Lifting Heavy. No Longer “Just a Guy Thing”

Time was when weightlifting was considered a “bro” thing. Women tended to shy away from that form of exercise, favoring instead, dance aerobics and sports-related fitness programs. Think tennis, swimming, even pickleball. But as more women are discovering, a focused strength-training program creates the foundation they need to improve their performance across all fitness programs. They're also discovering that strength training builds muscles to better support everyday activities like gardening, grocery shopping (those heavy bags!) and picking up the kids or grandkids. Yes. You read that right. Grandkids. And for some, great grandkids!

Lifting heavy weights is gaining popularity across all age groups. A recent article in Women’s Health highlighted ten women aged 60-100 who transformed their lives by lifting weights. (www.womenshealthmag.com). One participant said “Our generation wasn’t taught to go after strength. This (strength training) feels so much better.”

Recently, locally owned Fairfax Jazzercise introduced a new fitness program designed to help women discover the benefits of strength training with its Vital Sculpt HIIT (high-intensity interval training) program. This new workout debuted on August 6 at the Vienna Community Center (120 Park Street, Vienna). According to Yhomi Warshavsky, owner of Fairfax Jazzercise, the response from her Jazzercise class customers was overwhelmingly positive. “I think most of us were reluctant at first, to increase our hand weights,” said Yhomi, “but we kind of surprised ourselves by how strong we really are.” Attendees at the debut class reported feeling inspired, uplifted, and ready for more challenges. They also reported feeling a bit more sore the next day, but “sore in a good way.”

According to Shanna Missett Nelson, president of Jazzercise, Inc. the Vital Sculpt HIIT program caters specifically to women’s fitness needs, addressing changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. It incorporates dance cardio bursts with functional strength exercises. As with all Jazzercise programs, instructors demonstrate modifications so that women of any fitness level can participate and benefit.

“We are really excited to bring this new form of fitness to our members,” said local Jazzercise instructor Deborah Corsi. “I’m moving up from 8-pound hand weights to 10 pounds. Is it challenging? You bet! Can I do it? Yes. Yes. I can. Next? 12 pounds? Why not?”

For more information on Vital Sculpt HITT visit www.jazzercise.com.