When I was about 10, the squeaky doors of Calgary's Bonker's Play Park closed for good. It left behind a legacy of childhood memories of flipping into the bottomless multi-coloured ball-pit, scrambling across rope webs and being completely convinced that I could be the next Indiana Jones. A friend said to me a few years ago, "
if there was a bonkers for adults, I would be totally ripped". Thankfully, that fantasy became a reality in 2015 when the trampoline park
Flying Squirrel was introduced to Calgary. With the opening of it's doors came an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and adventure as well as the prospect of working out while having a blast (or should I say, bounce?).
The Facility
Upon entering Flying Squirrel, you can expect to be floored by the extensive trampoline court installed with half-pipes, wall-to-wall trampolines and jump boxes that cater to a variety of fitness levels and acrobatic experience. The facility also offers a lazer-maze and
Ninja Obstacle course to bring out your inner James Bond.
For sports fans, the trampolined mini-basket ball court and dodge-ball space offer an athletic experience on a new and higher level (literally). The foam pit is satisfies nostalgia-seekers like myself or for anyone who has ever simply wanted to dive into a cushy pit of
foam cubes (which might just be a universal human impulse). A slack-line is available to work your balance and your imagination, as the thought of being a circus performer or rock climber may playfully swirl into your mind. Of course, there is also a kid-friendly court for smaller bouncers aged 6 and under.
Special Services
The high-end services offered by Flying Squirrel are not the only aspects of the facility that make it progressive. People of all ages, fitness levels and physical abilities are welcome.
Every
first and second Tuesday of every month from 2pm to 4pm, special needs individuals can bounce for $8/hour (discounted from the usual admission price of $20/hour) with a caretaker (who will receive free admission).
Benefits of Bouncing
Trampolining is not often the first exercise that comes to mind when we think of a high-intensity, fat blasting workout. We often subconsciously identify trampolining as leisurely summer time activity or as an accessory to a gimmicky circus performance. However, trampolining is not to be written off as an illegitimate workout. Time spent bouncing across a stretchy and surface and through the different windows of your mind includes many great
health benefits, such as:
1. Greater Cardiovascular and Heart Health
Cardiovascular exercise gets the feel-good chemical endorphins running, pumps up your heart rate and works major muscle groups, such as the glutes, to give you a satisfying and "
uplifting" work-out. However, trampolining has a particularly special effect on your heart health. As you descend from your jump, the gravitational pull is exerts a greater force on your muscles, subsequently increasing the strength of muscle fibers in your heart.
2. Weight loss
Only 10 minutes on a trampoline can cause a 150 pound adult to burn around
42 calories. 30 minutes can singe 126 calories or 167 for a 200-pound adult. Of course, the level of intensity and consistency that you bounce at factor in to this number. However, as claimed by NASA, 10 minutes of vigorous and enthusiastic trampolining can offer a more effective cardiovascular workout than
30 minutes of running. This means that this type of exercise can be highly effective in boosting your metabolism and melting fat. As trampolining demands the use of your entire body, it can help tone your stabilizing muscles, such as the core, your back and legs all while having a refreshingly unfamiliar physical experience.
Note: Flying Squirrel offers a one hour $15 fitness class every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 9:30am for you to get an early morning pump!
3. Enhanced Coordination
Living in a very sedentary society, sometimes we become very accustomed to moving in a very linear and staight-forward fashion. The almost gravity-defying nature of trampolining can remind you of your body's ability to move through space. Your arms and legs are challenged to work together to keep you bouncing. This of course forces you to experiment with your posture and balance in a constrictive way to sustain or enhance your bounce.
4. Kindness on the Joints
Have you ever heard the subtle metallic creak after taking a bounce on the trampoline? That is the sound of the springs absorbing the shock of your bounce, saving your ankles from becoming the source of that creaky sound. 80% of the shock generated by your movement is absorbed by the springs of the trampolines, making trampolining very low impact and easy on your joints. Research conducted by NASA illustrates that this quality of trampolining can bolster
bone strength and bone density, making it a preventative measure against osteoporosis.
5. Improved Mental State
Bouncing releases the chemicals
endorphins and
dopamine which can both affect your mood and well-being. Endorphins sweep us over with a sense of euphoria whereas dopamine makes us feel happier and sharpens alertness. These sensations lead to positive feelings which can mediate negative emotions, pump up self-esteem and lead to feelings of inspiration and motivation.
My Experience
The one time that I have visited Flying Squirrel was invigorating, humbling and educational. I forgot how joyous it is to feel yourself surge through the air and experiment with motion. I remembered how flexible my arms and shoulders truly are and, less enjoyably so, was reminded how neglectful my quick hamstring stretches are at the end of my workouts.
After trying out the
Ninja Course, I gained a new appreciation for child-hood me. As a kid, I could float across monkey bars as if they were dust. Adult me was shivering at the ominous silver rings hanging almost 6 feet above ground. As I dangled from them, I really struggled to manifest the momentum and control needed to shoot myself across. After the park, I decided to incorporate more back workouts into my daily routines so that I could satisfy the kid in me who could freely fly across infinite rows of metal hoops.
My experience with the Ninja Course was a little intimidating but very inspiring and constructive. I left there with a reinvigorated spirit and child-like giddiness that I don’t think we experience often enough. Over-all, the facility is spotless, welcoming and inspired me to write this article.
What to Bring
If you're ready to bounce out of your seat to get over to Flying Squirrel, just ensure that you are prepared by wearing proper
clothing and
footwear. Any type of breathable, stretchy athletic clothing should work just fine to let you get the most your of your jumps, stretches and bends.
As for your feet, shoes are generally not allowed. They prefer that you wear their very own “
Trampoline Socks” sold at the front desk for $3. These athletic socks have grips on the bottom to make your bouncing experiencing a little safer. Don’t worry, you get to take them home so you won’t be charged for a pair of socks upon every entry! As a bit of aside, let me tell you, there is something so endearing and fun about walking around such a high-end place wearing matching pairs of grippy socks with friends and strangers alike.
Bounce Baby, Bounce!
Ready to explore Flying Squirrel? Let me just give you a few more details that you will need before bounding over.
Location
572 Aero Drive NE #105, Calgary AB
T2E 6K2
Hours
Sunday-Thursday: 10am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-12am
Admission Fees
General: $20/hour
Children 6 and Under: $10/hour
Children 2 and Under: Free if jumping with an adult
Note:
- It is not mandatory to jump with your children as long as they are supervised. However, it is highly recommended that children are accompanied on the court by an adult.
- Make sure you have spare toonies on hand! You will need one for the lockers used to store your shoes and other belongings.
Click here to be directed to the Flying Squirrel website for more information regarding location, special hours, pricing and more or call 403 879 2148 to speak to a staff member.
