Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Bucher
Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in 1991 in Michigan, when I took my first Jazzercise class. Even though it was difficult for me to keep up the pace during class, I was immediately hooked as I loved how I felt after class. And since my baby was just 3 months old, I had some weight to lose and some muscles to tone! In August 1994, I became a certified Jazzercise instructor by passing the audition and anatomy/physiology exam. In January 1995, I purchased my first franchise in Ann Arbor, Mi. while offering classes in a local school. My dream was to own a fitness studio and that dream became a reality in January 2000 as I opened my very first center. We grew quickly and within 2 years, Jazzercise Ann Arbor was in the top 20 for revenue in the nation. In January 2006, I opened my second center in a nearby town and Jazzercise Saline was born. And, in 2013, I opened my third center in Dexter, Mi. Owning 3 centers, managing 31 instructors, and teaching 6+ classes per week, along with juggling a full time job in the schools, was truly a feat! Nevertheless, the benefits far outweighed the stress of the “job” as it was so rewarding to watch people get fit and healthy. After retiring from the Michigan school system in 2014, we decided to move to South Carolina to escape the cold weather and I started the process of selling the centers to 3 of my dedicated instructors. These three centers are still operating successfully today! Even before we moved, I knew that I would need to open a local location since the closest location was 60 mins. away. So, I opened Jazzercise classes at a local yoga studio on Hilton Head Island in September 2017 with only 2 members. By January 2019, I had secured a space within the Island Rec Center, which is where we are today. We currently offer 8 classes per week (morning, evening, and weekend), and have grown to 40 customers. I have realized that Jazzercise is the best workout program for me and so many women as our cardio/strength classes have worked to improve muscle tone, increase bone density, and reduce the effects of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. My goal has always been to get as many people fit as possible, all while moving to music and having fun! It’s that feel good feeling that keeps our members coming back for more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning three centers and covering all of the operating costs has certainly been a struggle. Jazzercise has historically been a less expensive option for people in search of an exercise program. While we are slowly increasing membership prices, rent has increased significantly as we constantly try to survive as a boutique fitness center.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When it comes to dance fitness workouts, Jazzercise is the true original. It was the first program to choreograph exercise moves to music, certify instructors, and foster a community through passion. And the first to help people achieve total-body wellness through dance fitness. As pioneers of the dance fitness movement, our goal is to introduce people to a FUN workout program that makes them feel so good that they stick to it for life. Jazzercise Founder Judi Sheppard Missett started the dance fitness revolution in 1969 before women could open a credit card in their own name. As a professional dancer, she created a unique exercise program born from the spirit of dance but responding to women’s desire to find a fun and effective way to get and stay fit. Jazzercise was the FIRST boutique dance fitness program that took the 80s and 90s by storm in a male-dominated industry. Today, thousands of Jazzercise classes are taught weekly in 16 countries. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible company! At Jazzercise Hilton Head, we offer 8 classes per week, with 5 instructors teaching a variety of formats. These include Cardio Sculpt, Power Sculpt HIIT, Lo Impact, and Stretch. Vital Sculpt HIIT is our newest format and includes strength training with bursts of high intensity cardio throughout the class. It was designed specifically for women in menopausal transition; however, it is beneficial for all life stages.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
We learned that despite setbacks such as this, we still need physical exercise to keep our bodies healthy and fight disease. We remained open during the Covid-19 epidemic; we instituted sanitization practices, such as using anti-bacterial wipes for equipment and wearing face coverings, to keep our members safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jazzercise.com/location/jazzercise-hilton-head-island-rec-center#schedule
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazzercisehiltonhead/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHIjazzercise/
