Bungee Dance: the fitness class inspired by extreme sport –

A few months ago, the fitness world was ecstatic when the Thais launched a class in which men and women danced while attached to bungee cords. Combined in sequences with acrobatics, push-ups, jumps and running, the moves defied gravity in a mega-fun aerobic session. Good news: the novelty arrived in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro – and tested it firsthand (see the video at the end of the article)!

In the Brazilian version, the Bungee Dance, from the BodyTech gym network, the students learn acrobatic and dance movements that, in the end, are mixed to form an aerial choreography. “Thanks to the elastic, the impact of the jumps is reduced, at the same time that the jumps are much wider”, says physical educator Youssef Khouri, professor at the BodyTech JK Iguatemi unit, in São Paulo. The dynamic sequences ensure that the heart rate remains high (you can burn up to 400 calories in an hour) and demand a lot from the core and thighs, since the elastic also imposes some resistance. “Coordination and balance are also challenged”, adds Youssef.

See too: Suspensus: aerial pilates that defines the body and improves posture

IN SALVADOR

In the Bahian capital, the modality arrived first, still in 2016, at the Juliana Stagliorio Dance School. “We mix modern dance techniques with circus and climbing modalities”, explains Juliana. “The Bungee Dance ensures lightness and provides a feeling of floating, which creates infinite possibilities for movement.” In the combo of benefits is increased muscle strength, flexibility, agility and memory.

BF TESTED

“Months ago, when we shared a video of the modality, ‘s Instagram was full of comments from women excited about the news. Like our readers, she was also anxious for the fitness hit to arrive in Brazil. I don’t even need to mention that I jumped into the newsroom when BodyTech invited me to experience Bungee Dance exclusively.

It starts like this: first, I put on a belt that is attached to the crotch (wearing thicker pants can reduce the discomfort because it hurts a little) and then I was hooked to the elastic. The initial challenge is to lose your fear and let go – as the safety clip is in the front, you can grab the elastic if you lose your balance.

know more: We tested Nike’s new yoga app

The session was lively right away: side jumps, followed by ballet steps like battement. The movements were wonderful, because, thanks to the elastic, I was able to stay in the air for a few seconds with my legs extended. It felt like it was floating! It’s really difficult to keep your abdomen contracted all the time – the core guarantees the support of the exercises, which, despite being very fun, require strength and a lot of coordination. For me, the highlight of the class was when we ran backwards and threw ourselves forward forming ballet figures (see the video above!).

Bungee Dance arrives as another fun option for you to work out without realizing it – even more so for those who love dancing! I was so focused on memorizing the choreography (and synchronizing arms and legs) that I didn’t even notice the effort I was putting on my body. I left the class with a feeling of well-being, as if I had just played (the next morning, I remembered a little bit of the strength I did with my abs ).” Daniela Bernardi, fitness editor at .

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