Your Neighborhood Notes: “Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night”

Jazzercise. People say it’s been around ‘forever.’ It’s been in business for a long time-over 40 years but is unique because it retains an enthusiastic and youthful energy that I experienced firsthand on a Tuesday evening at Harding Middle School. Twenty Four years ago, instructor, Karen Kilbane, left her job at the phone company after the birth of her son to teach Jazzercise classes. She’s fit and genuinely friendly. “Jazzercise is always able to find what’s a keeper in fitness- Pilates, dance, cardio, etc” she explained. “The dance/exercise routines are set to great music and change 5 times a year so it never becomes old."

The class I attended had 45 students of various ages, sizes, mostly women, with a few moms and teenage daughters, but also men. So I walked around before class started, with my red notebook in hand, and asked a few students, “What do you like about Jazzercise?”

“I love the number of classes held through the week. It’s a great work-out to music. It’s fun and doesn’t feel like it’s an hour long class!” ~Becky of Lake Ave.

“It helps me maintain my weight. I love the music and seeing friends.” ~Janet of Fry Ave.

“I grew up in Lakewood on Grace and I’ve loved these classes for 20 years! It’s fun to dance and it’s a good time to socialize.” ~Joyceof Grace Ave.

“I love everything about it!  It relieves stress, and is a great fitness program with great instructors.” ~Patty of Ramona Ave.

“It’s the only exercise program that I can stick with and I’ve been doing it for 30 years!” ~Arlene of McKinley Ave.

“I like it for 3 reasons- #1 -it’s a lot of fun.  #2 -anyone can do it.  #3 -the camaraderie.” ~Mary of Mars Ave.

“I enjoy the music; lost weight and fat. And I love the social part!” ~Kathy of Mathews Ave.

“I love the music and the classes always keep up with the trends- weights, Pilates. I’ve been going to classes since the 70’s and like making friends and getting a good work out.”  ~Connie of Wayne Ave.

The classes are wonderful…but I don’t agree with the women that it’s “fun” (smiling). But I needed to do something and I’ve been coming for 2 years.”  ~Danny of Kenilworth Ave.

Dozens of people had braved the cold on a wintery, gray Lakewood day to come to this class at the large cafetorium. The vibe was happy and energetic; the music started right on time. It was the Black Eyed Peas singing, “Tonight’s gonna be a good night.”  And I think it was!