Jumpboard Cardio: reformer cardio without the impact on your joints
Jumpboard Cardio is a 45-minute reformer class with a jump board fitted to the machine. You jump while lying down, so your heart rate climbs as in a cardio workout, but your joints don’t carry your body weight. Between jumping sets you work on strength and stability.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Length
- 45 min
- Equipment
- Reformer with jumpboard
- Who it’s for
- When you want to sweat without running
What the class is
A jumpboard is a board fitted at the end of the reformer. Lying on the carriage, you push off it with your feet — like a jump, only horizontal and against spring resistance that we set for you.
The class alternates jumping intervals with pilates exercises for the trunk, legs and arms. The pace is high, but you can slow down any set or take a longer rest.
How a class runs
- Warm-upFootwork on the board at a slow pace, setting your feet and knees.
- Jumping intervalsSeveral rounds of jumps with different foot positions, with short rests in between.
- Strength and stabilityAbdominal, glute and arm exercises between jumping blocks.
- Final roundThe hardest part of the class — short and intense.
- Cool-downStretching the calves, hips and back, and letting your breathing settle.
What makes it different
- Effort like a cardio workout, but without landing with your full body weight on your joints.
- You adjust the spring resistance and pace to yourself during every set.
- Music and intervals — 45 minutes fly by.
Who it suits
A good choice if
- you want a proper workout, but running or skipping is hard on your knees,
- you already know the reformer basics and want a more dynamic class,
- you want to build fitness between other training sessions,
- you like music and a fast pace.
Choose another format or talk to your doctor first if
- you’re pregnant or have recently given birth — choose Prenatal Reformer,
- you have pelvic floor, blood pressure or heart problems — see your doctor first,
- you have a recent foot, knee or hip injury,
- it’s your first class — start with Reformer Flow.
What regular training gives you
- Fitness
- Intervals raise your heart rate and train your breathing to recover quickly.
- Gentle on joints
- You jump lying down, and the spring sets the force of each push-off.
- Leg work
- Pushing off works your calves, thighs and glutes, and landing teaches control of your feet and knees.
- Core in motion
- Between jumps you work on trunk and arm stability.
Your first class
- Come after a few reformer classes — you’ll know how to control the carriage.
- Bring water and a towel; it gets warm.
- Grip socks are required; your feet mustn’t slip on the board.
- If something hurts, stop the set and tell your instructor.
Frequently asked questions
Is jumping on the reformer safe for my knees?
You jump lying down, so your knees don’t take your full body weight on landing, and the springs set the force of the push-off. If you have a knee injury, check with a specialist first.
Is Jumpboard suitable for beginners?
It’s level 2 — some previous reformer experience helps. To start, we recommend Reformer Flow.
Can I do Jumpboard while pregnant?
We don’t recommend jumping during pregnancy. Prenatal Reformer, with your doctor’s consent, is the safer choice.
How long is the class?
45 minutes, including the warm-up and cool-down.
Who teaches Jumpboard Cardio?
Usually Julia Kowal, a former dancer who teaches the class to the rhythm of the music.
Next step
For balance, pair Jumpboard with Reformer Sculpt — fitness and strength in the same week.
These descriptions are for information only and are not a substitute for advice from a doctor or physiotherapist. If you have an injury, a chronic condition or are pregnant, check with a specialist first and tell your instructor before the class.