Jazzercise

Jazzercise is a global fitness brand known for its dance-based group exercise classes, operating independently since its founding in 1969. The company began in Evanston, Illinois, when Judi Sheppard Missett combined jazz dance with aerobic exercise, creating a format that quickly attracted a wide following for its accessible and enjoyable approach to fitness. By the late 1970s, Jazzercise had expanded across the United States through franchising, establishing itself as a familiar name in the industry.

As of November 2025, Jazzercise operates more than 8,300 franchise locations in 32 countries, with a significant presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Its headquarters are in Carlsbad, California, where the company manages operations, instructor training, and program development. Over the past five years, Jazzercise has continued to grow its footprint, focusing on new franchise openings in urban and suburban areas, particularly within retail centers and mixed-use developments. The brand has responded to rising demand for boutique fitness and community-oriented wellness by expanding into priority markets such as the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Germany.

Jazzercise offers a range of class formats, including Dance Mixx, Interval Dance Mixx, Fusion, Strike, and Flip Fusion. These programs blend dance, strength training, high-intensity interval training, and core work, and are delivered in varied settings—from dedicated Jazzercise studios to multipurpose community spaces. The company’s flexible approach to location and programming enables it to adapt to different market needs and site types.

A notable milestone in Jazzercise’s history was reaching $100 million in annual revenue in the early 2010s, reflecting its staying power and ability to evolve amid changing fitness trends. Today, Jazzercise employs around 250 corporate staff and supports thousands of franchisees and instructors worldwide. In recent years, the company has invested in digital platforms, offering livestream and on-demand classes to complement its physical locations, which has helped maintain engagement and broaden its reach.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Jazzercise’s scale, brand recognition, and adaptable store formats position it as a reliable tenant for retail centers, mixed-use projects, and community hubs. The brand’s focus on fostering local engagement and delivering consistent foot traffic aligns well with the needs of commercial real estate stakeholders seeking stable, high-visibility occupants.