Could this once joyous memento of childhood really become an effective aide in our quest to become fit? According to gym owner Abhilasha Ghaneriwala and fitness instructor, Lavina Khanna, it could. This is because the workout significantly reduces the impact of the same exercises we may do on the floor, thereby reducing the possibility of knee, back and other common exercise injuries.



As we entered the studio filled with 17 mini trampolines the excitement in the air was palpable. Lavina's fitness mantra is simple: Keep things interesting. Every five to seven minutes, she switched the routine from light stretches with dumbbells on the ground to jumping lightly on the trampoline itself, the transition made smoother with a little help from Akon and his chart-busting friends.

The jump between the different exercises, Lavina later explained, is useful in making this workout the perfect blend of great cardio and toning, all at once. Smart move. Which Mumbaikar would turn down the promise of fab abs in less time?

The actual jumping took a little easing into, what with having to land squarely on our heels each time (no easy feat) to maintaining the constant sonic pace and energy. 20 minutes in, my infrequently exercised limbs began to jellify, but my body had adjusted to the rhythm.

Needless to say I felt sufficiently endorphin-pumped when my legs finally touched something non-elastic after an hour's worth of jazzed-up jumping. Learning that I had possibly burned around 400 to 500 calories helped too!

Is it worth it? Considering every muscle in my body (especially those in my abdomen and legs) seemed to be throbbing in well worked-out bliss, I would say yes. As the others struggled to get their feet back on the ground, I was left thinking we can only go up from here!

At: Pulse Studio, Milan Mall, Santacruz (W)
Cost: Rs 2,000 for 12 classes.
Call: 9820766962