Local Jazzercisers participated in a worldwide fundraiser for Back in the Swing USA, a grassroots nonprofit cancer survivor organization. Local Jazzercise franchisee and instructor Peg Brom dedicated a morning Memorial Day Jazzercise class at both her Glen Ellyn and Naperville studios to benefit the cancer nonprofit.
“My goal to raise $1,500 between my two facilities has already been exceeded, with donations still coming in,” Brom said. Due to studio size, participants were limited to 45 in each location and asked for a minimum $10 donation. “My group of participants has always been extremely generous so I’m not surprised that these classes sold out in a matter of days, with the majority of participants donating more than the minimum,” she added.
During National Fitness and Sports Month in May, Jazzercise, a leading dance fitness program with a network of 7,800 instructors worldwide, held many special fundraising classes like Brom’s, with proceeds aiding Back in the Swing USA. This nonprofit is dedicated to providing awareness, access and financial support for breast cancer survivorship programs and academic medical research in the field of breast cancer survivorship.
“We have many breast cancer survivors in our Jazzercise classes and a few who are currently in mid-battle,” Brom explained. “In addition to the funds raised for the Back in The Swing group, I hope that our survivors and fighters will feel the outpouring of support we have for them.”
Jazzercise not only sponsored worldwide fundraisers, but was part of a recent study at the Breast Cancer Survivorship Center at the University of Kansas Cancer Center that strongly indicated the importance of exercise for breast cancer survivors.
From 2008 through 2010, half of the study’s participants attended Jazzercise classes for a six-month period. The participants underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments of overall fitness, breast cancer risk, and measures of quality of life. The study showed Jazzercisers lost 5.6 percent total body fat, 12.6 percent of starting body weight, and decreased levels of insulin by more than 50 percent.
The study group demonstrated considerable progress in several measures of fitness, including increased flexibility, grip strength, endurance, and heart rate. Also reported were significant improvements in quality of life including diminished depression and fatigue symptoms. These findings have been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL, lessen the risk for heart disease, improve glucose intolerance, decreasing risk for diabetes, and greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
The results of this study will be presented at the June 17 Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference, sponsored by The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, Livestrong and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This research project has demonstrated breast cancer survivors are concerned about their weight and cancer risk, and want to participate in fun forms of activity close to home,” according to Dr. Jennifer Klemp, managing director of the BCSC. “A 60-minute Jazzercise class includes cardiovascular and resistance training, as well as core strengthening, therefore providing a great opportunity for the participants to get fit while having fun and helping to find their new normal,” she added.
“Jazzercise and Back in the Swing have forged a powerful life-changing partnership,” said Barbara Unell, founder of Back in the Swing USA. “As a breast cancer survivor and 28-year Jazzercise enthusiast, I know firsthand the importance of physical activity for breast cancer survivors. Through Jazzercise and Back in the Swing fundraising classes in May, Jazzercise participants will raise funds that we will allocate to new breast cancer survivorship medical services and research to help breast cancer survivors heal from the physical and psychological effects of treatment, as well as prevent recurrence.”
“For more than 40 years, Jazzercise has been committed to making a difference in people’s lives by helping them to understand the value and importance of health and fitness,” said Jazzercise founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett. “On behalf of all Jazzercise instructors worldwide, we are proud to partner with Back in the Swing.
For more information about local Jazzercise, visit www.jazzercise.com; for more information about Back in the Swing USA, visit www.backintheswing.org.
