For many, Jazzercise still conjures a familiar image: leg warmers, high-cut leotards, and aerobics routines set to pop music.
Lisa Scott knows that perception well—and she knows it’s outdated. “People have this idea in their head that we’re stuck in the decade we started,” says Scott, who owns Jazzercise studios in St. Peters and South County. “But once they walk in, they see how current it really is.”
In fact, her two St. Louis locations are currently ranked third globally within the Jazzercise network—a distinction that reflects not only longevity but also a renewed relevance in today’s fitness landscape.
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A Legacy That Keeps Evolving
Few fitness brands can claim the staying power of Jazzercise, Scott argues.
Founded in 1969, the program helped pioneer group fitness as it exists today. Over the decades, it has weathered changing trends, shifting from pure dance cardio to a more comprehensive model that blends strength, recovery, and functional movement.
“It doesn’t last that long unless it’s good,” Scott says.
Evolution has been key to the brand’s success. Today’s classes incorporate strength training, cardio, and recovery, with an emphasis on building muscle and supporting long-term health.
“The science now tells us how important strength is, especially for women,” Scott says.
The program is designed not only for short-term results but also for longevity, which Scott sees reflected in her classes every day.
A Workout for Every Stage of Life
On any given morning, Scott explains, a Jazzercise class might include participants in their 20s, 40s, 60s, and beyond. That range is not incidental—it’s central to the experience.
Younger members find inspiration in working alongside older participants who are strong, mobile, and committed to their routines. Older members, in turn, benefit from the energy and perspective of younger generations. “It creates a really special community,” Scott says.
That intergenerational dynamic is increasingly relevant as wellness conversations shift toward longevity and sustainable movement.
For Scott, the motivation is personal. “I just became a grandma,” she says. “I want to be able to move. I want to be able to pick up my grandchild and not have any problems.”
Don’t Call it a Comeback
Dance fitness may be trending again, but Jazzercise never really left. As the industry shifts away from rigid, performance-driven workouts toward more enjoyable, sustainable experiences, its long-standing model feels newly relevant.
Scott attributes that appeal to one factor: variety. “We’re always mixing it up,” she says.
The brand releases more than 200 new routines each year, ensuring that classes stay fresh and aligned with current music and trends. But just as important is the atmosphere.
Participants are encouraged to move at their own pace, embrace imperfection, and enjoy the process. “If you’re not having fun, you’re not going to come back,” she says.
That sense of community has grown far beyond the studio walls. In March, Scott hosted a Jazzercise Masterclass in St. Peters, bringing together more than 70 instructors from across the region for a training and choreography session. The event also featured the brand’s CEO, Shanna Missett Nelson, highlighting the growing significance of the St. Louis market within the broader network.
While the Masterclass itself was geared toward instructors, a community class followed, offering local participants a chance to experience the energy firsthand. For Scott, the event was both a milestone and a reflection of what has been built locally.
“I started out ranked in the 50s,” she says. “And now we’re here.”
More Than a Workout
Inside Scott’s studios, the impact extends beyond physical fitness.
“You can be whoever you are when you walk in,” she says.
That openness has helped foster a strong sense of connection among members, many of whom form friendships that extend outside the studio.
Some bond over shared life stages, from parenting young children to navigating menopause to caring for aging spouses. Others simply find comfort in a space where they feel seen and supported.
“There are real conversations happening,” Scott says. “And a lot of support.”
In many ways, the studio functions as what sociologists call a “third space,” a place outside of home and work where people can build community.
“Carving out that one hour for yourself makes you better everywhere else,” Scott says.
For newcomers, Scott acknowledges that the hardest part is simply walking through the door. But once inside, Scott’s goal remains simple: Make people feel welcome. “We want everyone to feel seen,” she says.
And once they do, many stay. Not just for the workout, Scott describes, but for everything that comes with it.
“Even if it’s not for you,” Scott says, “I just hope you find something that keeps you moving.”
