As I strapped my Kangoo boots on, a nostalgic feeling came over me from my childhood days at Skate Plus, the local roller rink back in my hometown. Yet when I looked down, it felt like I was about to embark on a ski slope or cruise The Strand in my rollerblades along Hermosa Beach. I quickly awoke from my brief daydream when an instructor walked by with a shirt that said, “Do you Kangoo?” With a bit of hesitance, I walked into a bright room filled with bodies bouncing everywhere.
It’s called Kangoo Jumps and while it debuted a few years back at a big fitness industry trade show, it’s starting to really take off around here thanks to local fitness instructor, Robert De La Riva.
So, how’s it work? Imagine replacing the wheels on your rollerblades with an oval-shape platform that allows you to rebound off the floor. According to the company web site, the eye-catching workout provides 33 physical benefits ranging from weight loss to joint injury protection, cardiovascular and endurance training, bone mass support and even…wait, face lifts?
I don’t know about the cheeks on my face, but I can tell you from just one class that my other cheeks are already feeling a bit lifted and firm. Not only did I get a really great sweat on, for 45 minutes I felt like I was a kid again jumping around to happy, upbeat music as Robert led us through a high-intensity, off-kilter workout.
As I hopped around hooting and hollering with my fellow jumpers, I noticed the diversity in the room. From teens to moms, career professionals and athletes, it’s clear this workout welcomes all fitness levels. So, if you’re looking for a way to shake up your usual routine, keep an eye out for this super-charged aerobic workout coming to a club near you.
My Favorites:
*Interval training (boosts your metabolism, improves anaerobic threshold).
*You’re having fun so you forget you’re even working out (except during the intervals).
*Lots of great balance, coordination and agility drills.
*A total body workout, recruiting large and small muscles alike.
*Forces you to engage your core the entire workout.
*Easy to do (believe it or not).
*This would make for an interesting party concept (perhaps sans cocktails...).
*EXCELLENT workout for kids & teens.
My Least Favorites:
*My feet were tensing up a bit from the shoes (they don’t provide shoes in ½ sizes).
*$5 shoe rental fee.
*Women should be warned to wear a highly supportive sports bra!
Check it out: www.kangoojumps.com
