Name: Kangoo Jumps
Location: Canon Dance House, Gardenvale
Form of exercises: Rebound exericse - Low impact cardiovascular/endurance training
Most suitable for: Anyone who likes working hard and bopping to music. Especially good for those with previous history of knee and ankle injuries that need a low impact exercise.
Caution For: People with acute injuires (knee ligaments, ankle ligaments) and poor balance. People with very low levels of fitness.
Overall rating: 4.3 stars
Introduction
Just when we thought exercise couldn't get any better - enter Kangoo Jumps. A craze that has already hit Europe by storm but has yet to become popular in Australia. We came across this crazy form of aerobics via Instagram and just had to try it. We left with different coloured shirts to what we started with (a sweat enduaced colour change), and a fatigue that can only be described as "completely and utterly wrecked", but the joy of this low impact form of dance has stayed with us for days. So what do two physios have to say about jumping around for 1 hour in space boots? Read to find out more!
Click here to see us showing off our Kangoo Jumps on Instagram
Class Description
Kangoo jumps is the brand of 'rebound boots' that were required to be donned to participated in this class. The boots were first developed in Switzerland and are specifically designed to take pressure away from the knees for those with arthritis. They are high ankled, and could be mistaken for rollerskates, however instead of wheels there is a complex jumping mechanism screwed to the bottom of the shoe. The mecahnism is made of a strong plastic or metal and is semi-circular in shape, which means that it is a little diffiicult to stay still in them, but is actually increadibly stable once you start to move. The class runs for 1 hour and is non-stop. You learn 8 beats of coreography per song and repeat and repeat and before you know it you have learnt a 24 beat aerobics routine all with different types of jumping steps. This form of exercise requires great body awareness, a good level of fitness and challenges your legs, pelvic floor and core muscles.
Kangoo Jumps is very hard to come by in Australia. For that reason, this class was run by French a freelance instructure by the name of Marie (@Marie.Newcal on Instagram). Marie's bookings all run via Instagram where you give her your shoe size and she will ensure to have the boots for you upon arrival at the Canon Dance house in Gardenvale (south east Melbourne).
5-star criteria
Fun: 5 stars
For the 2nd week in a row we just had to give this class a 5 for fun. If the youthful exuburance of jumping to music isn't enough, Marie is just the most wonderful instructor, who motivates you to work hard and have fun doing it. If you're thinking that you don't usually enjoy a dance style class, this is more of an aerobics style that is easy to follow along. If you enjoy music and moving your body freely, you will love this as much as we did.
Cost: 3.5 stars
Intro offer - Free single class Single Session - $35
5Pack - $150
10pack - $280
A little priceier for dance style exercise but makes sense when you realise that the boots themselves cost in excess of $350 each.
Customer experience: 4.5 stars
When a charasmatic French girl tells you to jump - you jump. Marie is a freelancer and is incredibly good at her job. She was professional and dealt with a tricky situation when the owner of the dance studio didn't show up by setting us all up outside on a beautiful Melbourne evening. In addition, Marie gives clear instructions on the safest way to perform the steps within these 2.5kg boots, ensuring that you are aware of your core and leg muscles to prevent injury. Her beautiful French accent, seemless performing of the moves and high intensity encouragement all add to the incredible vibe of the class.
In addition, Marie ensured that the participants were'nt allowed to leave without doing the "stomach vacuum" - a fancy title for pelvic floor exercises which are an essential part to be able to control your core and bladder whilst participating in rebound type exercise.
Of course being a freelancer means that you don't get the added benefits of a gym, such as a website, email reminders or showers. But as far as instructors go Marie is simply the best.
Accurate to description and effectiveness: 5 stars
Whislt not having a formal description on her Instagram page there is a comprihensive description of Kangoo jumps on it's brand page. It is descripbed as a "safe mobile rebound exercise.. designed for all ages, fitness levels and are very easy to use. Kangoo Jumps rebound shoes are a perfect for cross-trainging activities and provide many additional health and fitness benefits." Basically it says it is a good form of low impact cardiovascular exercise and we absolutely cannot disagree. The heart rate is raised, the muscles are tested and you have fun doing so.
Accessibility and safety: 4 stars.
Very similar to bounce class last week, Kangoo Jumps are built with safety in mind. That being said, if you have any trouble with balance, body awareness, are at a very low fitness level or have an acute lower limb injury, this is not the class for you. In addition, in Marie's class you had to have a good level of fitness to follow along.
But if Zoe is the test for whether or not someone injury prone and clumsy can safely attend this class - it gets a pass.
Overall Total: 21.5/25 - average 4.3/5
Final Thoughts
We simply cannot work out why Kangoo jumps isn't more popular in Australia. If this class was a little cheaper - I would do it 2-3 times a week without question.
So if you're a business mogul and want to bring Kangoo Jumps to Australia - you have 2 physiotherapist's official tick of approval.
For more information please listen to our Podcast episode
If you want to learn more about exercise and menopause, click here
If you want to read more about how we calculate our star ratings click here
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