What Is Bungee Fitness and Who Can Benefit from It?

Medically reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT

If you’re looking for a dynamic, innovative, and fun-filled workout that’s anything but boring, you may want to consider bungee fitness. This unique exercise program mixes elements of dance, aerobics, and resistance training all into one unique experience.

Bungee fitness is relatively new, but its origins can be traced back to dance and aerial fitness practices, says Reda Elmardi, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and founder of The Gym Goat.

Participants wear a harness attached to an actual bungee cord that is suspended from the gym’s ceiling. This allows them to perform a myriad of exercises while simultaneously experiencing buoyancy from being lifted up by the cords. Here's what you need to know about bungee fitness, including how it works, its benefits, and safety considerations.

How Bungee Fitness Works

Bungee fitness equipment includes the bungee cord and harness, says Elmardi. “The bungee cord is attached to a secure anchor point overhead, and the participant wears a harness that is connected to the bungee cord. In addition to the bungee cord and harness, participants may also use a mat or padded flooring for certain exercises that involve floor work or jumping.”

During a bungee fitness class, participants engage in several different types of exercises, including lunges, jumps, squats, and cardio dance, all while being lifted up by the bungee cord, which adds resistance and stability in multiple directions. This resistance challenges different muscle groups and enhances overall strength, endurance, and agility.

Elmardi also points out that some bungee fitness classes may incorporate resistance bands, hand weights, or other fitness props to enhance the workout experience.

Related: 14 Full-Body Exercises with Weights to Burn Fat and Build Muscle

Benefits of Bungee Fitness

Bungee fitness is gaining popularity not only because it’s fun and exciting but also because it provides many physical and mental health benefits. Here’s a look at some of the key ways you may benefit from bungee fitness.

Offers a Full-Body Workout

Because bungee fitness engages multiple muscle groups at the same time, including your arms, legs, core, and back, it’s considered a comprehensive, full-body workout. This helps improve strength, increase endurance, and enhance overall muscle tone, notes Elmardi.

Serves as Low-Impact Exercise

Many individuals are advised to refrain from certain workouts due to their high impact, such as running, jogging, and kickboxing. Bungee fitness, however, is relatively low impact, which means it’s gentle on the joints and suitable for exercisers of all ages.

Strengthens Your Core

Because the bungee cords create instability, your body relies on your core muscles to maintain balance during the exercises. Utilizing your core muscles helps strengthen your abdominal muscles and back muscles.

Boosts Your Heart Health

Bungee fitness can also offer cardiovascular benefits. The dynamic movements and resistance provided by the bungee cords can increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness, explains Elmardi.

Enhances Your Flexibility

If you’re looking to improve your flexibility, bungee fitness is a great workout because it involves dynamic movements, like squats and lunges. These movements may help your muscles become lengthened, your tendons stretched, and your ligaments more mobile.

Provides a Fun and Engaging Experience

Many people are resistant to exercise because they fear that it’s hard, monotonous, and not “fun.” Bungee fitness, on the other hand, feels more like an enjoyable activity than a workout, which makes it more enticing to pursue. It may also reduce stress and boost mood.

Who Can Benefit from Bungee Fitness?

Because bungee fitness is versatile and low-impact, individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and varying abilities can benefit from it. Here's a closer look at who might want to take part in a bungee fitness class.

Beginners

If you’re new to exercise, you can start with bungee fitness, as it can help you ease into a new workout routine, says Elmardi. “The bungee cords provide support and assistance, making it easier to perform exercises and gradually build up strength and stamina."

Athletes

Athletes from various sports can benefit from incorporating bungee fitness into their training regimen. It's a great way for athletes to cross-train and improve their strength, agility, and flexibility, says Elmardi. “The resistance provided by the bungee cords can help build muscle and increase endurance, making it a perfect complement to their regular training routine,” she further adds.

Seniors

Bungee fitness is gentle on the joints and can be modified to accommodate the needs and abilities of seniors, too. It can also help enhance coordination and balance—two things that older adults may struggle with as they age.

Those Recovering From Injury

Because bungee fitness is low impact and can be done at various fitness levels, those recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain can still participate, says Elmardi. “The low-impact nature of bungee workouts can help reduce strain on joints and muscles, allowing individuals to safely rehabilitate and strengthen their bodies.

Safety Considerations

Before trying bungee fitness, it's important to consider safety precautions to ensure a positive and injury-free experience. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Check with a healthcare provider: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries, it may be a good idea to run the idea by a healthcare provider before trying bungee fitness or any new exercise program.

• Choose a qualified instructor: Before trying bungee fitness, make sure you are working with a certified instructor who is experienced in teaching bungee workouts. If you’re not sure of their qualifications, ask, and then check the internet to double-check that they are, in fact, certified in bungee workouts.

• Check the equipment: Elmardi recommends thoroughly inspecting the bungee cords, harnesses, and any other equipment being used prior to performing bungee fitness. “Make sure that everything is in good condition and properly maintained to ensure your safety."

• Dress appropriately: Wear proper attire and footwear, including leggings, fitted shirts, and sneakers with firm grips on the bottom. You want to avoid loose clothing or accessories that could get caught or tangled in the bungee cords.

• Follow instructions: This is not the workout to try on your own—or to make up your own routine. Pay close attention to the instructor’s guidance and follow proper techniques to reduce your risk of injury.

Related: 7 Gym Safety Tips for Healthy Workouts

Bottom Line

Bungee fitness is a fun and interesting way to exercise that can keep you engaged and coming back week after week. Plus, you may benefit mentally, physically, and emotionally from partaking in this type of workout.

Just make sure you work with a qualified instructor who has the proper training and knowledge to guide you through the process and ensure you’re doing the correct movements. Research local studios or classes so that you can find the right environment that prioritizes safety. 

Read the original article on Verywell Fitness.