Kangoo Jump Boots

I have been extremely lucky in that I have experienced relatively few injuries and issues with my ankles, knees, and back.  But I have a lot of friends who have not been so lucky and have suffered through knee surgeries and back pain.  Exercise can take on a whole new meaning when you have an injury to a major part of your body.  After a friend complained to me about only being able to run a few miles at a time thanks to her bad knees, I went on a quest for low-impact exercise options.  I was intrigued by rebounding technology.  Rebounding technology combines gravity, acceleration, and deceleration providing a low impact, total body workout that strengthens the muscles, bones, skin, connective tissues, and vital organs. Trampolines have been effective and popular ways to utilize rebounding technology, used for both fitness and rehabilitation.  Another way to utilize the many benefits of rebound technology is through the use of Kangoo Jump Boots.   These boots were developed years ago in Europe and have been available to purchase online since 1997.  But thanks to their inclusion in group-exercise classes in a limited number of gyms in America, Kangoo Jump Boots are gaining popularity.  Not only do they give a fresh and fun take to cardiovascular exercise but they are believed to absorb 80% of the shock associated with running and jumping; thus protecting the ankles, knees, hips, lower back, and spine.

Kangoo Jump Boots look like a cross between ski boots and rollerblades but instead of wheels they have spring-like treads on the bottom.  The boots can be used for walking, running, jumping, dancing, etc., both indoor and outdoor, on a wide variety of surfaces (even gravel).  Kangoo Jump Boots are even said to correct issues with the lower leg that can cause overpronation (when the foot rolls inward to much) and supination (when the foot doesn’t roll inward enough on landing).  The springy treads on the bottom absorb most of the shock making these a great addition for those who are limited in their exercise choices due to low back or knee pain.  They’re also great for rebuilding strength and flexibility post-injury without the stress.

Kangoo Jump Boots are said to help you lose weight while increasing coordination, posture, balance, stamina, and endurance, as well reduce stress, which can prevent future injuries.  Select gyms around the country are offering group classes that feature Kangoo Jump Boots.  The boots themselves cost approximately $200 a pair.  I think the cost would be worth it for someone who is going to use them regularly for daily activities such as walking and jogging.  But I’ll wait until the class is offered at my gym in L.A., although it would be fun to have my own pair and use them on the treadmill.  That would be a great way to improve balance and coordination as I tried to prevent a disastrous fall.  Type the words “Kangoo Jump Boots” into your favorite search engine and you’ll see a wide variety of video clips featuring people using Kangoo Jump Boots.  It looks both fun and effective, two of my favorite terms for exercise.  I have never actually placed a pair of Kangoo Jump Boots on my feet so I’m curious to see how comfortable they are and if the boot part rubs against my ankle.  Stay tuned for my official review of the Kangoo Jump Boots.