"A November 2005 study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise has debunked claims that it also boosts cardiovascular fitness. Researchers monitored the heart rates and oxygen consumption--standard measures of aerobic exertion--of 15 healthy young women as they performed a beginner, then an advanced, Pilates mat routine. While the women's perceived exertion was relatively high, their aerobic response stayed below the level required to glean a cardiovascular benefit. That makes Pilates a complement to--but not a substitute for--aerobic exercise."
The site later references interval training as an acceptable means to improving cardiovascular health:
"Interval training: This type of workout involves alternating bursts of intense activity with periods of a more relaxed pace. Doing so prevents lactic acid, a waste product of muscular activity, from reaching levels that make exercise painful and exhausting."
Enter the Jump Board.
The Jump Board is an attachment for the Reformer that transforms the foot bar area into a larger padded platform. With light spring resistance, laying on your back, you can "jump" horizontally, without having your own body weight bear down on your joints. Jumping jacks, split jumps, lateral jumps, and mogul jumps are just the tip of the iceberg. Normally exercises that would pound on your knees and back are suddenly not only possible, but not painful, and still challenging!
A typical Jump Board class would consist of cardio intervals of "jumping" split up by intervals of upper body work, abdominal exercises, and other leg exercises. Classes are specially designed to keep your heart rate up while you work your entire body.
Come try a class and see what the buzz is about!
