Do you love to jump? I do! I am fond of happy kind of jumping because it brings me very pleasant memories — like playing and jumping on the streets when I was in grade school, jumping from our ancestral house’s roof to the neighbor’s, and jumping out from the sampaloc (tamarind), lanzones and other trees. The most nostalgic and dearest kind for me was whenever we jump at New Year’s eve (promptly at midnight) since I was a kid because we were told by my grandparents that doing that will make the kids grow taller. Whether it has scientific basis or none, we carried on with this tradition until now that I’m past 30. However, I realized later on that I have never really jumped on a trampoline. But nothing is too late!
I am delighted when the sort of ‘trampoline park’ (popularly known as Bounce) came to Abu Dhabi. In their well designed trampolines, you may do free jumping, quick drop, zipline, performance trampoline, and more. They offer interesting programs and activities.
One of the programs that recently kicked off in Abu Dhabi is Bounce Fit. It is said to be NASA’s recommended fitness routine. While I am not a fitness buff, I shamelessly signed up for the 8:00 AM session today. I usually have my easy Saturday mornings, (our version of Lionel Richie’s easy Sunday mornings since workweek in UAE starts on Sundays), but today was a little ambitious and exciting. I was nervous and thrilled as I parked opposite the Marina Eye. As I entered Marina Mall, where Bounce is, near Five Guys (how strategic, one gets tired then Five Guys waves at you to eat a family of burgers afterwards haha), I told myself, “Goodluck! Treadmill is not even one of your best friends! You do not even go to the gym.”
Marina Eye this morning. The brutal summer is finally saying goodbye.
After presenting the email confirmation of my registration (i.e. registration online or at Bounce itself is required 12 hours before your intended fitness timing), I was given a pair of cheerful socks. I took with me my water and towel to the work out area; I thought those would be my main necessities really them soon.
I did not record the 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM session that we had today. However, this video will give you an idea of what happened. It was super fun and tiring! We were given a couple of (few seconds) break to drink water. The one hour session included the warm out and post-work out/stretching. I actually thought that I was going to collapse!
There are morning and evening sessions. I opted to go in the morning in anticipation that the class might be crowded in the evening (i.e. 25 slots is maximum capacity in Abu Dhabi; they are yet to introduce the ladies session) and for privacy (mall operates fully at 10:00 AM). The work out area is basically a portion of the entire open area; therefore, any person in the mall would be able to watch you if it is in the evening. Going early turned out to be a great idea since there were only seven of us (all ladies, including our instructress Mona — she is really good!). We were given more than enough coaching and encouraging. I remember the several times stumbled. Jumping, planking, squatting and exercising, in general, on trampoline is a unique experience. Take note, too, that it was a matter of being comfortable with the playground-trampoline first. You would be amazed that no matter how fun it looks like, it is going to make you sweat tons. Apparently, the information on Bounce’s website claims that the an hour session will let you burn 1,000 calories. I can vouch for the reasonableness of that estimate. I wore a fitness tracker watch this morning and while I did not burn a thousand calories (since that of course will depend on how impactful you have moved and your overall condition), it was indeed quite a lot.
You may throw your socks to the donation bin. They go to charities.
It was indeed a happy jumping day!
Bounce Abu Dhabi is at second first and second levels of Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
To register for Bounce Fit, click here. You must register 12 hours before your intended workout timing.
For the free jumping, it is encouraged to register before your visit since there is only a permitted number of jumpers/visitors at a given hour. Walk in visitors are welcome, too, but you might need to wait for the next available timing in case the current time is fully booked.
Session is priced at AED 80 per hour. Email: info@bounce.ae. Landline: 04 4003221
Timings:
Sun – Wed : 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu – Fri : 10:00 AM – 12:00 MN
Sat: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2 thoughts on “Jumping revolution on giant trampolines in Bounce Abu Dhabi”
ewok1993
That is a great way to sweat and exercise; it’s fun too. UAE has so much to offer the visitors and the residents keeping you all busy out there. I was wondering if they have yoga by the dessert at sundown?
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witsandnuts
I don’t think I’ll BounceFit soon, I guess I have been too ambitious! I felt like I was ran over by a truck the next day hahaha. Yoga by the beach, park and almost anywhere is quite popular here. There are even free yoga and other fitness activities on weekends.
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