Jump into a great workout with this unique exercise class in Brockville, Ont.
A new exercise class has 'sprung up' in Brockville, using specialized boots that help to decrease the impact on the body's joints.
And while they may look intimidating, they are very easy to use.
Peak Performance held a launch party on Saturday morning to introduce their new Jump Fit program, the first of its kind in the region.
"We are super excited to offer something new to the community, so put on a pair of rebound boots and bounce around for 45 minutes," smiled Peak Performance owner and trainer Melissa Denny.
The class uses special footwear called 'rebound boots' that fit like a ski boot with a mini trampoline attached to the bottom.
Peak Performance in Brockville, Ont. uses these 'rebound boots' for its new exercise class. The boots fit snugly and the bounce helps decrease impact on the joints. (Nate Vandermeer/CTV News Ottawa)
"They are super, super, tight around your ankle so you don't have to worry about rolling an ankle, as a lot of people are worried about," Denny said.
"Everybody can do it. I think our oldest participant today, she's 61, our youngest I think is 25," she said.
Wearing the boots while doing a class helps improve muscle strength and lessens joint impacts by up to 80 per cent, compared to other exercises like jogging.
"Because you are moving your muscles, it's going to be a total body burn," Denny said. "You'll burn roughly 25 per cent more calories than you would a regular work out."
"What I love most about Jump Fit is that it's literally for everybody, you don't have to be in tip top shape, even children can do it," said certified instructor Bridgette Harper.
"It's low-impact but it's high-energy," Harper said. "The misconception comes in because everybody looks at them, they get intimidated, but they are quite easy to balance on actually."
Even though Saturday's class was made up of all women, the jump fit program is open to men as well. The boots are able to handle up to 345 pounds.
"There's that level of buoyancy, not quite like zero-gravity, but you just kind of feel kind of floaty a little bit," Denny said.
"You're a lot more engaged, your back is often a lot straighter, you're standing up taller because you're six inches off the ground," she added.
People who attended Saturday were a mix of newcomers and some with experience, who even own their own boots.
"It's fun! They are a little heavy, you get used to them, but they are like a ski boot," noted Jessica Bishop, who has used rebound boots before.
"I've only done it walking just to get used to the boots, but the class is way harder than I thought!" she said.
"Everyone says they think they are going to fall on them," added Heather Durocher. "I've never fallen once on these and I've had them on two or three years now."
"You can walk your dog in these things, you can push a stroller in these things to get used to it," she laughed. "(People) stop and look, 'What's on your feet? What are those?' It's definitely a conversation piece."
Stephanie Blanchard and Emily Behrens, already Peak Performance members, attended the class looking for something new to try.
"It does look intimidating, but it was so much fun and I think having a great instructor like Bridgette really made the class that much more fun and more appealing," Behrens said.
"Halfway through, I felt it right in my hips, back of my legs for sure and when you take the boots off its intense," added Blanchard.
"I feel like we are set for the day now," said Behrens. "Like you start the day off on a great note like that. Now that I've tried it once I'm excited for the weekly classes to come."
Boots are available to rent or people can purchase their own to bring. Classes begin on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:30.
"It's $5 per class to rent the boots, so you don't have to invest," noted Denny. "A lot of people want to do rental just to see if they like it, see if it's good for them."
"If they choose to invest, we are part of an affiliate program with Fit Boots, where you can order tons of different colours and they are customized specifically for your body for your weight," she added.
"It's honestly so easy. It's enjoyable. Once you get started, it becomes an addiction very easily," laughed Harper.
"Come in, give it a try. Everyone is at different levels, so if you are brand new to this, don't be intimidated. Everyone's at their own level," she added.
More information about the program can be found on the Peak Performance website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.