Finding the Time for Exercise is Easier Than You May Think

As a working mom with a busy professional and family life, you may be struggling with how to commit to a regular exercise class.  For example, you may be able to get to a 6PM exercise class one night a week, but that time slot is already committed to children, church, volunteer activities or other commitments every other night.   We tend to slip into an all or nothing mindset,  telling ourselves, "If I can only workout once a week, then why bother?"

Why not change the way you think about this?   Most of our lives have some periods of free time nearly every day - they just don't always occur at the same time each day.

 Here is just one example of the way you may be able to fit in a group exercise class three times a week:

                     *           One morning a week, I will get up early and go to a 6AM class.  If I have to get to work a little later than usual, then I can stay a little later to make up the time.

                     *            One evening a week, I will pick the children up from school a little earlier, have an easy dinner for the family (sandwiches maybe) and then go to a later 6:55 PM class once everyone is working on homework or watching TV.

                     *             On Sunday afternoon, I will go to to an afternoon class.  I doubt anyone will miss me at home for just one hour.

  Campbell Station Jazzercise in Knoxville, Tennessee  is a woman-owned business, and we created our 40 class a week schedule to provide women with many options.  By taking advantage of flexible scheduling, you should be able to easily identify three hours a week that you can fit in a class.  You can then try to get in a light walk around your neighborhood, or some simple strength training exercises at home on your "off" days.

Here are some other options:
         
      *    If you work a 4 day work week, take a morning class on your day off.

                  *    If your children go to preschool part-time, take a class on the days that they are at preschool.  Mid-morning or early afternoon classes might work well.

                  *    Find a class that meets while your children are at soccer or band practice.  Go to your class while they are at practice.

                  *    Attend a Saturday class.

                   *    Attend an early Sunday morning class and then attend a later church service.

Our schedule features classes at 6AM, 8:25 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 3:40 PM, 5:50 PM, and 6:55 PM most every day during the week, 7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, and 9:30 AM classes on Saturdays, and 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM classes on Sundays.                  

Meet Diane, One of our Awesome Students at Campbell Station Jazzercise in Knoxville, Tennessee

Periodically, we like to introduce you to our students here at Campbell Station Jazzercise. Today, meet Diane Baylor.  Diane has been one of our students for several years.  Her most recent accomplishment was a strength training challenge - over an eight week training period during her Jazzercise Personal Touch sessions, she gradually worked her way up until she was able to complete 100 push-ups over a five minute period.  Read on to learn more about Diane.

When did you first begin Jazzercise?  
I was invited to my first class in 1982 at the Skatetown on Kingston Pike.  I have taken breaks from a "routine" for various reasons, but I always return to Jazzercise.  I even took classes when I lived in England.  Once it is in your blood, it stays with you.  I can remember when I lived in San Diego, there was an aerobics class within walking distance of where I lived so I joined because of convenience.  Great workout, but I remember thinking during class, "This isn't Jazzercise!".

What is your typical workout routine?
I don't have a fixed routine, but my goal is four classes a week right now if my work schedule allows.Over the past few months I have been using weekends to ride my bicycle to get ready for a long bike ride in Iowa this month.

What classes do you typically attend?  4:45 PM, 6:00 PM, and sometimes 7:00 PM.  I love my Personal Touch class on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

What do you like most about your classes?
I think we have a great group of instructors who really care and encourage you to get the most out of the class.  I also like the variety of class formats.

What is your favorite Jazzercise routine?  
I really like "Dance with Me Tonight" by Olly Murs.  And even older, "Flashdance".

What is it about Jazzercise that has kept you coming for so long?
It's fun...and the fastest hour of the day!!!   Jazzercisers are great people and the sense of community and belonging make it more like a "social Event" than exercise, but I always leave knowing I have had a great physical and mental workout.

If you would like to be featured or want to suggest another student to feature in an  upcoming blog post please email us at csjazzercise@gmail.com.

Campbell Station Jazzercise Student of the Week - Chris Lucheon

Please join us in congratulating our very first Campbell Station Jazzercise Student of the Week - Chris Lucheon. In addition to working on her jazz square and practicing her funky dance moves during class, Chris is an avid runner with many half marathons and even one full marathon under her belt.   If you want to be inspired, just read for yourself what Chris had to say.

Q.   Tell us a little about how you got started with running.
A.   I started my adult racing in 2009 with a 10 miler.  I had taken a long break from running.  I ran high school track and then continued to run for "fun" in college.  After college, I had an ankle surgery that sidelined me for many, many years.  I have now run in 6 half marathons, a couple of 10 milers and one full marathon which is 26.2 miles in 2013.  I ran my last half marathon in Indianapolis in November of 2014.

Q.  When did you first begin Jazzercise?
A.  I first started in 1993 after my second child was born.  I continued until about 2000.  Then I took a long break.  I started back in 2010 after my kids had left home.

Q.  What is your typical workout routine?
A.  I attend Jazzercise classes four to five days a week.  I run at least four days a week and I golf one or two times a week in the summer.  Golf is exercise if you walk!!

Q.  Which class do you usually attend?
A.   6AM  woohoo!!!

Q.  What do you like most about the 6AM classes?
A.  Seeing the dedication of all the ladies, the time fits my schedule with work and other obligations, and of course my awesome teacher Teresa.

Q.  What is your favorite Jazzercise routine?
A.  It s hard to pick just one.  For legs, I love Blow, for arms I like Sugar.  Shake it Off and Delirious are a couple of my many recent favorites.

Q.  What is it about Jazzercise that has kept you coming to classes for so long?
A.  Variety, friends, music, and fun.  It is good training for the whole body, including the mind.  Our bodies and muscles adapt so we have to mix it up and Jazzercise does that.

Chris's final words capture what we all know so well.  Chris says, "I exercise because I love it and it keeps me much more emotionally even.  I also have a lot of bad genes so I know that it is essential for good health.  Find something you love and stick with it!"

We are so proud of Chris and all of our amazing students.  Check back into our blog each week to learn more about our fantastic Jazzercise Krew!