Jazzercise ran, rather, danced its way to a solid first place in this week’s reader’s choice poll for favorite gym in Columbia.

Despite being up against tough competition from other popular Columbia gyms such as Supreme Sports Club and Columbia Athletic Club, the Rumsey Road dance center claimed 62 of the 118 total votes cast for 52 percent of the vote. And the 11 5-star reviews on its Patch Places page cemented it as the editor’s choice for best gym in Columbia.

Jazzercise is a franchise group fitness class that combines moves from hip-hop, jazz dance, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and resistance training into a 60-minute workout session.

Owner Rene Loeb, who has been teaching Jazzercise for over 20 years, operates the Columbia location, which opened in 2009. Loeb and instructors Christina Borgfeld, Melissa Gardner and Jackie Hearn hold three to five classes per day in the mornings and evenings. A YouTube clip of instructors from the Columbia location shows them dancing with Tim Roberts, a Maryland Dace Team choreographer.

"We are rocking over there," said Loeb when told Jazzercise won the reader's choice poll, "I'm thankful for everyone that walks through the door."

She said with Jazzercise being a franchise the feel of the class can be different from location to location, but in Columbia, "It truly is the perfect combination of choreography, music and instructors. You can have all those things, but you have to have someone that can present it in a way that is motivating. I think that's what we do really well."

"This month we have free Fridays," added Loeb, "So it doesn't get any better than that to try us out. If you love to shake your booty and listen to Top 40, Jazzercise is a great place to get in shape."

She said the Columbia location has about 200 members.

Patch commenters professed a passion for the dance fitness center. Multiple commenters wrote that they enjoyed the music, the excitement and the diverse workouts. 

Dee said she had lost 50 pounds during her 11 years participating in Jazzercise. 

“I am in my 20’s and have been a part of Columbia Jazzercise for 8 years,” wrote Ash, “I love the welcoming instructors, and the dance involved with Jazzercise to popular music.” 

Second place in the reader’s choice poll went to Supreme Sports Club with 28 votes and third place was Columbia Athletic Club with 17 votes.

Jazzercise is the second winner in Patch’s 2012 reader’s choice poll series. The first winner was Bagel Bin & Deli for best breakfast eatery.

Thank you for participating in this fun commentary on the strength and importance of local businesses. Weigh in next week when we ask about the best place to celebrate St. Paddy's Day.

The winner was chosen by Patch based on poll results, comments, listing reviews and Facebook comments. Find complete results here.