Did you know that jumping on a trampoline for as little as 10 minutes can offer a potentially better workout than running for 30 minutes?
This is worth considering if you are looking for an alternative way of boosting your cardio while reducing the impact of running or jogging on your joints.
The study that determined bouncing was more beneficial to overall health than pounding the pavement was conducted by Nasa in 1980. The US space agency’s scientists went on to name rebound exercise as “the most efficient, effective form of exercise devised by man”.
Thirty-six years later, rebound fitness is bouncing back into fashion. Forget the silly mini-trampolines of days gone by – the latest rebound fitness offering that can improve your health in leaps and bounds, and help you see results sooner, is Bounce Fit. This high-intensity, low-impact workout has arrived in the capital, with the promise that a 60-minute class will “burn calories at an extreme rate, blast your core, improve all-over muscle tone and lift your heart rate”, among other benefits.
“It is a different fitness programme from anything else,” says Bounce Fit instructor Ediger Ssentongo. “I find this programme very effective for cardio fitness and strengthening your core.”
According to the team behind Bounce Inc, which has outlets in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, trampolining not only helps to keep your heart in good shape and burn calories fast – up to 1000 an hour, on average – it can also help reduce the risk of bone conditions.
How does it do that? Well, it has been proven that the trampoline bed absorbs most of the impact, so bones and joints are protected and posture is improved, as is general muscle health.
And, if all that is not enough, jumping up and down releases endorphins, which help you feel great and assist in combating stress and anxiety.
It all sounds great – but how many Bounce Fit classes do you need to take before there is a noticeable difference in health?
“If you go to a class two or three times a week for six weeks, you will notice the difference,” says Ssentongo, a former professional boxer who has been an instructor for three years.
There are several classes each day in Abu Dhabi (except Friday), which cost Dh80 an hour – less if you book them as a package.
“We offer [Bounce Fit] classes for anyone over the age of 18 and can cater for between 12 and 25 people at time,” says Bounce co-founder Doran Davies. “If you’re interested in working out but don’t know where to start, these classes are perfect for you.”
Bounce Fit is available at Bounce, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1, Dubai; and Remal Mall, Al Ain. Book online at www.bounce.ae
mhealy@thenational.ae