Stacy Walls in her studio. |
Jazzercise is a lot like exercise, except it’s fun and has
a beat. Stacy Walls, owner and instructor at the Charleston
Jazzercise Fitness Center, says her goal is to make exercise enjoyable
so women will keep doing it. “Women are looking for fitness
programs. They want to be healthy for their families and for
themselves. But, it’s hard to work exercise into a busy schedule.
It’s even harder if it’s something that you’re doing
just because it’s good for you, not because you enjoy it.”
Stacy opened the Center in October 2002. She says some women
come once a week just for the stress relief. Others come four
or five times a week. An 8 week Jazzercise pass is all-
inclusive; students came come as often as they like for two months
for $70. Those that can’t commit are welcome to just walk in
when it’s convenient and take one class. There are no long term
contracts to sign.
Jazzercise classes are held seven days a week, mornings, evenings
and even Sunday afternoon, so there are lots of opportunities to fit
in a class. Stacy has two associates and an intern who also
teach the class. To make it even easier for attend a class,
the Center offers on-site babysitting Tuesday and Thursday mornings
for $2 a child.
Stacy says, “In Jazzercise, we stretch a lot and work
all the muscles to elongate them, and it is all incorporated into
a routine with music. The stretching is very important. The
routine gradually increases in intensity. Everyone should be
able to talk at anytime, but following the routine, their heart rate
will closely correlate to 80% of the maximum heart rate that is the
goal for fitness.” She says Jazzercise students use muscles
that runners don’t use so runners and other athletes often augment
their workout schedule with Jazzercise classes. Students range
in age from 13-68 though many seem to be between 30-40. Each
class lasts about an hour, and class size varies. “Sometimes
we have six. Sometimes we have 26. It is never exactly
the same, but most people have specific times that suit them, so there
are usually familiar faces in the group after someone has come a few
times.”
Jazzercise is a national franchise and Stacy is a nationally certified
instructor. She graduated from high school in Logan, WV where
she taught her first Jazzercise class in 1986 after being certified
in Cleveland, OH. She later taught in Parkersburg for two years.
Now she teaches 4-7 classes each week, arranging her schedule to fit
with her other full time job as a pharmacist for Kroger. “I
enjoy being a pharmacist very much, and I enjoy Jazzercise, so it
is a good match for me.”
She keeps current on the latest trends and new music to keep classes
fresh and fun. The Jazzercise Center has almost 2000 sq. ft on the
first floor at 617 D Street, South Charleston, near the Indian Mound.
Stacy says parking is free and well lit in the evenings. “Jazzercise
is fun. But, we try to make it convenient, too. It always helps to
have options that make you feel good.” PL
For more information, contact Stacy Walls in S. Charleston,
304-345-7990 or visit www.stacyw.com.
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