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Ever thought about becoming a Jazzercise Instructor?

Kristine — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:14:52 +0000

Having a career in the fitness industry is extremely rewarding. You set your own hours (and never work an 8-hour day!); impact the lives of women, men and children in your community; make tons of new friendships; and get paid to workout!

So what does it take to be a Jazzercise instructor?

First, you need to have a couple of key components in place. You need to have rhythm, great intensity, a good ear for music, a great smile and a burning desire to dance on a stage!

Becoming a Jazzercise instructor is a bit more involved than other group fitness certifications. While most companies hand over a certification after you’ve demonstrated the capacity to write a check, Jazzercise actually wants to make sure you CAN teach a successful class. The process sounds daunting, but with some serious dedication, about 86 percent of trainees pass our workshop and become instructors.

First, an existing instructor has to screen you to see if you have “potential” to pass. A class owner (the instructor who owns the classes at your location) also has to tell corporate that she has a need for a new instructor and could use you on her team.

Next, you are sent a contract to review, sign and return to corporate. Jazzercise teaching certifications are actually FRANCHISES - in the eyes of the law, you are becoming a business owner. After you’ve sent that signed contract back, and pay the franchise fee (currently $1,000) you will be sent all the training material needed for workshop. Specifically, you’ll learn 10 routines, and also study for a written exam. And, don’t forget your CPR certification. You’ll need one of those, too.

After you’ve passed the written exam and practiced your heart out, you’ll attend a workshop audition, where you’ll be asked to perform routines (usually 2-3 of the 10 you’ve learned) as if you ARE an instructor. Trainees who pass the audition demonstrate that they no longer just have “potential” but are now “ready” to teach a Jazzercise class at the quality calibre corporate holds us all to.

All of this usually takes 8-12 weeks.

OK, so it doesn’t exactly sound like a piece of cake, right? But that’s the beauty of it, too! Those who pass the audition and become instructors have truly demonstrated their professionalism, reliability, drive, and passion for fitness! They are the cream of the crop — and their students get to take advantage of that!

At Jazzercise Elk Grove, our philosophy is if a customer shows us their strong potential and desire to become an instructor, then we don’t want money to stand in the way of it. Everyone has the right to see their dreams fulfilled. And when one of us has a need, we step up!

Our newest trainee, Linda, will be going through the February workshop. Everyone who has seen her in class sees she has the potential and the desire (and she’s a lot of fun too!). We have been doing some fun-raisers to help her gather the franchise fee together, and we are very close! You can help her fulfill her dream, too! Check out our auctions (on the right), and place a bid!

More instructors to teach at our Center means more classes we can offer YOU! What class times would you like us to add?

JAZZERCISE ELK GROVE TRAINS, ADDS NEW INSTRUCTOR TO CENTER

Kristine — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:11:47 +0000

(ELK GROVE, CA) – Jazzercise Elk Grove Fitness Center announced today it is adding a newly-certified instructor to its fold. Wendy Mullahey, a newly certified Jazzercise instructor, will begin teaching classes at the Elk Grove center immediately.

Mullahey earned the right to teach Jazzercise by completing an intense three-day workshop and performing a letter-perfect audition. Becoming a Jazzercise instructor requires dedication and thorough training. After submitting adequate references and putting in long hours of practice, Mullahey recently participated in a rigorous workshop in Pleasanton, sponsored by the Franchise Programs and Services Department of Jazzercise, Inc. She was required to learn 10 Jazzercise routines for her audition; pass a written exam on basic anatomy, exercise physiology and nutrition; learn Jazzercise business practices; and become certified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“The training process is incredibly strenuous and challenging,” said Jazzercise Elk Grove center owner Kristine Roberson, who is the Central California Quality Coordinator for Jazzercise, Inc., and mentored Mullahey through the process. “It is one of the most difficult group fitness certifications to attain in the United States. We are all really proud of Wendy and all of the hard work she put into attaining her goal.”

Mullahey will join Roberson and the Elk Grove team of certified instructors to continue offering a plethora of effective, fun and challenging fitness classes. The Elk Grove center currently offers more than 20 weekly classes, including 9:20 am (7 days a week); 4:50 pm (Monday-Friday); and 6 pm (Monday-Thursday).

Jazzercise combines effective exercise with dance-based choreography and popular music. Each 60-minute high-energy class includes a warm up, aerobic segment, muscle toning and flexibility exercises, and a cool-down. Fresh choreography is continually introduced into the program as Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett creates new routines every ten weeks. The non-competitive atmosphere makes it easy for people of all fitness levels to participate. Instructors demonstrate both challenging movements and low-impact variations. Most importantly, Jazzercise classes are designed to be fun!

Instructors may also offer classes in several alternative formats, including Jazzercise Lite, Jazzercise Personal Touch and Junior Jazzercise.

About Jazzercise
Judi Sheppard Missett, who turned her love of jazz dance into a worldwide dance exercise phenomenon, founded the Jazzercise dance fitness program in 1969. She has advanced the business opportunities of women and men in the fitness industry by growing her program into an international franchise business that today, hosts a network of 7,500 instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly in 32 countries.

The workout program, which offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing movements, has positively affected millions of people worldwide. Benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall “feel good” factor. For more information on Jazzercise, contact Roberson at (916)222-0572. For worldwide class information, go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT.

Morning Class Time Change

Kristine — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:46:09 +0000

We’re combining classes in the morning hours to make for larger, more fun classes! We’ve asked as many of you as we could your opinion, and the majority of you like the 9:20 am class time the best.

So, starting Monday, May 9, morning classes will be at 9:20 am. These will be all regularly-formatted Jazzercise classes — 7 days a week!

Be sure to check out and bookmark our Google Calendar, listing class times and promotions here.

Also, we are close to being able to offer CHILDCARE! Look for childcare availability M/W/F at 9:20 am, and Tu/Th at 6 pm! Details coming soon!

And don’t forget, Dancing West workout wear boutique will be at the center, Tuesday May 17 at all of the classes! Really cute stuff, extremely reasonable prices!!!

Maximize May with Motion

Kristine — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:12:07 +0000

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, designated in 1983 by the President’s Council on Fitness to promote healthy lifestyles among all Americans and improve our quality of life.

American leaders realized fitness was vital for our citizens as early as 1956, when President Eisenhower created the President’s Council on Youth Fitness, renamed in the early 1960s by President Kennedy as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness to include people of all ages.

As the President’s Council reminds us, every physical activity counts in your goal to become more fit. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett reminds us that the time we devote to keeping our bodies moving will reward us tenfold in happiness with the extra energy, productivity and good health we’ll enjoy for the rest of our lives.

Here are some ways to get your body moving:

Be a Sport
Join a community sports league – softball, soccer, basketball, flag football or even Ultimate Frisbee. You will have a blast and get your exercise in at the same time.

Join a Group
Join a group fitness class such as Jazzercise. Working out with others keeps you on target. Your classmates will hold you accountable for attending each day and you’ll enjoy working up a sweat together.

Exercise with Mom
Mother’s Day is May 8 so take some time to help Mom feel great. Depending upon her fitness level, take her for a scenic drive followed by a healthy lunch and brief stroll, or if she’s able, show her some gentle yoga stretches or tai chi motions. If mom is really fit, she might take you for a walk!

Have a Ball with Your Children
Engage your kids in fitness and fun. Toss a football across the yard; kick a soccer ball through a park; or take turns swatting a baseball with a bat and running to get the ball. Return home for a healthy snack accompanied by water or unsweetened juice.

Hip Hoopla
Remember Hula Hoops? Swirling a hoop around your swiveling hips is fabulous exercise for your abdominal muscles and your entire torso from the action and from all the laughing you’ll do. If you have children, have them join in; they might show you a thing or two.

Jack of All Trades
Jumping jacks can be done anywhere. All you need is your body and the desire to feel vital. Try variations such as half-jacks (raise your arms to shoulder height only); power jacks (finish each one with a squat) or scissors jacks (scissors your legs on each jump).

Whatever your fitness level, get moving in May and beyond. Your body will thank you.

Judi Sheppard Missett, who turned her love of jazz dance into a worldwide dance exercise phenomenon, founded the Jazzercise dance fitness program in 1969. She has advanced the business opportunities of women and men in the fitness industry by growing the program into an international franchise business that today, hosts a network of 7,800 instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly in 32 countries.

The workout program, which offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, cardio box and Latin style movements, has positively affected millions of people worldwide. Benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall “feel good” factor. Additional Jazzercise programs include Junior Jazzercise, Jazzercise Lite and Personal Touch. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Do-it-Yourself Spa Treatments

Kristine — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:06:19 +0000

Most effective beauty treatments are based on things found in nature. Did you know you can give yourself beauty treatments at home using food you have on hand?

Here’s how to make some of your own products quickly and easily. Try them alone or invite friends over to share the fun.

Honey-Cucumber Facial
1 cup clear honey
10 drops fresh lime juice; mix with honey
1 cucumber

Wash your face with warm water and dry. Massage honey and lime juice on face for 15 minutes. Wipe your face with a warm cloth. Then, lie on your back; apply cucumber slices for 20 minutes and relax. Honey helps soften the skin; lime juice dissolves old tissue; cucumber tightens skin and replenishes moisture.

Egg White Mask
Beat an egg white for 1 minute. Apply as a mask on your face and neck until it hardens. Wash with warm water. Follow with Lemon Toner (see below). Moisturize. Egg white draws toxins from the skin’s surface and tightens pores. This mask is helpful for reviving complexions.

Avocado Mask
Mash some avocado into a soft paste and massage it onto your face using the tip of your fingers. Leave on for 20 minutes. Wash with warm water. Avocado is rich in vitamin E and leaves your skin feeling soft.

Lemon Toner
1 lemon
½ tsp cold water

Blend juice from a lemon with water. Splash on your face. Allow to air dry. Moisturize. Lemon acts as a wonderful and gentle toner after honey, egg or avocado masks.

Avocado Hair Moisturizer
Mash an avocado into a paste and apply to clean, dry hair. Apply a shower cap for increased effect. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse out. Shampoo; condition if desired.

Carrot Hair Shine
Grate two large carrots. Massage into damp or dry hair. Trap with a shower cap for 20 minutes. Rinse. Shampoo and condition if desired.

Celery Hair Thickener
Requires a juicer. Juice a few celery stalks. Apply juice to hair and scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse. Shampoo and condition if desired.

Egg Hair Thickener
Whisk two eggs and massage into your hair. Wash off after two minutes. Shampoo and condition if desired.

After you’re done, bask in the enjoyment of knowing you can feel like you’re at a spa even when you’re at home.

We’re Super Social!

Kristine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:51:28 +0000

Please vote for us on the KCRA A-LIST! Go to http://ctvr.us/jazzelkgrove

You can find us a plethora of ways online!

LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JazzerciseElkGrove
FOLLOW us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/fitelkgrove
Grab our class schedule in a jiffy at www.FitElkGrove.com
Yep, we’re YELPers too (and we’d LOVE reviews!) Go to yelp.com and search Jazzercise Elk Grove (we know, there’s a duplicate entry — you can tell us twice how much you love us!).

Coming this Summer – Attendance Game time!

Kristine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:41:25 +0000

You are sure to be up for this challenge when you get a look at the prize, too! Here’s how our Summer Attendance Game works: Buddy up with one other member; attend a combined total of 60 classes in June and July (so that’s 30 each, or 40/20, or 50/10, etc); and both team members will win a super cute animal print tote bag (limited quantities)! The totes are ordered, and will be here sometime next month to show off, but they really are super cute!

Celebrate Someone Today! Give 30 Days of Jazzercise AND a Luxury Candle

Kristine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:38:42 +0000

Are you looking for a great gift for Mother’s Day, graduation, or a bride to be? Introduce friends and family to your favorite workout with 30 Days of Jazzercise bundled with a luxury candle. Best of all, it won’t break your budget – only $19 (retail value $99).

Developed by luxury candle maker Illume exclusively for Jazzercise, this classy candle comes in an 8 oz. silver tin and features the company’s signature saffron lavender scent. Available for purchase NOW from our Center for a limited time only (while supplies last). Pick one up next time you’re in class!

April is Sign Blast Month!

Kristine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:26:23 +0000

Help get the word out in the community about the Center! Pick up a Jazzercise yard sign at the Center. Keep it in your yard (or your neighbor’s yard, that works too!) for two weeks, then return it to us and you’ll get a coffee gift card as our thank you! And everyone who participates in the Sign Blast will be entered to win a prize! If we run out of signs the first two weeks, let us know you are waiting for a sign and as soon as one comes back in, we’ll reserve it for you.

Tone Your Tummy for Summer

Kristine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:11:23 +0000

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to get serious about toning our torsos so we can feel carefree all summer long. Strengthening our abdominal muscles is important for our overall health and well-being. Abs support our entire body by giving us core strength, supporting our backs and helping us keep our balance, especially as we get older.

Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett says while it’s great to work out with summer goals in mind, consistency is the key to all exercise programs. Talk with your doctor if you are new or returning to exercise after a long absence.

Here are some torso tuning ideas:

Side Knee Raises
Stand with your feet apart, shift most of your weight to your right leg, bending your right knee slightly. Push your left hip out to the side. Your torso will be on a slight diagonal from your legs. Raise your left arm straight up, make a fist and pull your arm down while lifting your left knee up and to the side. Lift with your side abs (obliques), not your thigh.

Reverse Sit-Ups
Sit on the floor with your legs bent, knees up, feet touching the floor, your torso and thighs making a V-shape, hands on the floor beside your hips. Lean back, lowering your torso halfway to the floor, then pull yourself up using your abs. Keep your back as straight as possible. Cross your arms across your chest for a greater challenge.

V-Pulls
Sit on the floor with your legs bent, knees up, feet touching the floor, your torso and thighs making a V-shape. Place your hands on the floor behind you. Lift your feet off the floor and bring your knees into your chest 10 – or even 20 – times. Hold your abs tight and keep your back as straight as possible.

Planking
Lie on the floor on your right side, supporting yourself on your right elbow; stack your legs and hips on top of each other, your elbow directly under your shoulder, your left arm lying on your left hip. Lift your hips off the floor and hold in straight line as if you are a plank of wood. Flip over and have fun on the left side too. For more of a challenge, lift your top arm straight up while lifting your hips off the floor.

Alternate these abdominal exercises with other daily physical activity, and eat a balanced diet, and you’ll be ready for summer in no time.