One Month of Sky Zone Skyrobics Classes

Not too long ago I revisited Sky Zone, an awesome indoor trampoline park in St. Louis. They also exist in several other US cities, so check their site to see if there is one near you. My last post was just about Sky Zone in general, but for this post I’ll be focusing on their fitness classes, also known as Skyrobics.

This shows about 1/3rd length of the full Skyrobics court at Sky Zone

The One Month Test

I truly enjoy working out, but I find that there are few classes I like enough to go regularly. I know most people enjoy or even need the camaraderie of a group to work out, but I am the opposite. Unless the class offers me something truly amazing, I’d probably rather just work out alone. Skyrobics is an aerobics class that takes place on a giant trampoline court. Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s worth a try. So I decided to give the classes a one month trial, attending classes at least once a week, usually two.

Skyrobics workout at Sky Zone

It’s more intense than you’d think

I was skeptical at first. I couldn’t imagine how the instructors could fill an hour-long class with much more than high knees and a bunch of jumping. There is so much more to it than that. The trampoline-court setup allows for a lot more innovation than a single trampoline. Instead of just bouncing around on one trampoline, we do laps across 10 of them. And let me tell you, those laps are no easy feat. During follow the leader drills, we have to do things such as bunny hops, side shuffles, side to side jumps, and, the worst of all – rouncing. Rouncing is a combination of running and bouncing. The result is kind of a gallop over several trampolines. It’s a little tricky to get the hang of, and even trickier to master. Even after 8 classes, I still get winded after a few laps and need a break.

Trampoline Fitness Facts

If the idea of working out on a trampoline doesn’t draw you in just based on the fun-factor, these fitness facts might sway you.

• – NASA concludes that the benefits of the trampoline are 68% more effective than jogging.
• – 10 minutes of bouncing on the trampoline is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging, without the added stress on your joints.
• – Robounding strengthens and cleans your muscles and organs. It also squeezes out toxins and facilitates nutrients throughout your cells. (I love this because these are benefits of yoga that I would love to enjoy, but I hate yoga. Thank you trampolines, for being an excellent substitute)
• – Bouncing enhances overall coordination, spatial awareness, flexibility, timing, reaction speed, agility, and balance.

Honestly, just think about how much your legs burn when you do lunges on stable ground. Or the tightening in your arms, shoulders and core when you do a plank. Now imagine doing that on a flexible surface. It takes a lot more effort to maintain balance and form on a trampoline, and your body benefits from the extra effort.

I’m hooked

After 1 month of classes, I can officially declare myself hooked on Skyrobics. I now go twice a week. Honestly, if Sky Zone was a bit closer to my house, I’d probably go 3 times a week. It’s a full body workout that wears me out every time, but still seems fun. Plus, I really see results. My muscles are often a bit sore the day after a workout, but in that awesome, “I’m a badass” kind of way, not the “holy crap my body hurts” kind of way.

I love Skyrobics!

So far, I have enlisted a good number of friends to come with me to the classes, all at various fitness levels. The great thing about the classes is that there is plenty of space, so no one cares if you are new or working at a slower pace. The instructors are great about separating out fitness levels so everyone can get the best workout without hurting themselves.

If you are still on the fence, take a look at this photo:

Ok, this is an unflattering photo of both of us, but the point is, my mom is awesome and works out like a boss.

That’s me and my 56 year old mother. If she can do it, you can do it. I admit, my mom is a total badass and works out 5-6 days a week and can still share clothes with me, but the point is- this is a class that any age or fitness level can enjoy.

So if you are in the St. Louis area, please join me for a class. If you’re not in my area, see if there is a Sky Zone near you. Actually, check if there is one near any city you plan on visiting. I can’t think of a better workout for a traveler!

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