Looking to stay fit? go jump

LUCKNOW: It stimulates your metabolism, improves your sense of balance, and energises the cardiovascular system, which is why the city’s caught the ‘jump bug’. From bungee fitness classes to those on the trampoline, to skipping, jumping is one of the new ways to keep the blood pumping.
S Fusion, a bungee fitness centre, which just opened in the city, is already seeing people queuing up to give it a shot.“Bungee fitness is said to need half the power exerted than for traditional workouts due to the bungee carrying half your body weight while the body is free to work towards fitness. This makes it easier than most forms of high-intensity workouts,” says Siran Jeevi, 39, founder of S Fusion. “Workshops in bungee fitness have been done in the city, but we are going one step beyond and providing round-the-year, classes, in a studio for interested participants.
“Bungee fitness is a high-intensity workout minus muscle fatigue. A normal push-up on the floor needs certain physical capabilities but when we do it with the help of a bungee rope, it lessens stress on the joints and is fun to boot. ” Bungee fitness, like every other workout, helps to lose calories, and manage weight but focuses on strengthening the core. The sessions cater to a mixed crowd of mostly people in their 20s ad 40s with children as young as six also taking an interest in the workouts.
“Children love bungee fitness, especially the sense of adventure felt while flying two feet into the air. It feels effortless like playtime. We also get corporate groups who come during the weekends to unwind. One Sunday, we held a retreat for 15 couples who took turns having a go on the bungee. These exercises enable people to bond together while associating a healthy activity with their relationship,” he says.
Kasi Vishwanatha, a tech employee, 30, says, “The first time I tried bungeefitness it was scary but then I had to keep going back for more since it was exciting. I play badminton so I have noticed my increase in flexibility and I leave feeling good after the workout. ”
Trampoline fitness is a style where one uses a trampoline to perform squats, skater hops, jumping jacks and bounces. “Trampoline fitness is safe to do for people with joint or back pain since you float while performing the exercises. It is a full cardio workout which targets core muscles, back and lower body muscles with less focus on the upper body. Performing it on a bouncy surface rather than on a hard floor has its benefits, preventing long-term stress and injuries on the legs,” says Sumaiya Naaz, sports physio and founder of fitsio_max.
Jump rope fitness is a unique form of fitness where it is also a competitive sport with national and international events organised by Rope Skipping Federation of India and Jump Rope Federation of India. Sanjay Nair, 24, founder of Flipstyle, which provides coaching sessions in jump rope, is also a national-level bronze medalist and four time state level gold medalist in the sport. His fitness coaching offers a mix of jump rope, gymnastics and parkour. “Jump Rope is an endurance sport that helps in weight loss, and increases strength. Mind, body and skipping rope should be aligned to perform the game. Out of my 600 students, 140 showed interest in the sport,” he adds.
Karthick Perumal, a physiotherapist, says whatever the form of jumping, the right footwear is important to avoid injuries and pain in joints. Jumping workouts improve bone health and density. “I would advise people above the age of 45 to have caution, to consult with their doctors first and perform routines based on their particular health condition. People with vertigo, cardiac or blood pressure issues are not advised to indulge in heavy workouts,” he says.