Imagine if there was a form exercise that includes cardio, resistance training and laying down the whole time – there is! Jumpboard! Jumpboard classes are fun, energetic, challenging and come with a huge range of benefits. In this blog, we will discuss what Jumpboard actually is, the benefits, what to expect and everything you need to know before heading to your first class.
What is Jumpboard?
The Jumpboard is a solid piece of timber with one side covered in synthetic and or real leather and slots into the end of the reformer to replace the footbar. The idea being that you lay on your back on the carriage and use the board to jump! You can also lay down on your side and even stand on all fours to jump.
Benefits of Jumpboard
The benefits of Jumpboard classes are endless!
Firstly, the simple fact that you’re lying down jumping takes a massive load off the joints compared to jumping standing up. This means that Jumpboard is significantly kinder on your joints, allowing you to jump for longer without creating injury.
Secondly, the reformer uses resistance through spring tension which is adjustable. Essentially you can choose how much resistance you’d like to push against whilst jumping which can either assist you or challenge you depending on the movement.
Thirdly, the Jumpboard is great for coordination! It’s a very foreign feeling to jump lying down so it challenges your proprioception (the awareness of your body in space). This increases your brain’s ability to know where your limbs are which is a skill needed for completing even the simplest of movements. This skill is most important for sports and activities that require lots of co-ordination like tennis, soccer, netball, and dancing too.
Fourthly, Jumpboard works the feet and calves like nothing else! We often forget about our feet and how important they are in our everyday lives. They take us places and support the weight of the whole body. Jumpboard trains the intrinsic muscles in our feet, as well as promoting correct alignment through the ankle, knee and hip joint. Correctly adjusting the alignment of the lower leg can have a ripple effect through the body, fixing other misalignments along the way!
Lastly, Jumpboard helps connect the breath to movements whilst having an increased heart rate. This is a skill needed for running, skipping and generally controlling breathing whilst puffed! As your heart rate increases as you jump, you’ll learn to breathe through the movement creating efficiency within muscle endurance and correct core activation. There are many other benefits such as core stability, leg strength and overall a fun way to move!
What to Expect?
Walking into a new class can be intimidating so here’s your insight into what a Jumpboard class at PPF will entail!
You’ll most likely start with a warm up which does not include jumping. Movements like bending and stretching the knees, calf raises and even some deep core activation. It’s important to warm up the body before jumping to ensure that the joints have been lubricated with synovial fluid and the muscles are ready to handle the load.
You’ll then start the abdominal section of the class. This will be performed on your back with a light spring to ensure that the load of landing from the jumps is very minimal to focus on the core stability.
You’ll then move into the side lying section of the class to focus on the glutes and inner thighs. Once again, you’ll stay on a fairly light spring to ensure that the load isn’t too intense and to still keep the core switched on.
Then you’ll move into the leg section. This part of the class will focus on every muscle of your legs, using slightly heavier springs to challenge the endurance of the muscles.
And lastly, there will be a little bit of arm work where you essentially use your arms to jump! This can be performed kneeling or sitting facing the Jumpboard, using a light spring to focus on wrist, elbow and shoulder alignment.
Is Jumpboard Safe?
Jumpboard can seem very intimidating and scary but generally, any able-bodied person will be able to join in and absolutely love it! However, there are a few exceptions.
If you have any acute injuries, Jumpboard is not recommended as there is an impact side of the class that the injured part of your body will not appreciate.
Although Jumpboard is used to help rehabilitate injuries (especially lower limb, e.g. ankle sprains), knee and hip issues such as knee/hip replacements will not like the Jumpboard – unless you’ve been cleared by your health care professional.
Lastly, as there is so much core stability required for most Jumpboard exercises, it’s not recommended to attend if you have any chronic/serious back injuries, if you are pregnant or postpartum as there are other more appropriate classes that will aid in your recovery and help build up core strength.
With all this said, Jumpboard is such a fun and unique way to move your body. It works the whole body, while you lay down! If you’ve been thinking of trying a Jumpboard class but haven’t had the confidence to book in, now is your time! The first few times may be a little clunky (like anything new) but it has so many benefits for not only your body, but also your mind! Happy jumping!
Wanting to try a Jumpboard class at PPF? Find out more here.
Why should I add Jumpboard into my weekly exercise schedule? Click here to read more.
