from 360 to 190...it was incredible. The energy in the room was so intense, it was my "feel good" place. Stacey had mentioned to me about becoming an instructor, but I guess I just felt that the time wasnt right for me. I have always admired the hard work and dedication of the instructors and how they help the students achieve their fitness goals....I knew that I wanted to do that too. After some surgery setback with a speedy recovery (all because of building strength through Jazzercise), I am proud to say I became an instructor April 2008. I feel better then I have in many years. Not only do I get a great workout, but I get to share my love of it with others and also set a good example of healthier living for my children. For me, it is most rewarding to see each and every student's smiling face in class. I love to hear about thier own fitness goals.. I have made some amazing friends along the way. Thank you Stacey Oshrin for being a wonderful mentor and friend. "Believe and Achieve" I hope to dance with you all in class!
Stacey-My story started when my daughter was a year old and my son was three. It was very difficult to take that first step to walk into a place where I didn't know anybody as well as not feeling good about myself. On top of that my son has Asperger's Syndrome and had a difficult time in the babysitting room. It took time for him to get used to it and I would stand outside the door and go in and out of the room until he looked forward to going to class with me. I am thankful that I saw him through that difficult time! At the time I was going into a size 16 and ate everything that was on my children's plates. While I was pregnant I had gestational diabetes with both of my children and was on a strict diet. Brianna was big (9lb. 1oz.) due to this. Diabetes runs in my family on both sides and the doctor told me that it is an onset and it was important for me to start exercising. So I started working out two times a week and worked my way up to five days a week. I slowly adapted to a more healthy lifestyle so I didn't change everything at once, because I knew if I did I would only set myself up for failure. We all want quick results but that isn't that way it works. So I started with exercising and changed my eating habits. I needed to drop the weight, get out of the house, and socialize. I have managed to drop the weight and keep it off for 11 years. I am several sizes smaller, I have toned made a lot of friends and a lot more energy! I am so happy to bring to you what Jazzercise has done for me!
