In 1969, Judi Missett first started teaching an exercise program in a Chicago dance studio. Thirty-five years later, Missett is the founder and CEO of an international fitness empire called Jazzercise. Today there are 5,800 franchised instructors teaching 20,000 classes weekly at more than 3,200 locations.
One of those many locations is at the Hollin Hall Senior Center where Mindy LaBruno has been teaching for more than 10 years. In honor of the 35th anniversary, free classes will be offered for new customers at participating locations — including hers — during the week of Oct. 23-30.
Another free class was offered this past Monday to celebrate Active Aging Week, which is Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. Hosted by Jazzercise Inc. and International Council on Active Aging, with support of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Active Aging week is a health initiative which highlights the importance of physical activity for older adults and motivate them to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Not only was the Jazzercise Lite class free to the public, but LaBruno also invited Missett to Alexandria to teach the free Jazzercise Lite class. Over 100 seniors crammed into the activity room for an hour’s worth of heart-pumping, foot-stumping movement.
“We had a blast. The seniors loved it,” said LaBruno, who got to be a student in her own class.