Given the number of ‘alternative’ fitness classes that are currently hitting the market, finding a truly new and unique way to workout is hard, especially when you have got a choice of kangaroo jumping or squatting on a mat in the middle of a swimming pool.
Yet, Bungee Fitness really comes close to the mark…
Originally from Bangkok, since its creation in 2016 Bungee Fitness is slowly – but surely – taking the world by storm. In one class you can embrace your inner Peter Pan and take part in a gravity-defying class that is certain to get your blood pumping, and have adrenaline seekers begging for more.
What is Bungee Fitness?
Comprised of aerial exercises, dance, aerobics, and resistance training, Bungee Fitness is a great way to tone your muscles.
During the class, students are strapped onto resistant bungee cords that are suspended from the ceiling. Once strapped in, you are encouraged to plunge towards the floor, bounce off the walls (and we mean literally bounce off them) and fly through the air, all whilst building and strengthening your core muscles.
It truly offers a high intensity, full body workout, as it allows you to perform a number of aerial maneuvers that you wouldn’t normally be able to do, whilst also offering you the freedom to float weightlessly above the ground.
Why is it still relatively unknown?
There is no denying the kind of draw this type of class can attract. Not only is it fun, unique and different, but the workout itself is incredibly beneficial to the body.
However, despite the obvious attention, this type of class could generate; for many instructors/leisure centres, it is not something they can just easily jump straight into (due to the nature of this type of exercise).
Think about it:
- Comfort – bungee jumping is fast, instant and short. No one spends an extended amount of time-strapped onto a bungee cord. Due to this, very few of us are aware of the discomfort that can come from wearing a bungee harness. As a result, leisure centres are having to go to great lengths to ensure maximum comfort for their students. From the type of rope/cord they use to offering students padded cycling shorts (for them to wear during the class); it is a massive financial investment.
- Safety – weight can influence the amount of resistance the student’s experience. To ensure that there is a bungee cord for everyone, many providers have chosen to separate their cords into different color-coded weight categories. By doing so – and by getting students to disclose their dress size and weight before the class – they can assign the right cord (with the right amount of resistance) to the right student.
How does the class work?
Bungee Fitness is split into distinct sections. During the first 15 minutes, instructors will focus on helping you to harness up and bounce around little, so you gain better control of your body and your movements.
After this initial warm-up, you will be taught approximately three moves.
Now, most instructors choose to only focus on three moves per class (Beginners class) to give you time to adjust. More importantly, they do it because they know you aren’t going to master it straight away. The reality is – you will go wrong. You will fall over. You will misstep. You will get stuck…
Very few get it right the first time, so by limiting the number of moves you are shown in class, you can instead focus on getting it right, as well as having a laugh at all your mishaps – as everyone else will be in the exact same position.
Class setup:
One session typically lasts 3-4 song tracks and during this time you’ll be asked to exercise 2-3 times on your back and once more on your front. From lunges, squats and one-handed planks/push-ups, to getting into the flying lotus position; no matter your skill level this class can offer you a full ab workout.
Now, as I mentioned above there are different skill levels to this sport. Unless you have got a background in aerial art, you will start in a beginner’s class. However, as you progress there are various other types of bungee fitness classes that you can experiment with:
- Bungee Workout – typically 60 minutes long, this uses a combination of dance, fitness training and acrobatic performance to work out your entire body. Once harnessed at the hip – and clipped onto an IRTA certified rigging system – you’ll be taken through a full body cardio workout that offers complete muscle toning (due to the cord leveraging your body weight against gravity). This combined with resistance training (thanks to your bungee cord) can help to strengthen your core muscles.
- Bungee Fit – this class is the next step up from the one above, as it focuses purely on exercising your body with no dance movements involved at all. Instead, you are encouraged to push, run and burn more calories as you are asked to do one-handed push-ups, chin-ups and handstands during your warm-up.
- Bungee Workshop – this class follows the same format as Bungee Workout but offers it at a more advanced level. Here, alongside doing dance and cardio to Hip Hop, dance, contemporary and Latin music, you’ll also be asked to do grand leaps, flips and mid-air pose. This class is especially fun if you have got a dance background, as it helps to develop your posture, balance, extensions, pirouettes, and plies. At the same time, this class can help you to move up multiple dance levels.
Is bungee fitness easy to do?
Bungee Fitness may be fun but this sport is harder than you think. You see, there is more to it than bouncing around and dangling your body from the ceiling. At its centre, Bungee Fitness is core focused and is designed to strengthen your muscles, improve your cardio and balance, and help define your abs.
True it is low impact; however, unless you have already got some or any experience of using bungee cords (for fitness and exercise), you will have to start with a beginner’s class before moving up and trying to follow a choreographed routine.
How can working out on a bungee cord improve your fitness?
If you are serious about getting fit and following a plan that is focused on improving your nutrition and weight loss; then Bungee Fitness can offer you a great start. This sport is particularly useful for those with existing joint issues as the exercises you are asked to perform put little to no stress on your joints.
Instead, the range of aerial movements, core training, cardiovascular exercises and resistance training you’ll be asked to try, will all help to jump-start your metabolism and encourage natural toning and weight loss.
As always, when undertaking any form of sport or exercise, it is important that you stay hydrated and that you pair this workout with a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, good fats and fibre, as this fitness class will get you sweating very quickly.
Can anyone do bungee fitness?
Yes. Whilst there may be an age limit to these classes of 16 years plus, anyone above this age can have a go. Many fitness instructors have reported having attendees of 60 years plus, so it is truly a class for anyone, no matter your age or your skill type.
So if you fancy giving this workout a try, or simply want to see what all the fuss is about, then we definitely recommend signing up. In just one hour, you can embrace your inner child; can fulfill your circus dreams of performing on a trapeze, and can offer your body an intense workout that has little to no impact on your joints.
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