If you're in the city and find gyms boring or depressing, there's an alternative that will literally have you jumping for joy (and burning calories like a furnace). It's about the phenomenon Kangoo Jumps Bansko – the workout that changed the rules of the game for women's health in the region.
Where the magic happens: Fit Station Bansko
While large hotel complexes offer standard facilities, the real energy and community is found in small, specialized studios. The top location for Kangoo Jumps right now is undoubtedly Fit Station.
- 📍 Address: 15 Vardar Street (convenient location near the center).
- 👩🏫 Instructor: Iva Kateva-Stavreva.
Why does the instructor matter?
Iva Kateva-Stavreva is not just an enthusiast, but internationally licensed instructor. When training with springy shoes, technique is critical for joint and spine safety. Professional supervision here ensures that you will only benefit, without the risk of injury.
Why is Kangoo Jumps a total hit among ladies in Bansko?
The specific mountain climate and lifestyle in Bansko make this workout extremely suitable. Here are the three main reasons why local ladies and tourists choose the shoes over the running trail:
1. Salvation for your knees after skiing and hiking
Many women in Bansko are active skiers or mountaineers. These sports, although wonderful, put a serious strain on the knee joints. Kangoo Jumps shoes are equipped with a patented IPS (Impact Protection System), which absorbs up to 80% from the shockwave upon landing.
This makes the workout “soft” and gentle, allowing you to do intense cardio even if you have mild joint conditions that prevent you from running on asphalt.
2. Powerful Lymphatic Drainage and Detox
This is the “hidden weapon” of jumping that few people talk about. The lymphatic system is the sewer system of our body – it removes toxins and waste products. Unlike blood, which moves from the heart, lymph does not have a pump. It relies solely on muscle movement and gravity.
The vertical up-and-down movement of Kangoo Jumps acts as a powerful lymph pump. The results are visible almost immediately:
- Significant reduction in water retention and swelling.
- Visible smoothing of cellulite (with regular exercise).
- A feeling of lightness in the legs immediately after the end of the class.
3. Express weight loss
A workout at Fit Station is intense, but the weather goes unnoticed because of the music and choreography. The combination of the weight of the shoes themselves (about 2 kg each) and the cardio rhythm leads to a burn of over 700-800 calories for an hour. You work on your abs, thighs, buttocks and endurance at the same time, without feeling the burden of monotonous exercises.
Practical tips: What you need to know before your first workout
⚠️ Important: Reservation is mandatory!
Since the training requires specific equipment (shoes), the number of places in the gym is strictly limited by the available pairs and sizes. Never go without a pre-booked appointment! You can do it easily through the Facebook page of Fit Station or Kangoo Nova.
Besides the reservation, there is another detail that will save your legs – the socks. Be sure to wear long cotton socks (above the ankle, preferably to the calf). The shoes are stiff and high, similar to ski or roller skate shoes, and short socks will almost certainly cause chafing.
Worried about being a beginner? No need. The groups in Bansko are usually mixed. Getting used to the balance on the springs takes about 3 to 5 minutes, and the instructor Iva is known for her patience and personal approach to each new participant.
Alternatives: When you don't feel like jumping
Bansko offers variety if Kangoo Jumps is not “your thing” for the day:
- Moveo Body & Mind Studio: The perfect place to contrast the high cardio. Here the focus is on Pilates and functional training. If you are looking for control, correct posture and work with the deep muscles, this is your choice.
- Pulse Therme (Grand Hotel Bansko): For those who love scale. This is the largest fitness area in the city. It is suitable if you prefer classic fitness equipment or group classes such as BodyPump and Tapout. They sometimes offer Jumping Fit (trampolines), but it is good to check the current schedule, as it is often seasonal.
Conclusion
Whether you're a local or in Bansko for the season, body care shouldn't stop. Kangoo Jumps offers a unique combination of fun and efficiency that's hard to find in standard gyms. Put on your springy shoes and see the city (and your body) from a new height.
English (UK)