Dexter Jazzercise Owner Celebrates 25th Anniversary

When it comes to "working out," Dexter resident Juli Huddleston is the first to admit that it's not her favorite thing to do. The belief has not prevented her from investing nearly half her life to the fitness profession, however.

Huddleston has been teaching Jazzercise for 25 years (18 in Dexter), and celebrated her anniversary on Feb. 27 with a free community workshop at her on Main Street.

"I don't like to exercise, I just like to Jazzercise," she said.

Jazzercise programs are 60-minute fitness classes incorporating cardiovascular, strength, and stretch moves set to music and choreographed dance routines, which Huddleston said appeals to both men and women.

Huddleston received her certification as a Jazzercise instructor in North Carolina in the 1980s after learning about the program from a friend in Georgia. Upon moving back to Michigan, Huddleston took her new found love of the program further, offering classes in Waterford and Novi before opening her studio in Dexter in 1993.

"The best part of teaching Jazzercise for so many years is meeting all the wonderful customers and helping them to reach their health and fitness goals and to help people connect to others," she said. "I also love watching people that haven't exercised in a long time, say they don't like exercising, or think they're too uncoordinated for a program like ours fall in love with Jazzercise."

Since opening , Huddleston said there has been a steady stream of clients ranging in age from teenagers in high school to senior citizens.

"I have 31 ladies that have been with me for 10 years or more. Twenty women have been with me for over 15 years, and we've had more than 50 people join us in just the last year," she said.

Huddleston credits the popularity of the program to its flexible scheduling.

"We offer 24 classes a week, so we really cater to people from all walks of life," she said. "We even offer babysitting service for clients attending the 9:15 a.m. class."

She said working in Dexter has been a fun experience.

"It's a great community. The people are friendly and welcoming. You see a lot of people encouraging each other to stay fit and active," she said.

As for her anniversary, Huddleston said she can't believe it's already been 25 years.

"It's been awesome. I can't believe we're already at that 25-year milestone. At most jobs after 25 years you decide it's time to retire, but I love what I do," she said.

Throughout March, Dexter Jazzercise is offering a "Free Fridays" discount and half-off registration fees. For more information, or for a class schedule, visit the center's website.