This Q&A feature helps readers learn more about Mount Vernon area residents working in our business community. This week’s Q&A profiles local Jazzercize franchise owner and certified instructor Mindy LaBruno.

Mindy, a Certified Personal Trainer, is celebrating her 25^th anniversary of teaching Jazzercise on March 3.

Mindy initially began her Jazzercise career at Mount Vernon Square Apartments.  After seven years at that location, she moved her classes to Hollin Hall Senior Center where she currently offers 13 classes a week with a teaching staff of six instructors. Her classes consist of men and women, ranging in age from 18 to 70. 

Mindy is also known throughout the community for her Personal Training Sessions, which feature a Jazzercise alternative format. In addition, she oversees Jazzercise Lite classes offered to the senior population throughout Fairfax County.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Mindy has lived in the Northern Virginia area for 40 years. She met her husband, Roger, during one of her Jazzercise classes at Mount Vernon Square. They have been married 22 years. The couple lives in the Vantage community in Alexandria. They had a son, have a daughter, a two-year-old grandson (Mindy babysits for him full-time), and another grandchild on the way this summer. 

How did you become interested in your line of work?

Before I ever experienced Jazzercise, I was actually not much of an exercise fan. In fact, I never liked to exercise. But a friend of mine took me to a Jazzercise class she had been going to, and I instantly fell in love with it. Two years prior to becoming certified, I started going to classes twice a day. I finally decided that if I was attending classes as a student twice a day, I might as well be teaching the classes myself.

Describe the process of becoming an official Jazzercise instructor.

First, you have to train with your instructor, then you have to attend a workshop. There’s also a lot you have to do on your own. There are materials to review, lots of book work, a physiology and CPR exams to pass, training routines to learn. You also have to audition. I trained for two years, then decided to “go for it.”

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?

I really love to dance, but most of all I love the people. I have made so many great friendships along the way.  I enjoy making people happy and it’s so rewarding to see people feel better about themselves. I also love Jazzercise because it’s actually fun and you’re exercising at the same time. The fun factor is a big thing because it’s hard for some people to motivate to exercise. It’s truly like a fun night out.

Jazzercise is described as group fitness that combines dance-based cardio with strength training and stretching to sculpt, tone and lengthen muscles for maximum fat burn.  How has the class changed in the 25 years you have been teaching?

As instructors in today’s fitness world, we are definitely educating our students now more than ever.  We’ve also learned over the years that variety is much better for your body, so we like to incorporate a little bit of ‘everything.’ Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga and kickboxing.

Where is your favorite place to go in the area?

I like to walk around both Old Town and National Harbor.

Do you have a favorite area restaurant?

House of Dynasty (on Telegraph Road in Alexandria).

Favorite place to take your grandson.

We like to go to the library in Old Town. He loves the story hour and singing.

What’s on your iPod?

I tend to listen to a lot of what Jazzercise provides us, a mix of today’s hottest music. But I sure do like my Bon Jovi and Ricky Martin.

What’s the last book you read?

Ultraprevention: The Six-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy For Life, by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

This is actually my dream job. When I graduated high school, I really honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I tried a bit of everything, so this came as big surprise to me. I just fell into it, thanks to a friend, and it is what I love to do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.