A new type of fitness has appeared in Vitebsk - sky jumping

Vitebsk has a new type of fitness – sky jumping. Former trampolinists Maria and Yevgeny Zhukovsky are developing it.

In the past, they were professional athletes – members of the national trampoline team, and international masters of sports. It was through this sport that they met and started a family. In total, each of them dedicated about 18 years of their lives to their beloved trampoline jumping. Numerous European and world competitions are behind them, and their trophy collection includes dozens of medals from these events.

After finishing their careers with the Belarusian national team, they spent several years performing in circus shows abroad. Then, the family settled in Vitebsk – Maria's hometown (Yevgeny is from Mogilev). They retrained as fitness instructors and decided to focus on a new direction – jumping.

They first learned about exercises on small round trampolines with special handles in Europe. This type of physical activity is quite popular there, but few people in Belarus know about it.

The basis of jumping is bouncing movements and pushes, requiring constant balance. This engages deep stabilizing muscles that are not sufficiently activated in other types of physical activity, improving coordination and developing the vestibular system.

Classic sky jumping (which is the more accurate name for this fitness trend) combines cardio and strength training, as well as balance and stretching exercises. This entire complex helps burn calories, lose excess weight, and keep muscles toned. The energetic pace and music create a great mood. It's no wonder that the creators of this novelty recommend it as an excellent means of psycho-emotional relief.

Sky jumping classes are suitable for people of all ages and are similar to aerobics. However, unlike aerobics, during trampoline training, stress on the leg joints and lower back is minimized – these are the areas most often affected during active fitness activities.

– The thing is, the trampoline surface constantly absorbs impact, creating a water-pushing effect, – explains Evgeny, who has already obtained an international skydiving instructor certificate. Kateryna Ladnova, also a former athlete and a candidate for master of sports in trampoline jumping, received the same qualification document after completing courses in Lviv.

For now, they conduct classes together. The hall is designed for 15 visitors. Both men and women attend these mixed training sessions. However, with the expansion of the client base, it is planned to divide the groups. There are also plans to organize children's "jumping" sessions.

We asked about the impressions of the participants who came to one of the classes. 21-year-old Tetiana Lysova primarily noted the opportunity to keep her body in shape, which is especially relevant after the New Year holidays. Stanislav Lebedev, a student at a medical university, regularly attends the gym but decided to try this new type of fitness as well:

– This is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Most people move less in winter. Many are too lazy to run, but I think they would agree to jump for pleasure, and with benefits for the body.

Nataliya Kamleva, "Vitebskiye Vesti"