As the instructor kicks off her Birkenstocks, tugs on a spring, and slides the loop over her foot, calf, and thigh, she cautions:
“At first you’ll feel a little like a marionette, but you’ll eventually start to ease into the springs’ support.”
As the adventuresome Garlands students adjust their harnesses, familiar ‘70s jams fill the studio setting a light-hearted, dare we say, buoyant, tone.
After a few stretches and practice hops, the music implores,
“Come on, let me see you shake your tail feathers,”
and they’re off!
The women who are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s begin jogging, bobbing, and progressively “springing” forward with FitSprings, an innovative resistance training system that utilizes frame-mounted springs to help reduce impact and joint strain.
FitSprings focuses on continuous movements that build strength and improve balance, flexibility, and coordination by incorporating elements of Pilates, strength training, and physical therapy.
As the teacher encourages her class to “squeeze that glute” and shouts, “Call the plumber — our pipes are about to burst,” the low-impact, supported movements work to improve muscle tone, stability, and core strength.
After several reps of tension-based curls, sit-ups, and squats, the Garlands gals are “feeling the burn.” Then Abba’s “Dancing Queen” comes on the sound system. All bets are off, and the springy cardio dance party begins!
The instructor encourages,
“Jump like you’re in the 3rd grade! Whatever brings a smile to your face!”
Laughter ensues as The Garlands gals defy gravity, their own sense of limitation, and age itself as they take giant leaps toward a healthier and jovial lifestyle.
Supplemental outings like FitSprings classes provide our members with an option to expand upon what we learn in our in-house classes. With FitSprings, we can combine the principles of yoga and Pilates into a new high-intensity, low-impact workout that is equally as effective as it is fun!
Plus, the benefits of FitSprings are more than just physical. Because the exercises emphasize coordinated, multi-limb movements over simple repetitive ones, they require a higher level of mental focus. Research shows that exercise involving coordinated motions may enhance neuroplasticity, improve memory, and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
