MODAvate Center – featuring Jazzercise

Tucked away in Sorrento Valley is a hidden gem — the MODAvate center. The exterior of the building is pretty nondescript, barred windows and not a lot of flare. But open the door and head into suite E and BAM! You’ve stepped into happyland!
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by multiple people. Seriously! Really! From the receptionist to people just hanging out. I can’t remember the last time I was someplace where everyone was so outgoing and friendly, and being a total newbie to Dance MiXX (or any Jazzercise), it was great. I was introduced to the owner, Susan, and two of the class’ instructors, Sharon and Shandi.
The lounge area was tastefully done with motivational quotes, plush furniture and nice art. Walking into the classroom it was clean and FREEZING! AC was on full tilt and fans all over the place. I was guided by Sharon to pick up a set of weights for later and settled into class.
People of all ages, races and abilities were present. The music started and we started a full-​aerobic danceapalooza! Thank heavens for that AC! Even with it blasting I was sweating buckets, which is awesome! Sharon was great instructing multiple options for the dance moves so that each person could be comfortable. Lots of «Yeah girl!» «Work it honey!» and «Ooh Ooh!» shouts from the crowd. Before I knew it, we were 40 minutes in and it was time to pick up the weights!
As we were getting our weights, Sharon did shout outs, welcoming the men (Yep! Men are welcome!) and cheered some fitness milestones some of the regulars had achieved. She introduced me to the group and I got some hi-​fives, which was super cool. Once the weights were in hand, Shandi got in on the action and guided us through a song too.

While I love my pilates, Zumba and yoga, recently I’ve hit a bit of a fitness plateau and decided it was time to get out of my comfort zone. Really glad I discovered the MODAvate center through Class Pass! Looking forward to coming back!

I’m picky. I like loud music, great instructors, easy parking, a gym location near my house and a studio where I can see the instructor. Too much to ask? Not at the MODAvate Center in Carmel Valley!
I used to do step, then tried Zumba and never thought I’d like Jazzercise… I thought it was more for my mom than for me. But when I looked at the website, I realized it was here in Carmel Valley (right past Dirty Dogs on Sorrento Valley Road — look for the blue Jazzercise sign across from the Bike store).
I saw super fit gals, dancing kick-​boxing and using weights. I loved the hip hop and great music. I paid $ 15 to try it (it is free to try a class now), loved it and have been going ever since. I love the morning classes, but they have weekend and evening classes too. The owner, Susan, is amazing. The center has a nutritionist, massages, yoga, lo impact classes and my favorite — the Strike (kick boxing) classes to great music.
Thank you so much MODAvate Center — it is really nice to have a workout that I actually WANT to do!