A long time ago (20 years, in fact!), I began exercising and became a certified aerobic dance instructor for a very popular program. Typical of early 1980 programs, the classes consisted of high impact exercises. I loved it! It didn't take long for me to get hooked on the wonderful feeling of working out to music, spirit of camaraderie and having fun. And, it didn't take long for me to suffer stress fractures in both of my legs either!

My Orthopedic Surgeon determined the cause of my injuries to be directly associated to the constant impact of the aerobic dance exercises. He advised me to stop teaching the aerobic class and suggested I find an alternative exercise program. At first I was devastated that I could no longer participate. My quest was to find another program. It was quite a frustrating search. Twenty years ago people were not talking about safe exercise. The fashionable themes were "harder", "faster", "work to the max" and "going for the burn". I could not find any existing programs which did not consist of jumping or jogging.

So, in 1983, Body Effort was born because of a need to create non-impact exercise as an alternative to high impact aerobics. Many hours were devoted to researching safe exercises, obtaining information from certified Physical Therapists, and receiving advice from doctors. Our goal was to accommodate people of all ages at all levels of fitness; give modifications for exercises when needed; and offer an effective, fun and injury free workout!

Many positive changes have occurred in the exercise industry in the last few years. Fortunately, programs to educate people about fitness, safe exercise, and alternatives to high impact classes have developed. There are many new exercise products, gyms, fitness gimmicks and programs that come and go. Body Effort has remained consistent as we keep our focus on our original goals. As we celebrate 16 years of success we are proud of our longevity and pioneering the development of a safe, effective, fun exercise program.