The aerobic exercise trailblazer transformed fitness programming with her dance-based exercise classes and continues to influence fitness and women’s entrepreneurship today.

Washington, DC–October 19, 2026–For more than five decades, Judi Sheppard Missett has helped shape the modern fitness industry, transforming a class of 15 women into a global movement that brought dance fitness into the mainstream, created new paths to entrepreneurship, and helped millions of people experience the benefits of physical activity. Jazzercise has proven it’s more than a fitness fad, evolving into an industry leader through constant innovation. 

On March 10, 2027, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will recognize Missett’s contributions and continuing influence by inducting the Jazzercise founder and executive chair into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas. 

“Judi is a true pioneer,” said HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner. “She changed the way millions of people experience fitness and created opportunities for generations of women to become entrepreneurs. More than five decades later, she continues to influence our industry as Jazzercise evolves and reaches new generations.” 

Missett’s idea for Jazzercise began while she was teaching at the Chicago-area studio of jazz dance legend Gus Giordano. She noticed that some women came to class once and never returned. When she asked why, she learned they loved to dance but were not trying to become professional dancers.

She responded by simplifying the choreography, adding encouragement, and facing the class herself so participants could focus less on how they looked and more on moving and having fun. By combining dance with exercise, Missett created a new kind of fitness experience that would become Jazzercise.

As demand grew, Missett trained women from her classes to teach Jazzercise in their own communities. The model evolved into a global franchise system, and by 1984, Jazzercise was the nation’s second-fastest-growing franchise, behind Domino’s Pizza. Along the way, Missett opened opportunities for thousands of women to become business owners decades before women-led group fitness franchises became an industry norm.

That commitment to women’s entrepreneurship continues alongside Missett’s work with Jazzercise. She has supported organizations dedicated to advancing women in business, earning multiple recognitions from renowned organizations such as the Women Presidents Organization, Enterprising Women and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. She has also written three books and, together with Jazzercise instructors, helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes, building a community that transcends the dance floor.

Today, Missett remains involved as founder and executive chair. Her daughter, Shanna Missett Nelson, leads the company’s vision as CEO and chief choreographer. Her granddaughter, Skyla Nelson, program development specialist and choreographer, represents the third generation of the family shaping Jazzercise for the future.

Missett will be formally inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame on March 10, 2027, as part of The HFA Show 2027, which takes place March 10–12, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. For the first time, the induction ceremony will take place on opening night, immediately after the Kick-Off Party, bringing the global health and fitness community together to celebrate the icons, innovators, and trailblazers who are shaping the industry.

Tickets to the HFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available as add-ons to registration for The HFA Show 2027. Proceeds from the event benefit the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity focused on industry research and grants to help HFA member clubs and studios with their programs facilitating community health.  

Additional inductees will be announced in the coming weeks. 

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health. Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasil, ChinaFit, Wellness & Fitness LATAM, SPORTEC Japan, and SPORTEC Thailand, Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.