Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work out without gravity’s constraints or as if you were bouncing on trampolines with every step? If you’re seeking a fitness adventure that’s out of the ordinary, you might want to consider giving bungee workouts a try. Bungee workouts involve using stretchy and bouncy bands suspended from the ceiling, which you can either harness to your waist or hold onto with your hands. These bands add a unique challenge to bodyweight exercises by requiring you to engage various muscle groups to work against the resistance of the cords.
What Are Bungee Workouts?
Bungee fitness is a workout experience that’s equal parts low-impact and high-intensity cardio. It involves participants soaring through the air and diving towards the ground, all while being guided by the tension of the bungee cord. This workout puts your core and leg muscles to the test as you work against the pull of the cord. Amanda Paige, the founder of Tough Lotus, a bungee and aerial fitness studio, describes it as a dynamic fusion of fitness and fun.
Paige, a former Broadway dancer, introduced bungee workouts to the United States several years ago. Her journey began with a video from a bungee studio in Thailand that piqued her interest. After spending two weeks in Thailand, she developed her own bungee program and brought this fitness trend to American shores.
Bungee fitness studios have multiplied across the country, with some incorporating elements of Pilates, yoga, and ballet into their routines. ChaiseFitness, for instance, uses an overhead bungee system and a Pilates chair to create a unique workout experience. Co-founder Rachel Piskin, a former ballet dancer and certified Pilates instructor, emphasizes that their bungee classes focus on engaging the core, glutes, and upper body while using bungee handles instead of harnesses. This approach ensures that the bungees assist participants without doing all the work for them.
The Benefits of Bungee Workouts
In a fitness landscape dominated by high-intensity interval training (HIIT), bungee workouts provide a refreshing low-impact alternative. Bungees challenge your stability and strength as they pull you against gravity, and the jumping and bouncing in these classes get your heart rate up. These workouts not only emphasize building lean muscle but also demand cardiovascular endurance and coordination. The balance component adds a full-body workout dimension.
Bungee workouts can also help improve your posture, especially when holding the bands in your hands. Posture plays a crucial role in performing exercises with proper form, as the muscles in your back, chest, and shoulders work to maintain good posture. Overhead bungees require you to engage your upper body and core to hold onto them, enhancing your stability. This also helps create a strong foundation for the mind-body connection, making your workouts more effective. Furthermore, the dance sequences in bungee classes promote body awareness and coordination.
Bungee workouts stand out from traditional stability tools such as barres, which can become crutches hindering balance. With bungees, you learn how to shift your weight from one side of your body to the other while working against the cord’s resistance. This experience improves your body’s spatial awareness and enhances balance.
Who Should Try Bungee Workouts?
Bungee workouts are an excellent entry point for fitness newcomers and offer a low-impact alternative for anyone looking to reduce joint strain. They’re particularly suitable for those who want a cardio workout without the high-impact consequences of running or weightlifting. However, if you have an existing injury or recently underwent surgery, it’s advisable to refrain from bungee classes, and pregnant women should avoid classes that harness around the waist, as it can be unsafe for the baby.
Many bungee classes have weight restrictions and may require individual harness adjustments. It’s always wise to consult an instructor and, if necessary, your physician before embarking on a new fitness journey, especially if you’re new to exercise.
Bungee workouts can be enjoyed by people of various age groups, including those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. These workouts are effective in restoring lean muscle mass, making them a suitable option for older individuals, especially those with osteoporosis. The weight-bearing exercises and posture-correcting workouts can be particularly beneficial for older participants.
What to Expect in a Bungee Workout Class
Before leaping into a bungee workout class, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the equipment and safety guidelines. Many studios, like Tough Lotus, offer a beginner’s class as an introduction. This ensures that everyone starts on an equal footing and learns the basics of proper technique. As you progress, the exercises become more advanced, and you experience longer periods of continuous cardio work.
At ChaiseFitness, newcomers receive a comprehensive introduction to the equipment and unique exercises. The studio’s signature moves, like the Chaise squat and Chaise pike, are not traditional and require resistance from the bungees. These movements involve using the bungees for reverse ab crunches, supermans, swimmers, and various other exercises.
In a bungee class, expect to perform variations of classic bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and crunches. These exercises may feel different than what you’re used to, as the bungees introduce a new level of resistance and complexity. Dance-inspired exercises, explosive movements, and a lot of jumping and running are common in bungee classes. The cardio component can be surprising for those who are not used to aerobic workouts. Bungee classes typically last around 45 minutes to an hour, with a few, like those at Tough Lotus, extending to 75 minutes.
Depending on the studio, you may find various types of bungee classes tailored to specific fitness goals, such as strength, endurance, or cardio. Some studios offer bungee kickboxing and HIIT-style workouts, providing a diverse range of options.
What to Wear for a Bungee Workout
For a bungee workout, it’s recommended to wear fitted, moisture-wicking workout clothing. This attire allows you and the instructor to easily assess your form and movement in front of the mirror.
Socks and sneakers are typically required for safety, and jewelry should be left behind. Some studios may provide additional gear, such as shorts for extra harness padding.
How to Find a Bungee Workout Class Near You
Bungee workouts are becoming increasingly popular, and many studios and gyms across the country now offer group classes and private training sessions. Some Crunch gyms, aerial yoga studios, and TRX studios have incorporated bungee classes into their offerings. ChaiseFitness even has an on-demand app that includes resistance band exercises, allowing you to mimic the movement of hand-held bungees at home.
If you’re interested in experiencing bungee workouts, there are numerous studios to choose from in various locations. Here are a few specialized bungee fitness studios across the United States:
- A Step to Gold in Raleigh, North Carolina
- The Aviary in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Studio Bungee in Marietta, Georgia
- Pop Fit Studio in Havertown, Pennsylvania
- Exercise in Disguise Fitness in Springfield, Massachusetts
- Coreo Fitness in Seattle, Washington
- All Fit Bungee in Clinton, Utah
- Dynamite Fitness in Winter Garden, Florida
- D&A Flying Yoga in Los Angeles, California
Class prices typically range from $20 to $40, and class sizes can vary, with some offering intimate group settings. To find a bungee studio near you, platforms like ClassPass and MindBody are excellent resources for discovering available classes and locations.
