The satisfaction of a terrific workout leaves you feeling invigorated, refreshed, and stress-free.

Unlike drugs, artificial stimulants and sweets, exercise is something that cannot only make you feel wonderful but is also good for you.

In fact, a U.S. Surgeon General report in July 1996 encouraged participation in moderate physical activity to improve and/or prevent an overwhelming number of health concerns facing a large percentage of the population.

Exercise can help combat obesity, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem, battle depression, decrease stress, reduce the risk of heart disease, boost metabolism, increase muscle tissue and more.

However, for many people sticking to a regular exercise program is tough. But for Jazzercise participant Shirley McLean, determination and her love of Jazzercise makes it easy.

She was recently honored by Jazzercise instructor Linda Cunningham for attending more than 400 Jazzercise classes in the past year.

Cunningham honors participants who have attended a minimum of 100 classes as well as those who go to 200 classes.

"Recent recommendations are 60-90 minutes of daily exercise. While that goal is easy to set, it is much harder to achieve," Cunningham said. "Especially today, when our daily routines are so busy.

"That is why we feel that it is so important that we recognize those who understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. McLean definitely understands that and has set a wonderful example for all of us."

McLean has been doing aerobic exercise since 1980 to keep her blood pressure down.

"I decided I needed to find something I truly enjoyed doing in order to control my blood pressure rather than treating it with medication, like so many women in my family," McLean said. "I chose aerobic dance as that means.

"After 6 weeks of aerobics my pressure went down to 100/60. When the Jazzercise center opened at the Greater Butler Mart at the end of 2002, I was already in an exercise routine but I needed a change."

The 60-minute regular Jazzercise class includes a warm-up, high-energy aerobic routines, muscle-toning and cool-down stretch segment.

Jazzercise combines elements of dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kick-boxing and more to create programs for people of every age and fitness level.

"After only watching part of a class in progress, I signed up and became a member," McLean said. "When I actually participated in my first class, I knew I was hooked even before the first song had finished. The energy level in the room was awesome.

"I was motivated to do over 400 classes in a year because of an article about a 27-year-old Jazzercise student who accomplished the same goal. I wanted to prove to myself that at 55 I was capable of doing the same."

Now celebrating its 35th year, Jazzercise has more than 6,000 instructors teaching 20,000 classes weekly worldwide.

Cunningham has been an instructor in the Butler area for 15 years. She also offers classes in Saxonburg and Cranberry.

For information on Jazzercise, contact Cunningham at 724-352-4998 or go online at www.jazzercise.com

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