I tried it: Jukari Fit to Fly

Here I am, flying through the air with (not-so-much )the greatest of ease at the newest fitness class to hit Toronto: Jukari Fit to Fly. (That photo of me was taken by blogger Casie Stewart, by the way). The class involves performing moves on bars that hang from the gym ceiling like flying trapeze. The concept was created by’who else?’Cirque du Soleil in partnership with Reebok. Classes are already offered in Quebec and plans are in the works to have more gyms offer the program across Canada.

So what’s it like to work out circus-style?

Cost:
$239 for 12 classes (non-members) at Kingwest Fitness in Toronto
$300 for 15 classes (non-members) at Club Sportif MAA in Montreal

Pros: Jukari is unlike any other fitness regime you’ve tried so if you’re bored stiff of your regular workouts, this is for you. Jukari claims to be a full-body workout, incorporating strength, cardio balance and core training all in one class. And ma, is it ever hard! I was sweating right from the get-go. But it’s fun and some moves actually make you feel like you’re flying.

Cons: You really have to be coordinated to get all the benefits of a Jukari class. I am a galumphing elephant when it comes to executing fitness moves and I found the bar a bit difficult to maneuver. I’m sure it must get easier with practice (and the very coordinated might love it right off the bat), but my clumsiness meant I spent most of the class futzing around with the trapeze thing.

Bottom line: Jukari is a challenging workout that will inject some fun into your regular fitness routine. Fellow elephants, consider yourselves warned.

Here are some of the moves performed by Jukari pros:

Hanging Carousel to Straddle

Swing to Straddle/Tuck/Scissor Jump

Under-hand Pull-Up

Related:
‘ 8 fun ways to stay in shape
‘ The 7 golden rules of fitness
‘ 7 ways to maximize your workout