Written by Dayra Penagos. APPI Pilates Instructor.
Looking for a new way to challenge your body, get your heart pumping and add a little fun to your Pilates routine? Meet our Reformer Jumpboard class! It combines all the things you love about Reformer Pilates with a low-impact jumping workout that builds strength, coordination and cardiovascular fitness.
And don’t worry — you won’t be jumping around a studio! You’ll be lying, sitting, kneeling and other creative versions of you on your Reformer, using a padded board attached to the footbar to push away and land with control. Think, hoping, jumping, side hoping, and even dynamic quadruped superman jumping to push your lower body as well as pressing away with arms to push your arm strength to the limit also. It’s a fun, dynamic way to move, and a great opportunity to try something a little different.
So, what exactly is Jumpboard Pilates?
The Jumpboard adds a new dimension to your Reformer practice. Instead of the usual controlled presses against the footbar, you push away from the padded board with your feet, creating a jumping action while lying on the moving carriage.
The Reformer’s springs help control the movement and cushion your return, making it a lower-impact alternative to many traditional jumping exercises.
It’s a great example of how Pilates continues to evolve. While we absolutely love the traditional Pilates repertoire, we also love exploring new ways to move, using modern exercise knowledge to make classes varied, accessible and enjoyable for more people.
Why give Jumpboard a go?
You’ll still enjoy the familiar Pilates principles of control, alignment, breathing and core connection, but with some extra benefits thrown in!
1. Get your heart pumping
The repeated jumping action adds a cardiovascular element to your workout, helping you build stamina and endurance while keeping things varied and fun.
2. Build stronger feet and ankles
Your feet do more than you might think! The push-off and landing encourage controlled foot movement and challenge the muscles around your feet and ankles. Essential for optimal balance and falls prevention throughout life.
3. Challenge your core
Keeping your pelvis and back stable while your legs move requires plenty of core control. You’ll be working on that all important connection while enjoying a more dynamic workout.
4. Strengthen your legs and glutes
Your legs and glutes work hard throughout the jumping action, helping you build lower-body strength alongside your usual Reformer benefits.
5. Enjoy a lower-impact way to jump
Because you’re lying on the Reformer and the springs help manage the movement, Jumpboard can offer a gentler alternative to jumping on a hard floor. The level of resistance can be adjusted to suit the exercise and individual needs. Ideal for helping to build healthy bones without the high impact of jumping from standing.
6. Add variety to your Pilates routine
Sometimes it’s good to mix things up! Jumpboard introduces new movement patterns, challenges your coordination and brings a different energy to your usual Pilates practice.
Is Jumpboard suitable for everyone?
As with any new exercise, the right class depends on your individual needs, experience and health.
Although Jumpboard is lower impact than many forms of floor-based jumping, it still involves repeated dynamic movements. It may not be suitable if you have an acute injury, certain joint or cardiovascular conditions, severe osteoporosis, or if you’re pregnant. If you’re new to Reformer Pilates, we recommend speaking to our team first to check whether this class is the right starting point for you.
If you have any health concerns or are unsure whether Jumpboard is suitable, please get in touch before booking. We’re always happy to help you find the right class for you.
Come and try something new!
We’re excited to introduce Reformer Jumpboard at APPI Clinics on Wednesdays at Midday with Dayra Penagos , and we’d love you to come along and give it a go!
Whether you’re looking to add a little cardio to your Pilates routine, challenge your core in a new way or simply try something different, Jumpboard could be just the thing.
Ready to bounce? Book here for your place and come and experience this fun new addition to our Reformer timetable. We can’t wait to see you in class!