I just want to tell everyone about the LaBlast classes at the Federation and Jaime Vacca-Hoefner’s class in particular. I always noticed the LaBlast classes on the calendar but was hesitated to sign up. I like ballroom dancing and it seems a good way to work in some dance steps and try to get back in shape. I guess I was a little reluctant figuring to be a lone male in a class full of women. Not that that’s a bad thing. I’m not the only guy in the class there are 2-3 other regulars that all love it.
My main reason I took the class was I just felt my legs were very heavy. Being overweight with a knee replacement and turning 69 in April I felt I had to try and do something different. Something to motivate me. I was always very athletic and wasn’t too happy not being able to do the fun things I like to do. I wanted to be more agile and have quick feet. I always said the toughest steps in any exercise program are the steps off the couch and out the door. After that it’s somewhat easy.
Coming home from work having dinner with the family and getting out the door by 7:30 or so to make the Tuesday night class isn’t tough but it’s so easy to say not tonight. Same thing goes for the 8:00 am Sunday class especially with my grandkids up in Danbury, CT. Class is early enough to do both but again easy to say rest up you the near 2-hour drive both ways. Jaime makes the class so rewarding I forget all that and just get there. I hardly miss and it’s because I get so much out of it. They say The Kentucky Derby is the fastest 2 minutes in sports but to me Jaime’s class is the fastest one hour in exercise. She is so well-prepared goes from one song and dance move to the next without missing a beat. Some moves are tough for me. Still can’t jump on one leg but I’m determined get it.
One of the reasons I started taking the class is because we went back to Italy in November for the first time in forty years since or honeymoon. I didn’t want any regrets. I didn’t want to go and not be able to do something because of physical limitations. Hey I wasn’t expecting to climb the Alps but I wanted to be able to walk all day without getting tired. This 260 pound 68-year-old was able to walk up the Eiffel tower, 704 steps, The Florence Duomo 453 steps. There its either walk up or stay down because there is no elevator. We walked up Mt. Vesuvius. Again, walk up the last part to the top or stay down. I truly believe without Jaime’s class most of this would not have been possible and there is no way I can thank her enough for that.
To close all I can say is if you are hesitant about taking this class don’t be. Jaime is great, friendly, well prepared and makes you feel welcome no matter what your level is. The nice thing about the class is the really good participants are not slowed down by the beginners and the beginners are not intimidated by the advanced people. If you physically can’t do a move, she says just do what you can and believe me after a short while you will see an improvement and feel so much better. Just because I’m old doesn’t make it a class for older people. This class is good for all ages, men & women for those in shape and those wanting to get in shape. At my point in life I need exercise to be fun and diverse. While I can ride a bike all day outdoor, I get bored to death after 10 minutes on an indoor bike, same with a treadmill. This class delivers. Exercise can be viewed as going into a singles bar. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I give Jaime and LaBlast A+++. Try it you’ll love it.
