While many people like to practice a healthy diet or hit the gym in order to stay fit, there are other alternative ways to keep your blood pumping that may be more fun. Jazzercise is a physically challenging yet enjoyable way to increase heart rate while simultaneously jamming out to the hottest songs.

Jazzercise was founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, and the program has grown since then to span across all 50 states with about 32,000 classes being taught per week by instructors. Each class is 60 minutes long, and incorporates a combination of many different types of movement into its unique composition. A fusion of jazz dance, Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, and Latin dance make Jazzercise so unique, and its energetic and upbeat atmosphere tends to draw in males and females of all ages.

I attended a Jazzercise class at the Clark Building in Hermosa Beach, and really enjoyed myself. While participants were challenged by an exercise that tested endurance and stamina, no one seemed to notice because of how much fun they were having as the music blasted through the speakers and the instructor shouted out words of encouragement. Instead of having to deal with gym loneliness and the same repetitive exercises, Jazzercise appears to be a good way to switch up the routine a bit.

Jazzercise takes place nearly every day at the Clark Building in Hermosa Beach. Classes are $12 per visit and $45 monthly. For more information, you can call 310.791.4703. The program also holds classes at the El Segundo Women’s Club and Redondo Beach Temple Menorah.