Judi Sheppard Missett: Fitness Entrepreneur and Founder of Jazzercise
As one of the most pioneering and inspirational female entrepreneurs of the twentieth century, Judi Sheppard Missett is the founder of Jazzercise, an international dance-fitness program that has been popular for over 40 years. Not only has Judi Missett established an entire movement in the world of health and fitness, she has single-handedly motivated and inspired millions of people around the world to take charge of their destiny, exercise and get healthy.
Judi Missett’s Early Life
Judi Sheppard Missett was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 30, 1947. The daughter of a highly successful entrepreneur, Judi saw first-hand the possibilities that come with risk-taking and innovation. Having strong support from her family, Judi pursued the idea of a career in dancing. In 1969, she received her degree in Dance Education from the University of Michigan and began teaching at her mother’s dance studio.
The Creation of Jazzercise
Just a few years after graduating college, Judi had noticed a distinct change in how people wanted to be active and she felt it was time to develop her own program. In 1969, she put together a music and exercise program that she called Jazzercise. Jazzercise combined jazz dance with calisthenics, yoga and isometrics. To this day, it remains one of the most popular dance-fitness programs around the world.
Team Expansion and Growing Popularity
In 1979 Missett developed what she called the Jazzercise Franchise Program and the first franchise opened in California. This program allowed the Jazzercise brand to spread nationally, and eventually internationally. With the growing popularity, Judi formed a strong support system of doctors, nutritionists, exercise physiologists and other qualified health professionals that gave advice to Jazzercise members.
A Health Revolution
In the 1980s Jazzercise was everywhere. Infomercials had been made and people all over the world were taking part in Judi’s fitness program. Through television and print media, Judi Sheppard Missett made fitness and exercise fun and appealing, taking health and fitness out of the gym and into homes everywhere.
Benefits of Jazzercise
According to Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise is an ideal starting point for anyone who is just beginning with exercise. Participating in a Jazzercise program can help reduce stress, provide increased feelings of well-being, stronger muscles, improved flexibility, better heart health, and better body image. Besides the physical benefits, Jazzercise is also beneficial for emotional and mental health.
List of Benefits from Jazzercise
• Improved strength
• Increased flexibility
• Improved heart health
• Reduced stress
• Improved body image
• Increased feelings of well-being
• Increased coordination
• Increased self-esteem
Motivating the Masses
Over the years, Judi Missett has done more than just produce exercise programs. She has inspired people all over the world to take control of their lives and take care of their health. She has personally encouraged her followers to strive for the best and to stay on top of changing trends. Missett’s lectures, seminars, and media interviews have motivated a multitude of people in their approach to health and fitness, leading to a more active lifestyle and greater health awareness.
Jazzercise In The Present Day
Today Judi Sheppard Missett is still the CEO of Jazzercise and the franchise continues to be successful with some 8,000 instructors and over one million members. Missett has been faithfully keeping Jazzercise up to date with the times by producing her own modern music and adding new blended workouts such as, Piloxing, Zumba, yoga, senior fitness and stretching in order to fit everyone’s needs.
An Ongoing Health Revolution
A consummate entrepreneur, Judi Sheppard Missett is an inspiration to women around the world and serves as a reminder that with hard work and a little bit of risk-taking, anything can be accomplished. What she has built during her storied career has uncovered a health revolution that has made it easier for people to pay attention to their health, leading to an overall improved quality of life. Certainly, the health and fitness industry will never be the same again.
