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At Pilates by Ness, our clients regularly enjoy adding the Jumpoard into their Pilates practice as it adds an element of cardiovascular activity while still maintaining a low-impact environment. This prop is added to the base of the Pilates reformer and quickly turns this piece of Pilates Equipment into a cardio, aerobic machine! Our clients never leave without a smile on their faces after a Jumpboard Pilates Class at our Denver studio.
Studies suggest that the original Jumpboard was actually prototyped by NASA! They were looking for a way for their astronauts to experience weightlessness while in training. The prop is very simple in design and looks like a rectangular padded board, imagine a trampoline that has little to no give. This invention was noticed by the Pilates community and because of its popularity with dancers and gymnasts, it was then redesigned to be used by attaching it to the base of the Reformer. This design was ideal for these types of athletes because of its ability to let gravity work with you instead of against you while practicing strengthening and stabilizing their jumping ability.
Traditionally, jumping on the board was usually only done laying on your back using one or both feet to simulate the jumping experience but as time went on practitioners started placing clients on their sides, kneeling, in quadruped (on all fours), and on their stomachs using their arms. The spring tension can be modified to change where the emphasis of the exercise is being felt. Using a heavier spring tension will create more of a challenge on the extremities and using a lighter spring tension will create more of a challenge for the stabilizers or the abdominals. When a lighter spring is used, jumping is normally done in spine flexion for abdominal strengthening.
The most common use and benefit is the addition of aerobic exercise to your Pilates routine. Normally, Pilates is practiced in a low-impact environment where you can safely increase strength and flexibility among other benefits, however, your heart rate will not rise for a long period of time. Aerobic exercise is defined as “with oxygen” and is more commonly known as “cardio”. Aerobic exercises include activities like running, swimming, and cycling. Incorporating the Jumpboard into your Pilates routine will help add the benefits of this type of exercise.
The Jumpboard can also be used in a rehabilitative setting. It can be very beneficial to those who suffer from Osteoporosis, the loss of bone density. It creates a safe environment for them to strengthen their bones. This also rings true for those suffering from any type of lower extremity (leg) injuries, the lack of gravity provides a less stressful way to retrain the joints as the tissues heal. While laying on your back and jumping, the postural aspect is removed which allows for more focus on the alignment of the legs. Statistics also show that in The United States, we suffer greatly from obesity. With Pilates growing more and more popular, Pilates by Ness is determined to help reverse this trend. An overweight person jumping in an upright position can be detrimental to the joints in most scenarios, therefore this tool help create a safe way for this mover to practice aerobic exercise!
At our studio, we love to incorporate cardiovascular activity as often as we can with our clients. It is a fun and challenging way to spice up your pilates repertoire and has long-lasting benefits to your total body health! Join us today to experience the joys of the Jumpboard!
