Now you can supplement your regular 30 minute cardio routine with a Pilates Jump Board Class. The Jump Board is a padded plate that replaces the foot bar on the reformer. It is a fun and entertaining way to incorporate cardiovascular exercise into Pilates.
The Jump Board provides an excellent and non-weight bearing method to increase heart rate and burn some serious calories. Certified Pilates instructors lead the class with different movement combinations that not only challenge you physically, but really make you think. The mind and body work together, as in a typical Pilates session, but the tempo is much quicker and your coordination ability is put to the test. A Jump Board Pilates session will ensure not only an increased heart rate but also full body strengthening of the abdominals, legs, arms, and gluteus.
The second your feet leave the board, you are suspended horizontally with your abdominals tightening in support of your spine. The belly button has to pull in and up toward the ribcage, which activates the core, and maintains your spinal stability. Landing is controlled by using the abdominals and rolling sequentially through the foot placing very little pressure on the knees. The Jump Board workout is a safe and much easier on the joints than running. There is no jarring of the knee joints while jumping on the Jump Board because you are suspended horizontally with spring resistance rather than gravity.
Optional variations may include using 3-5 lbs hand weights to incorporate the upper body and some good up-beat music to inspire your endurance.
Clients comment that they feel like a kid again: jumping rope or on a trampoline as the Jump Board is more fun and you may forget you are even working out. The after effect can be as fulfilling as a 30-minute run.
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