What exactly is a Jumpboard class?
What exactly is a Jumpboard class?
When people think about Pilates, they don’t typically think about jumping. In fact, many people are drawn to Pilates for its reputation of being slow, methodical, gentle and low-impact. But Pilates does have a secret weapon that makes it easy to sneak in some high-intensity cardio bursts while maintaining the integrity of traditional Pilates exercises. It’s the Jumpboard, and it’s the best of cardio without the high-impact.
If you’ve never tried this class, you’ve probably seen those large square looking things leaning against the studio’s back wall. Those are the Jumpboards and they attach to the front end of the reformer near the footbar and springs. The tension of the springs determines the intensity of the jumping. Heavier springs (red) work the legs while lighter springs (blue) strengthen and tone the abdominals and stabilizing muscles. The best part is, you get all these benefits while lying on your back or side with your head and neck fully supported. In fact, people with bad knees or knee replacements who find traditional floor and step aerobics, or even walking, to be painful may truly benefit from a jumpboard class because it’s extremely low-impact on your joints. While lying on your back and jumping, your spine is fully supported and safe which allows you to focus on the alignment of the legs and pelvis.
Those who suffer from osteoporosis may truly benefit from a Jumpboard class. Recent research has proven that many forms of jumping can improve bone density. You might not be ready to jump around standing up but laying down could be for you.
Lastly, we can’t forget about our tootsies - it’s such a good workout for improving foot health as it works on mobility, stability and effective shock absorption which helps minimize the risk of any future injuries.
These classes are a mixture of jumping, arm work with the straps or on the Tower, feet in straps, abs and more. Don't stress - it's not just 50 minutes straight of pure jumping because that would be just too crazy. It's intervals and the time truly flies by as you work every body part!
Remember smiling and jumping on a trampoline as a kid or playing in a bouncy house? That floaty, free feeling you had as you were momentarily suspended in the air can be replicated in a Jumpboard reformer class! These classes are Tuesdays at 11am and Saturdays at 930am.