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. "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.
