What is jazzercise?
It is a question that Niles Jazzercise franchise owner Beverly Manuel hears time and time again. What she tells those that ask is that they should try it.
“It is a very fun way to get exercise, especially if you come with friends,” Manuel said. “You have to come and experience it for yourself.”
For those who do not know, jazzercise is a form of dance fitness that involves, cardio and strength training. Contrary to its name, there is no jazz in jazzercise, at least not in Manuel’s classes, which have students dancing to the latest hits. If there is anything that keeps people from joining, Manuel said, it is its ‘80s music, legwarmer evoking reputation. But Manuel said her classes evolve with the times featuring modern dance moves.
Manuel has operated the Niles Jazzercise studio for the past seven years. In August, she moved her business to a downtown location at 226 1/2 E. Main Street.
Manuel offers a variety of classes, which feature six different dance formats from beginner level starter classes to sweat inducing classes called Party Mixx, to the cardio intensive Interval Fusion.
Manuel said she also travels to businesses to offer on location exercise.
Recently, Manuel has incorporated a program that seeks to offer free classes to young women and girls ages 16-21, called Girl Force. The free unlimited year round classes are part of a goal established by Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett to help girls get in the habit of being fit while building self esteem.
“It helps them feel more empowered,” Manuel said. “It is not about being thin. The most important thing is to be healthy.”
Missett jump-started the program after attending a women’s summit in Washington D.C., where she listened to leaders discuss a need to help women and girls adopt self-care and healthy habits.
Manuel encourages young women to join in classes with their moms and develop some bonding time, while having fun exercising.
Manuel recalled doing this very thing with her own mom and the fun that they would have. Today, Manuel’s own children Maurice, 16, and Maurianna, 13, often join her while she teaches class.
Though it is a little smaller than her former location at 11th and Broadway, Manuel said that being in the downtown location has drawn more people to the studio, even if it is only to ask what jazzercise is.
Manuel’s classes draw people from all over Michiana including South Bend, Goshen, Buchanan, Berrien Springs and Niles.
The benefits she said are uplifting physically and emotionally, but more than that the classes offer a place where friendships can be forged and where classmates hold each other accountable.
Manuel said if she has not seen or heard from a student, she is likely to check up on them to see how they are doing.
A special offer includes free classes through the month of January, with a six-month commitment.
“We are a lot of fun,” Manuel said.