Johannesburg - Desperate to find something to do with your kids at the weekend? Well, forget the local steak house and its jumping castle.
Earlier this month the first South African franchise of the Australian trampolining juggernaut, BounceInc, opened its doors to the public.
Bounce is a giant indoor trampoline park in Midrand, Gauteng with more than 100 interconnected wall-to-wall trampolines that offers an airborne adrenalin rush with a soft landing.
The urban playground allows people to fly through the air, bounce off the walls and catapult themselves into giant airbags, and the company’s website indicates that there are plans for more Bounce parks in other South African cities, including Cape Town.
BounceInc was launched in Australia in 2012 by Simon McNamara and Anthony Morell.
BounceInc says that, although some may fondly remember trampolining as a childhood pastime, it is in fact an Olympic sport which has innumerable health benefits.
“Physically, free-jumping is a low-impact form of exercise, providing a high-intensity workout without damaging joints.
“This makes it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
“It stimulates the cardio-vascular, lymph and muscular systems, increases oxygen capacity, aids in speeding up the metabolism and weight loss, improves flexibility and posture, increases bone density and strengthens joints, tendons and ligaments.
“Neurally, this form of exercise has a stabilising effect on the nervous system, develops increased motor skills and improves balance and co-ordination through the constant engagement of the bilateral functioning of the brain.”
A study conducted by Nasa concluded that rebounding is more than twice as effective as running, without the negative impact on the joints.
It was proven that 10 minutes of bouncing was equal to 30 minutes of running.
Shaun Strydom, managing director of BounceInc Sub-Saharan Africa, was introduced to the concept in Dubai and knew he had to bring it to South Africa.
From moms to tots, corporates and senior citizens, rebounding offers a safe, sustainable and fun way to keep fit and stay healthy.
Professional sport teams and health enthusiasts will also benefit from the facility, which provides training for skaters, dancers, divers and gymnasts.
“We are excited to be giving consumers access to experiences that go beyond traditional exercise and are appealing to the whole family,” said BounceInc chief operating officer Nicolle Weir.
“We are excited about bringing the free-jumping revolution to South Africa, delivering an awesome experience based on the euphoric rush of flight.”
For more info visit www.bounceinc.co.za.
The Star