Get Jazzed on Fitness With Sumner Jazzercise

While Jazzercise may seem like a throwback to the heyday of ‘80s legwarmers and spandex, the effective and fun dance workout has been updated to the 21st Century and is ready to break the stereotype. It is a fusion of Pilates, kickboxing, yoga and aerobics, working all muscle groups from the upper body to abs and legs.

If that doesn't grab your attention, maybe this will: a typical workout can burn up to 600 calories an hour, according to the Jazzercise Inc. website.

Lisa Osterthaler, owner of the , has been teaching Jazzercise classes for eight years. Certified in California where Jazzercise never went out of style, Osterthaler came to Sumner and opened her own franchise in March 2007 in the V.F.W. Building, located across Willow Street from . Osterthaler and all of the teaching staff have a strong dance background and professional credentials, but each has their own style.

in currently running their annual Jazz It Off fitness program. This 12-week program lasts through June 4, assisting individuals, 13-years and up, to work toward a fitness, health and/or weight goal.

"Some people tell me they are too old to do Jazzercise, but we have one lady, Cookie, who is 73-years old and she comes three times a week,” said Osterthaler.

Sumner Jazzercise is also hosting a free at the studio this Saturday at 8:30 am, featuring Jazzercise Inc. instructor Rich Mundy.

“He is featured on all Jazzercise Tapings and travels to all Jazzercise conventions around the world. It is a huge honor to have him visit our location,” said Osterthaler.

All are welcome to the Open House, which, in addition to a hearty 75-minute workout, includes refreshments and door prizes.

"You don't have to be part of the program to attend classes here," said Osterthaler. "We have 11 classes offered weekly and they are often pretty full, so I added a new instructor and will be adding three more classes on April 11."

Classes are typically 60 minutes long with 35 minutes of aerobic exercise and 25 minutes of strength training. "Between all of our teachers, the classes are never the same," explained Osterthaler. "This way, they are always fresh and different. They keep everyone interested."

All of the routines are choreographed by Jazzercise, Inc.

“The instructors learn the routines the way they (Jazzercise Inc.) have choreographed them, therefore we do not make any of it up ourselves,” said Osterthaler. “By doing it this way, it ensures quality and safety. I think that is what sets us apart from other dance fitness classes." 

Osterthaler encouraged new attendees to wear supportive shoes and comfortable clothing. Sumner Jazzercise also offers childcare.

"I am trying to expand the interest in Jazzercise by offering a free after-school program on Mondays at 2:30pm. This is open to any student or staff member,” said Osterthaler. “It is really taking off and students can receive a PE credit for attending. We even have boys in our high school program who are really doing the program and not just attending to watch the girls."

is just one more option to add to your list of possibilities as you begin thinking about bathing suit season.

For more information, call 253-298.2900 or go to www.jazzercise.com.