This was week four of my Rebound Revolution trial, and despite my best attempts, I was nowhere near a trampolining pro. I had sweated it out, took on the weights, jumped through squares if not hoops, and I was in pain. Serious pain. This week I was moved up from complete beginner, to beginner. That might not sound like a big deal, but trust me, I was high-fiving the inner sweatstar. After a week of eating a lot of junk food, I knew I needed to kickstart this weight loss for 2015 and losing a 1,000 calories was a good start. The class was teaming with new ladies this week, and while we warmed up with our usual moves, I could see some nervous faces. I wanted to bounce right over and reassure them that everything was going to be alright. Instead I thought I’d wait until the first break. I didn’t have to worry though, they soon saw for themselves. People were competitive but friendly. We were being pushed, but not over the edge. Instead our trainer Roisin picked up the pace and worked our core. There was no flopping, poor posture or stray arms let loose on the work-floor. Instead we were handed weights, set in drills and they kept up the pressure while pumping some tunes. So what was my favourite part of this challenge? I’m not a twig, I’m not even what you could call delicate or dainty. I regularly feel self-conscious and I tend to go for my runs late at night when nobody can see me. But I didn’t feel awkward here. I went in, had fun, sweat it out, and wasn’t intimidated (even when the team of dancers started spreading their legs in 90 degree angles). I try hard to exercise and I won’t always have the perfect technique. None of those ‘barriers’ mattered. All weight types, all skill levels and all enthusiasts were welcome. You’re tested to your limits, brought through an intense workout, and an hour later you toddle home to die on a couch. I suffered no injuries and I even made a friend or two along the way (granted this was before I wore a go-pro strapped to my chest… ‘cause nobody wants to sweat on camera). So I could keep going, or you could get a glimpse here. I apologise for my sweatiness, but hey, no pain – no gain (or you know fat loss…) Why not make a change from your usual gym trip and take a fun approach to your fitness this January and check out Rebound Revolution trampoline classes at Jump Zone. Suitable for all levels of fitness, the classes will keep you on your toes!