This spring, certified jazzercise instructor, Mindy LaBruno, celebrated her 20-year anniversary of teaching this dance-fitness program in the Alexandria/Mount Vernon area. Today LaBruno, a resident of the Stony Brook area, says she still loves her job every bit as much as she did the day she started. It’s gotten her through tragedy and made the good times in her life -- like her marriage to her husband Roger and the recent engagement of her daughter Shana -- even better.
She will hold an open house for anyone interested in jazzercise during the first two weeks of May in the Hollin Hall Center.
<b>Describe jazzercise; what separates it from other types of aerobics?</b>
It’s fun. It’s a 60-minute program. We warm up; we do 35 minutes of aerobics; we cool down; we do strength training. It’s all choreographed to the music that you hear on the radio, not just jumping around. Plus you meet a lot of great people. They’re my family.
<b>Is there a particular age group that you focus your lessons on?</b>
My evening classes are all ages and I’ve been doing those for 20 years. I’ve done my seniors for about 12 [years]. I have to tell you, the seniors are wonderful. They’re fun to work with in the mornings and so appreciative.
<b>What types of changes do you see in your clients after they’ve attended your classes?</b>
Strength, flexibility; their balance is better. They are in a good mood when they come in, but in an even better mood when they leave. The idea is to keep moving.
<b>What was it that made you interested in this type of exercise?</b>
When I was a kid I danced. I did jazz and ballet. But when I was in high school I did nothing and was a total couch potato, but a friend dragged me to a jazzercise class. I was hooked; I liked it right away. Going to the gym bores me, so it really helps to exercise in a group with other people. I actually met my husband 18 years ago in a jazzercise class. People think it’s just for women but it’s not. All kinds of men do it too!
<b>Aside from teaching jazzercise, did you have any previous careers?</b>
I did work for doctors for many years and had two kids, but I had to stop working when my son got cancer. Later when he died in a car accident, jazzercise got me through it.
<b>How so?</b>
The continued support of my students. When my son was sick they kept the classes going. The instructors are very supportive and pull together when anyone has a crises. They are now for the people in Blacksburg. I love my job. I became a personal trainer because that was one of my son Bryan's wishes. He always wanted me to become a trainer. So I feel I have followed through in his name.
<b>What book has most impacted your life?</b>
I’m not a really big reader. I read a lot of education books, but I’d have to say Elizabeth Edwards’ book ["Saving Graces"]. She lost a son too, and there’s a lot of cancer in my family so I can relate.
<b>What was the last good movie you saw?</b>
Right now I’m watching "24" so I’m drawing a blank……..Will Smith movie—"The Pursuit of Happiness." That was very sad, but awesome. His kid was great.
<b>What is your favorite local restaurant?</b>
I want to say House of Dynasty in Hayfield, but I have so many restaurants I like. I just love food!
<b>Any future goals?</b>
I’d like to expand my personal training more. I’m interested in rehabilitation for people with back and neck problems. But I know I’ll keep doing jazzercise. I know a woman in her seventies who still teaches jazzercise – I want that to be me!