I Tried Jumpboard Pilates and Can Confirm It's Perfect For Cardio-Lovers

Originally published on Popsugar UK: https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fit...

The beauty of exercise is that a workout can be as much or as little as you'd like it to be. For example, I'm not the biggest fan of an intense, HIIT, cardio-focused workout and while I was part of a running club in the summer, I much prefer a slower pace, like walking or attending a Pilates class.

The latter, I've been doing a lot during my quest to find the best Pilates classes in London. But, as part of a quick detour, I've also tried some different forms of Pilates: Reformer, Winsor and most recently, Jumpboard Pilates. I was invited by Social Pilates House to try Jumpboard, which owner and instructor Sukheev tells me is a little more fun and has begun to rise in popularity among her clients.

So, with my grippy socks at the ready, a large bottle of water and my knees warmed up for jumping, I took to Jumpboard. Here's everything you should know about the class and any burning questions answered.

What is Jumpboard Pilates?

Heading into the studio, the first difference I spotted was the rectangular board at the end of my Reformer bed — the jumpboard. Rebecca Dadoun, founder of Pilates Prescription tells PS UK that a jumpboard is technically a piece of equipment attached to the end of the reformer (replacing the footbar) that allows us to rebound off of while using the reformer.

"Think about jumping horizontally rather than up and down! Regular reformer classes where there is only the footbar doesn't allow for jumping as the footbar is too small and narrow to land safely! Regular reformer classes will be much slower paced than a jumpboard class," she explains.

What Happens During a Jumpboard Pilates Class?

After some stretching, we got stuck into the jumping which was an unusual feeling at first, since usual Reformer Pilates sessions are all about controlled and slow movements. In Jumpboard, you're adopting the jump movement and letting the springs take over. In short, it was different but rather more enjoyable, kind of like a horizontal trampoline.

We went on to perform horizontal star jumps, leg raises, crunches and push ups (yes, this is a full body workout) and even used some of the usual Pilates equipment, including the Pilates ball, a resistance band and the Pilates ring (or the Magic Circle as we Social Pilates House attendees call it) for our exercises before slowing the pace and ending with the child pose and other soothing stretches.

Is Jumpboard More Intense than Regular Pilates?

Admittedly, the first couple of jumping exercises make the session seem like it's going to be easy, but as the exercise and sets become more detailed, I realised that speed, coordination and breathwork were key to successfully perform the exercise at play and once I had those aspects sorted, I started to feel the burn.

According to Dadoun, Jumpboard is more intense than regular Pilates, so be prepared. "During a typical Jumpboard class you have the added cardio aspect to the class and the added impact of landing on the jump board but thanks to gravity it's easy on the joints. Depending on the spring tension you will get either a greater lower body burn or a deeper core workout using lighter springs," she tells us.

What Are the Benefits of Jumpboard?

But with any adapted workout, Jumpboard has its own benefits that can improve your overall health and fitness. Dadoun tells us that some benefits include:

Along with these benefits, you can also expect an increase in strength, endurance, alignment and coordination, plus improved bone health thanks to the impact involved with Jumpboard. Dadoun recommends the workout as part of a balanced exercise routine, suggesting one class a week alongside classic Pilates.

Who is Jumpboard Best For?

In my opinion, Jumpboard is perfect for cardio lovers who have been struggling with the slow, Pilates pace in classic sessions or even on a Reformer. This workout is bound to get your heart racing and your blood pumping in the best way. Dadoun adds that because of the faster pace, it's probably only best for people who have been doing Pilates for a while and want to upgrade their workout: "If you have your Pilates form and fundamentals secured you're more likely to get the best from the classes and feel safe enough to jump on the board and Reformer."