If you weren’t already convinced to give Rebound Revolution in Jump Zone a try before (we’ll do anything that burns a 1,000 calories an hour), we might just convince you when you read the health benefits of this class.
We got chatting to trampolining instructor Eileen on what exactly you get out of a 50 minute class, why ANYONE can take part, and why it’s definitely worth trying this class at least once…
How is Rebound Revolution different to regular cardio?
Ok, so I’m a fitness instructor and personal trainer and I started doing rebounding which is a cardiovascular workout on small trampolines which is not what Jump Zone would specialise in.
So when Jump Zone opened, it was a challenge for me to come and try and design a class that would incorporate rebounding and a cardio workout. So the trampolines are bigger in Jump Zone, which is a great advantage for all levels of fitness and I’ve noticed now in the two years now since I’ve been training in it for two years and it’s great.
I wanted to try and create a programme that it didn’t matter what level of fitness you were. I find that people in gyms are segregated and I wanted to try and design something where we could have everyone working out together.
There’s 40 trampolines there, so I divided the lanes into four different lanes. This means each person in the class will have be able to be bouncing on the trampolines, then I combine cardiovascular exercise interval training shuttle runs up the panels.
There are four different grades up the panels – so there’s a fast lane, two middle lanes and a shorter lane for people who want to build up their fitness but not feel under pressure from anyone else in the class.
Do you think other people feel inspired by their class mates to improve their fitness level?
I think personally from teaching it the last two years, I’ve seen bodies change in front of me, weight dropping and it’s incredible.
I think the most important thing is that people feel that they can be there regardless of their level of fitness and that they can build up every week, week by week, until they get stronger and stronger. I don’t want people to feel any different to anyone else.
It has resulted in huge weight loss, as I’m able to combine huge cardio work, I’m able to combine bouncing on the trampoline which means they’re working on their core.
So if you think about it, in one class, we’re getting core work in, we’re getting cardiovascular shuttle runs in, we do weight work (so we work on both isolating and toning all areas) and there’s no force on joints.
The larger trampolines means there’s less pressure on the body, so it’s excellent for those with weight issues.
It’s perfect because it allows you to train, reduce your weight and get fitter without hurting your knees or back.
Why do you think trampolining has gotten so popular as a form of exercise?
Well, I suppose like everything new, it’s different. It’s something new.
It’s a good way to incorporate all areas – to get in toning, cardio, we do an abdominal section where the soft surface underneath their back means they’re more likely to be able to complete this part of their ab work and it works.
I think it’s holding so well is because two years later, it still has something new, something different and people can build up their exercise levels.
There’s also really good variation in class. In 50 minutes, we hit all areas of the body.
You’ve mentioned the obvious boost of weight loss. What are the health benefits you’ll start reaping from week one?
Well, what I tell everyone is that no matter how comfortable you feel, for the first time you’re up bouncing, there’s always that feeling of trepidation that you’re going to fall. There’s also the fear of what the teacher is like, or what she’s going to ask of you.
But when you start getting confident, you put more into it. As well as losing weight, you’re instantly increasing your cardiovascular heart rate, and you’re de-stressing. You’ll instantly start feeling fitter and stronger.
After a week or two you’ll start having better technique and a stronger technical feel of how to work your core and you’ll have increased balance.
It really has an overall sense of health benefits and what I find it that it’s one of those things that as well as being challenging, people are enjoying it so they don’t feel under pressure to keep in shape.
So you’ve got varying levels of fitness in the class, but is it really suitable for all levels?
As a trainer, you never want to distinguish between one client and another – an intermediate level, higher or standard. When I started in Jump Zone, I decided as a trainer to set the pace.
So the pace of the class is quite full on and as a trainer I’m quite full on. I’ve got 1,000 calories to burn in 50 minutes, so I will set the pace.
What I do tell them is, it doesn’t matter if they don’t get every move, it doesn’t matter. This is a journey and it’s a journey of progression that you’re going to do every week.
The key to success is consistency in the attendance.
So, why should people sign up to do this rather than going to a gym or regular fitness class?
I find that the advantage of Jump Zone is that it allows everybody, who could have never done any fitness before, or found gyms daunting or have pains in their knees when running have been able to sign up and get a little bit of everything in the class in 50 minutes.
We’re not just working one specific area of the body – we’re working all areas. While they’re recovering on one area, I’ll take them into an abdominal section, when they complete that, we move onto another section, and then they move onto isolation weight work.
So while there’s cardio and running, it’s not the only thing in class. We’re attacking everywhere.
And finally, what’s your one piece of advice for someone who’s considering training but not sure about signing up for a class?
I would say have confidence in yourself, believe that you can do it, and realise it’s something new. I’d say give it a go – don’t make a judgement on it until you’ve given a class your best shot.
Our trainers are there to help, they’re there to advise – so if anyone has any issues make sure to ask, shout up and we’ll help get you fit in no time.
Why not make a change from your usual gym trip and take a fun approach to your fitness this January and check outRebound Revolution trampoline classes at Jump Zone. Suitable for all levels of fitness, the classes will keep you on your toes!
