Geist Jobs: What Does It Take to Be a Jazzercise Instructor?

My graduation from college is finally eminent this year, and, with that, the inevitable question of employment comes to mind. When asked what I want to do next, I jokingly reply, “Hopefully nothing!” I admit to being a bit apprehensive about job searching because I still don’t know what I want to be when I “grow up.”

I have had the pleasure of wearing many hats over the years, and so far, nothing has felt like my true calling. So begins my quest to trial run some interesting jobs right here in Geist.

Geist Jazzercise has been one of my keys to fitness for a few years now. The instructors are amazing. While the rest of us mere mortals huff and puff, they flawlessly guide us through routines without breaking a sweat. Secretly I have always dreamed of being one of them.

I asked owner and instructor Heidi Tumbarello for insight on my endeavor to test drive a new career as a Jazzercise instructor. Heidi is incredibly fit and very active. She agrees to let me onstage with her even though I sport a muffin top that I am sure is bad for business.

The Body Sculpting class packs the house. This class focuses on strength training. I jump onstage with Heidi and together we do a routine focusing on biceps and glutes using resistance bands. Jazzercise is known for great music, and this distracts me from the fact that my arms are burning.

Being onstage as an instructor is a little nerve wracking at first. Instructing is best described as giving a speech while doing a dance performance at the same time. The hardest part was thinking about what move comes next. You always have to be thinking ahead while directing. If you can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, this is not the job for you.

After the initial butterflies, the experience was fun, even exciting. In general, I liked being in the limelight for a change. Having the class looking up to you for direction is a great feeling. Instructing is also personally rewarding because not only are you raising your own fitness level, you are helping others do the same.

Later Heidi gave me the lowdown on becoming an accredited Jazzercise instructor. The first order of business is a pre-screening where hopeful candidates are observed to see if they have what it takes physically to become an instructor.

The next workshop is do or die. Here you must first pass a 100-question exam encompassing anatomy, nutrition, exercise physiology and many more health related topics. If you pass the test, you perform Jazzercise routines while being critiqued. If you make it through with flying colors, you are well on your way to being a certified instructor.

Jazzercise instructing is a unique career that has some great social and physical benefits.

“I enjoy being onstage. I am getting a workout and helping others at the same time,” says Instructor Donna Horral, who adds, “Did I mention, it is a lot of fun?”

If you know of an interesting job here in the Geist area that you think I should test drive, be sure to email me at Christywritesindy@yahoo.com.