One thing I’ve learned in my four years of being a pseudo-Floridian is when the temperature drops below 75, it’s winter!! It doesn’t take long to get used to the balmy temperatures here and though the rest of the nation may scoff at our winters, Floridians break out the scarves and jackets like the best of them! This winter I am highlighting ways to stay active and keep warm in Jacksonville.
Rebounderz is the perfect place to break a sweat if you don’t want to brave the low(er!) temperatures. This indoor trampoline gym offers 24,000 square feet of high flying fun. From Air dodgeball, birthday parties to Mommy and Me classes, this place has it all.
I visited the Air Exercise class, an hour long cardio and strength training class based around the trampoline. If pounding the pavement has always been too hard on your knees or you are starting to feel like a gym rat, this high calorie burning class is for you.
First things first, get there early! Before the class even starts all participants must complete an electronic waiver, go to another line to sign the waiver, pay, watch a safety video (which you must watch each time you go) and get your safety shoes!
Open jump and dodgeball require the safety shoes (and helmets depending on your age) but the special footwear is considered optional for Air Exercise. If given the chance to wear retro 80’s black and lime green velcro high tops, is there really a choice? Not only are these a fashion statement, they do provide more ankle support on an unstable surface than your regular running shoe.
What makes this aerobics class different from all the rest is the nostalgia. The minute my foot hit the tramp, I couldn’t stop smiling flashing back to the many hours I spent bouncing as a little gymnast! Not only do you shoot to the roof but your heart rate does too! It’s a circuit based class to keep it interesting and all fitness levels are welcome.
Air Exercise incorporates bootcamp style strength training moves like a trampoline burpee, incline plank against a trampoline wall or a medicine ball toss. And the instructor saves the best for last, a trip to the foam pit! You can channel your inner Gabby Douglas and try a flip! Don’t worry, the foam blocks are very forgiving if you aren’t in gold medal flipping form. Grab your friends and jump for joy this winter and all year long!
