"Life is an occasion, rise to it."
       -From Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Jazzercise, which has been around for 38 years, is great for weight loss and cardiovascular conditioning. Each class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn calories; strength training to define muscles and strengthen the body’s core; and stretching to increase flexibility. “We've taken moves from hip-hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kick-boxing, and resistance training and bundled them into one hour. Most clients say they have fun while blasting the fat.”  

Scurria feels that small businesses promote neighborhood values and are vital for the growth of a community. “Having a small business provides an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and allows you to get to know your customers.” She likes that Jazzercise gives women an hour for themselves and allows them to concentrate on their own health. “Usually women are busy taking care of everyone else in their families.” The challenge she faces in her business is getting the word out. With no budget for major advertising, she relies on word of mouth, so customer satisfaction is an important factor. Her advice to others starting a business —“remain focused on your goal and stay positive.”

Her reading tends to be more in the medical field than about business. She reads to keep herself educated about health and fitness so she can pass this knowledge on to her clients. Her favorite book is The Shack by William Young, an inspirational fiction work which deals with the timeless question -- “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” 

Scurria serves on the Woman’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge and is the president of the Louisiana Chapter of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which she formed because she has two children with the condition. The chapter sponsors a Walk-n-Roll event each May to raise money for research into a cure for this genetic disease. (For more information about Spinal Muscular Atrophy go to http://www.fsma.org/or contact Scurria at louisiana@fsma.org)

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