Guest Blogger: Ali of His Birdie’s Nest

When the always adorable Ali became accepted as a Weddingbee (French Bull Dog, to be specific), I was ecstatic. Mainly because anyone who is a friend of French bull dogs is instantly a friend of mine. I find her wedding posts to be painfully cute, so I was thrilled when I first came across her blog, His Birdie’s Nest. I hope you enjoy her post on Jazzercise, which is a subject I can’t say I was very knowledgeable about until she enlightened me!

Without further ado, here is everything you’ve ever wanted to know (c’mon, admit you’re curious) about Jazzercise:

Hi everyone! First I want to thank the lovely Shannon for letting me guest post on her blog. I’ve had a blogger crush on Shannon since she was Miss Candy Corn on Weddingbee, so I’m a little beside myself appearing on her blog.

When I asked Shannon what I should talk about – design, food, eating or my newest obsession (Jazzercise), she said I could blog about whatever I wanted. Through some not-so-subtle hints, I gathered she wanted me to talk about Jazzercise.

For those of you who have absolutely no clue what Jazzercise is, it’s basically dance aerobics. For those of you who know, you may be thinking, “Ali, um, didn’t that die in the 80′s?” Because, that is what I thought when a friend told me about it a few years ago. My mom used to Jazzercise! I have the VHS tape to prove it! My sister and I used to Jazzercise along with her in our little leotards in the living room! I just had visions of legwarmers and headbands.

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Fast forward a couple years, I’ve joined a gym, acquired a personal trainer and decided I need to get into shape. Not so much to lose weight (which I need(ed) to do), but mostly to be healthier. You know, not get winded running up the stairs, stuff like that. The gym and trainer worked, I lost weight, toned my muscles and felt much healthier…but then I went on my honeymoon, moved in with Hubs and lost motivation to go to the gym. About 6 months later *hangs head in shame* I went back to the gym, but just found it boring. I’ve never been one to stay on a treadmill for very long (I have a short attention span), and now all of my gym friends had quit, moved or started coming at different times. Then my personal trainer went on a 3 month leave of absence and I lost all motivation.

At the same time, my buddy Jane started Jazzercise classes in our area and loved it. I’d always wanted to take an aerobics class, but I was always afraid of not knowing the steps or being able to keep up with the crazy gym girls. I decided to give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised. I could totally keep up with the class, but it wasn’t too easy that I didn’t feel like I wasn’t getting a workout. I also didn’t feel foolish for not knowing all the steps.

Sharon, my instructor in San Clemente, is awesome. She knows everyone’s name and encourages you individually throughout the class. I have also been to several classes of a couple of other instructors. While each has their own style, they all do a wonderful job of keeping you motivated without feeling out of shape if you’re unable to keep up.

Now, I am obsessed with going to Jazzercise. I quit the gym, guys! I’m in better shape than when I had a personal trainer and, no offense to her, I’m having more fun. My legs and arms are toned and I have a lot of extra energy.

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Just in case you don’t believe me that Jazzercise is super cool, Cheryl Burke, from Dancing with the Stars, endorses Jazzercise. Plus, Beyonce totally ripped of the moves from my Mom’s VHS tape for her “Single Ladies” video. Check it out:

Anywhoodle, thanks for reading about my Jazzercise obsession and if any of you want to check it out in your area, you can look it up here. For most instructors, the first class is free!

Have any of you found an exercise routine that doesn’t bore you?

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Tags: guest blogger, Jazzercise, weddingbee
Posted in guest blogger