Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A new kind of workout program has arrived in Yellowknife that will not only add variety to well-developed fitness regimes, but will also provide a fitness option to those with activity restrictions.

Jump a Bunch, owned and operated by Yellowknife newcomer Amanda Grobbecker, utilizes Kangoo Jumps, a rollerblade-type boot situated on a compressible and elastic-powered oval base.

"A lot of the people in my class right now have hip, knee, some sort of injuries," said Grobbecker.

"They've found that they couldn't work out or do any fitness but now are finding with these boots, it absorbs enough of the impact that they're able to start working out again."

A thick, and often colourful, elastic band stretches across the centre of the boot's base. When the wearer puts weight on the shoe, the elastic stretches out and then pushes the shoe back up as it constricts back into shape.

The bounce of the Kangoo Jumps reduces the impact of a foot on pavement or a gym floor while also increasing the work of basic and familiar workout moves.

"It reduces the impact to your knees and back by 80 per cent," said Grobbecker. "It increases your cardio by 16 per cent because you have two-and-a-half pounds extra on each foot that you're lifting, really.

"It also burns up to 25 per cent more calories so, it's a workout."

Grobbecker added the motions of the exercise program are particularly beneficial to the lymphatic system and may be ideal for people with such issues as lymphedema or are recovering from cancer treatment.

Grobbecker, who arrived in Yellowknife in August, said figuring out how and where to set up her business in town was difficult to do from Ontario, but added that the City of Yellowknife, other community fitness instructors and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce were very helpful in pointing her in the right direction.

Finding space for her classes was a particular issue but she has since secured the lower level of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church on 52 Street. Grobbecker also holds classes through the City of Yellowknife at some of the schools.

Currently, Grobbecker runs classes for children, families and adults and said she looks forward to holding specialized classes such as boxing, hip hop, and running clinics as interest in the programs grow.

"I'm also starting to do some cross-training with some of the sports teams in town, which I'm actually really excited for because growing up, I was always into sports, team activities and things," said Grobbecker.

The boots required for the class are available for rent or purchase through Grobbecker.

Those interested can find more information on the Jump a Bunch website or on Grobbecker's frequently-updated Facebook page.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.