Have you been wanting to get your heart rate up and feel the burn, but you don’t enjoy running or simply can’t do it? If this sounds like you, don’t give up on exercise! Running is not the only way to factor cardio into your life. Whether you just don’t like it or have physical limitations that make running difficult, jump-board Reformer Pilates classes is a great alternative that can fill the gap in a fun and engaging way.
Jump-board Reformer Pilates offers an effective workout to raise your heart rate without pounding the pavement. Before you sign up for your own reformer class with a jump-board, here’s what you need to know!
What Is Jump-Board Pilates?
Jump-board Pilates is a type of controlled exercise that utilizes a jump-board—a sturdy piece of wood with a leather covering that sits on top of the footplate so the board faces towards the rest of the reformer.
In any Reformer Pilates class, the carriage can slide and move, which factors into the many exercises your instructor will walk you through. Often, you’ll be bracing yourself against a footbar at the bottom of the machine (Grip socks are a necessity during any use of a reformer!).
In jump-board Pilates, the jump-board takes the footbar’s spot. The purpose of the jump-board is to provide a big, safe spot that you can jump from.
This allows participants to jump as if they were standing vertically, all while lying down. However, pushing off your feet is far from the only thing you can use a jump-board for!
Does Jump-Board Reformer Pilates Actually Count as Exercise?
It might be hard to believe that you can work up a sweat just by pushing yourself off a jump-board, but you’d be surprised how challenging this task can be! You can imagine how to get your heart rate up by jumping in place- think jumping rope.
Now imagine adding resistance so that you have to jump against tension. It’s easy to see why you can quickly get your heart rate up into cardio range!
This is why jump-board reformer pilates classes are such good exercise. It gets your heart pumping and triggers your muscles with controlled but powerful movements without the impact seen in running. As a result, you can become stronger, more flexible, and more stable over time with consistent jump-board classes.
The Benefits You Can Expect
The addition of a jump-board adds new dimensions to Pilates that can bring numerous advantages to your regular workout. Some of the best things about this type of exercise include:
Low impact
Unlike jumping up and down while standing, using a jump-board removes the hard impact of hitting the ground repeatedly.
This method is much easier on your joints, which is great for people who want to throw themselves into exercise with enthusiasm as well as participants who struggle with joint problems.
Core strength
Using a jump-board activates the core in ways that other exercises don’t. By using lighter springs, participants can achieve longer air time to activate the core. You can even add crunches and other variations, too! Or try pushing off the jump-board with your hands to vary up exercises and target the upper body as well.
Some common leg jump variations you’re bound to encounter in classes include:
- Alternate foot to foot
- Jump wide (click your heels together mid-air!)
- Jump in a Pilates V and splay your legs out to the sides in mid-air
- Squeeze a ball between your ankles during a jump
- Do side-lying jumps to target the glutes
- Do donkey kick/spider kick jumps on the hands and knees
Proprioception
The term “proprioception” describes your body’s ability to understand how it is placed in space. It’s why you can avoid running into a table without actually looking at the table as you move around it.
Jump-board Reformer Pilates boosts proprioception by having you do jumps while lying down. This is a new and potentially confusing option for your brain, and it’ll take some practice to get used to.
But, think of your brain as a muscle; jump-boards can train it to get better at understanding how your body is moving through space! This, in turn, makes you more stable and reactive in other areas of your life and less prone to injury.
Leg strength
They say not to skip leg day, and you certainly won’t on jump-board days! Few exercises are as targeted to the legs as using a jump-board.
Body unity
Good proprioception is not the only skill you can cultivate in this type of Pilates. You’ll need to harmonize your breathing rhythm with the jumps, which can help boost your mindfulness and connect your entire body.
This skill can come in handy when you need to calm down or compose yourself, and even when playing sports or staying active.
Try Jump-Board Reformer Pilates Classes for an Engaging Workout
Looking for a way to shake up your exercise routine or add something new to your life? Jump-board Reformer Pilates classes is a fun way to expand your workout repertoire with something that boosts your heart rate without the need for running. Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a jump-board reformer class today!
