My resolution: To participate in a new (for me) fitness class every month. I checked off January. After Saturday’s Kangoo exercise class, the bar is set high and the rest of the year has strong competition.

The result? Success and smiles.

Exercising in Kangoo boots at Bounce Fit Club challenged my body, mind, balance, and rhythm.

This was truly the most fun I’ve had working out in recent memory.  The owner and instructor, Robin, granted me permission to take pictures and videos.

(Programming note: I mention Skirt Sports in this article. Remember I don’t sell it but I want you to buy it. I do receive a discount as ambassador but get to give you one as well.)

I Could. Not. Stop. Smiling. I found myself with the goofiest grin on my face most of the time. It wasn’t because the camera was rolling. It was because I was moving my body in a way I haven’t in a while. Enter stage left: Rhythm and Personality.

To be clear: my moves aren’t great. I move like a rigid cheerleader trying to look exactly like the rest of the team. Telling me to “move how I want” puts me into a small panic. No rules to follow! What do I do? How am I supposed to do that? My smile reflected my ability to not take myself too seriously.

What is Bounce Fit Club and Kangoo?

Kangoo boots are like ski boots or inline skates on a rocker.  They are much sturdier than I expected. Robin assured us they are difficult to topple over. Surprisingly, standing still took more work than moving around. A simple squat required concentration and huge core engagement to remain centered. Most of the time I felt myself rocking forward or backward and then taking a couple steps to re-center.

Movements are easily modified to create your own level. To increase intensity, elevate your knees higher, take your legs farther out, or jump with more gusto. Likewise, do the opposite to ease up.

Robin did a great job of prepping each song’s movement and gave us a resting move if we needed a break.

The diverse and upbeat music kept the energy high. 

Kangoo Jumping has about thirty health benefits, including:

• Absorbing 80% of impact on joints.
• Burning up to 800 calories per hour.
• Improving circulation and posture.
• Toning muscles and building endurance.

But is Kangoo a good workout?

Without a doubt, YES.

I was pleasantly surprised to find my quads firing early. My thighs may be in good shape, but this new movement required them to adjust and work harder. The great part about new movements is your body essentially says “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” and has to work harder to put itself back together. Hello, metabolism kick.

One surprise was how versatile the boots were. Sure, we jumped and kicked and pretended to have rhythm (OK that was just me), but we also did squats (hello, balance), upper body weights (fire in the arms!), glute work on the cushioned mat, and abs. The boots weigh about two pounds each. Wowee! did that make a difference while doing kickbacks and straight leg abdominal lowers. Insert grimace.

What do I wear?

The only requirement is to wear long socks. Thickness doesn’t matter. Think ski boot or inline skates.

I intentionally chose my Skirt Sports Lioness skirt for two reasons.

1) It’s cute and frilly; a true complement to a fun class.

The other reason?

2) It hides mommy bladder failures.  

Both proved to be a good choice.

Everyone else was in leggings or capris. (Skirt Sports has those too.)

What else do I need to know?

1. Go with a friend.  You don’t have to, but you’ll be glad you did.
2. Arrive fifteen minutes early to get your boots situated and learn basic instructions.

Laura and I arrived together. Another pair showed up for their first class as well. You’ll have more confidence going in knowing you’re not the only newbie. The first time in any class is uncomfortably awkward, (remember last year?) not really knowing what to expect or how this is going to go down. I wrote about exercising with a friend here and that still holds true. Having a friend to chat with lessens any anxiety you may have.  Most importantly, you’ll laugh together on the way home.  

If I had a teenage daughter, this would be a great bonding experience. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince my boys to accompany me next time.  Anyone have a daughter I can borrow?

The class of fifteen or so was engaging and authentic. As with most classes, all levels were represented. This Kangoo class is totally doable for all.

3. Sign up prior to class (see below).

I’m convinced! What do I do? Where do I go?

If you live in the Houston, TX area, I highly recommend Bounce Fit Club. You’ll want to book on their website to ensure boot availability.  

Not in Houston? This trend is exploding, so just Google “Kangoo class near me” to find the closest one.

This may have started as January’s goal, but I’m definitely going back. It gave jumping for joy a whole new meaning.

WHEN you attend (‘cuz I know you’ll want to), make sure to take a picture, post on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and tag #GracedHealth. I want to see you in action!

Bounce Fit Club is also participating in a Fit Cruise Package August 16-20, 2018. U-Jam, Zumba, Line dancing, Yoga, Bootcamp – it’s all there, plus meals, snacks, and nutritional workshops. Click here for more information. Make sure you book using the crew code BFIT for extra bonuses.