Classes We Love: SkyRobics Trampoline Fitness

A SkyRobics class. SkyRobics photo via Facebook

What it is:

SkyRobics, offered by Sky Zone indoor trampoline park, is a heart-pumping trampoline cardio class that can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. The floor is made up of squares of trampoline divided by non-bouncy mats (see the photo above), and the majority of the class involves jumping back and forth, up and down, and diagonally from one square to the next. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have to scale and jump off of the walls, which are, of course, also made of trampoline. Though the class we took didn’t, some classes here involve using resistance bands and weights while you jump.

Know before you go:

Don’t let the trampolines fool you. We had our doubts about it—how hard can something that 7-year-olds do all the time really be?—but this class held its own against other butt-kicking workouts we’ve tried, like Pilates Bootcamp, boxing, and hot hip-hop yoga. Even if you do cardio at the gym all the time, you will emerge from this class a sweaty, exhausted mess. Jumping on any surface is tiring, but doing it on trampolines kicks things up a notch and works totally different muscles than you’re used to.

That said, you will have fun at this class. As long as you’re willing to make a fool of yourself by slamming your body into trampoline walls at top speed, you’re going to have a good time. The hour-long class flew by, and after we got the hang of the jumping technique, it was a blast.

The vibe:

Obviously, this is not your typical gym. SkyRobics is only a small part of Sky Zone’s business, so you have to be willing to work out to a soundtrack of kids’ birthday parties, people whooping in the free jump areas, and ’90s hits blaring over the intercom.

The cost:

Your first class is $6, and all drop-in classes after that are $12. Packages and monthly passes are also available.

What to bring:

Just a water bottle. Don’t worry about footwear, as you’ll have to swap your sneakers for Sky Zone’s special trampoline shoes (not a great look, trust us).

The bottom line:

If you can get to Sky Zone regularly—which, since it isn’t T-accessible, is easier said than done if you don’t have a car, though there is a commuter rail stop nearby—this is a fun, unique way to get a killer workout without feeling like you’re working out. Even if just for the novelty factor, it’s worth giving a try.

Sky Zone Boston, 91-B Sprague St., Hyde Park, 857-345-9693; boston.skyzonesports.com.