FFC Offers Kangoo Classes at their Chicago Health Clubs

July 9, 2010 - PRLog -- When Fitness Formula Club (FFC) members and guests observe a ‘Kangoo’ Group Exercise Class at FFC Lincoln Park (located at 939 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL), they might think they are watching something straight out of a science fiction movie. The class was named in honor of the way a Kangaroo jumps, due to the ‘trampoline effect’ the specialty boots provide its users.  The shoes, manufactured by Kangoo Jumps, (www.kangoojumps.com),  are a low-impact, rebound sport boot specially made with lots of rubber to reduce impact by up to 80% (See image). Similar to a rebounding class (which uses mini-trampolines), Kangoo allows more freedom and a variety of movement, and participants in the 45 minute class learn choreographed moves to music for a full body workout.

Group Exercise Instructors point out many benefits of a Kangoo Class, but the biggest by far is getting your heart rate high with 80% less impact on the spine and knees. And, the class includes anaerobic intervals that specifically work the outer thighs, abs, glutes, hamstrings and quads. FFC Lincoln Park Group Exercise Instructor Tamara Barber has taught Kangoo since 2007.  She says, “This class is fun, and a GREAT workout!”

Tamara explains the general feedback she receives from a first time participant is that they love the experience of wearing the boots. “While people enjoy wearing the boots, it does take some time to get used to the choreography. The classes are structured in a way that starts out with basic movements and rhythms, then adds the choreography, so that participants can slowly work their way into the routine.” says Barber. The overall creativity of the class keeps a  high percentage of members participating on a regular basis, and others sporadically rotate it in to their workout programs. “Some members attend the class religiously,” says Barber.

Kangoo has received some high profile press since its inception in the late 2000’s including write ups in the Chicago Tribune and Ebony Magazine.  Kangoo Jumps recently held its first international convention in Spain in June, 2010. Kangoo class is currently offered only at FFC Lincoln Park on Wednesdays from 6:15pm-7:00pm and Saturday mornings from 11:30am-12:20pm. The average participation is between 10-15 people, and instructors recommend arriving early and wearing thick socks with the boots to ensure the best fit. Although this class is offered exclusively for FFC members, guests can pay a day fee to attend. For more information contact Group Exercise Manager Dominick DeFranco at ddefranco@ffc.com or  312-627-0444 x250.

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About Fitness Formula Clubs
Established in 1984 by Founder and CEO Gale Landers, FFC owns and operates upscale, mid and large size multi-use health, sports, fitness, and spa centers in the Chicago area. The company also provides corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle CONNECTIONS magazine, signature group exercise programs, and numerous individual and group training initiatives. Each Chicagoland location is dedicated to supporting the local community, and equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment, signature group exercise classes, personal training, nutrition counseling, spa services, massage therapy, and many customized fitness programs. FFC is recognized by the fitness industry for creating a distinct member experience.

Learn more at http://ffc.com/.