What started as a summer replacement for my Starbucks Carrot Method walks is quickly becoming something I don’t want to give up.
Today’s Jazzercise #11 was another full Cardio Sculpt class, and wow…it lived up to the name.
The first half was nonstop movement:
Step, kick.
Mambo.
Triplets.
Turns.
Marches.
Kicks.
Side steps.
Plenty of dancing.
No, I still don’t do the big jumps. My ankles and I have an agreement.
But after a year of walking nearly 2½ miles most weekdays, they’re stronger than they’ve been in a decade. I even caught myself adding a little natural bounce because the music practically dares you not to.
The second half?
• Five-pound dumbbells.
• My shoulders filed a formal complaint.
My arms declared mutiny.
• And my abs decided to play an enthusiastic game of Simon.
Beep… boop… beep-beep… OW.
This was only my second full Cardio Sculpt class with the strength section, but I made it through the entire hour again.
Jazzercise Receipts
The numbers surprised me even more than the sore muscles:
⏱️ 1:02:54
❤️ Average heart rate: 139 bpm
🔥 592 calories burned
💪 110 Active Zone Minutes
📈 Record-high Cardio Load: 91
🟡 42 minutes Vigorous
🔴 8 minutes Peak
That’s 50 minutes spent in vigorous or peak heart-rate zones.
Apparently Fitbit has officially concluded I am, in fact, not taking it easy anymore.
The biggest takeaway?
Walking built the engine.
Jazzercise is building everything else.
The walking strengthened my legs and ankles enough to keep up with the choreography.
Jazzercise is strengthening my shoulders, arms, core, balance, coordination, and confidence.
I originally thought Jazzercise would simply carry me through the Arizona summer until I could get back to my walks.
Now I’m not so sure.
I have a feeling my future includes both.
Because as much as my legs need walking…
…my arms apparently need Jazzercise.
And yes…
Tomorrow Andrew will probably look at me and say,
“Beep… boop… beep…”
…just to make my Simon abs laugh.
Ouch.
Still counts. Always. 💜
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Starbucks Carrot Method – North Phoenix Walking Series