Rebound boots: what to know before you start
Straight answers to the questions we get asked most about training in rebound boots at home. No inflated promises: where a number comes from a manufacturer we say so, and where the honest answer is “it depends,” we say that too.
What are rebound boots?
They are boots with a curved leaf spring mounted under the foot, which returns part of the energy of every landing. They are used for cardio classes set to music: you bounce continuously and the spring absorbs much of the impact your knees and ankles would take in trainers. They are also called rebound shoes or bounce boots; in Brazil the class itself is called Hopping.
Can I train at home, or do I need a gym?
At home. MyBootLab classes are recorded and play on your phone, your tablet or your big screen, so all you need is your boots and a clear space. There is no class time to make and no spot to reserve.
Do I have to be on camera?
No. Nobody sees you, nothing records you, and there are no live camera-on classes. It is one of the main reasons women choose to train this way: you can get it wrong, stop, repeat a step or quit halfway through and nobody knows.
How much space do I need?
About two metres by two metres, with enough ceiling to bounce with your arms overhead. The floor needs to be firm and even — thick carpet or uneven grass will cost you balance. Check for hanging lights, ceiling fans and sharp furniture corners nearby.
Are they bad for your knees?
The spring reduces joint impact; manufacturers cite up to 80 % less than running on hard ground, and that figure is theirs, not a measurement of ours. What is certain is that the load is redistributed rather than removed: your ankles, core and balance work harder than they do in trainers. If you have a knee, ankle or back injury, or you are pregnant, check with your doctor before starting.
Is there a weight limit?
There is no weight limit for bouncing. What matters is choosing the right spring resistance for your weight, and the most accurate way to work it out is to add 5 kg to your body weight, or 10 kg if you are very athletic. Getting it wrong has consequences in both directions: too much resistance transmits impact into your knees and back, which is exactly what the boots are meant to prevent, and too little resistance breaks the boot's arch. Check the range the manufacturer gives for each model and choose by that calculation rather than by eye.
How many calories do you burn?
It depends on your weight, your fitness and how hard you go, the same as any cardio. For reference, a sustained hour of vigorous cardio comes to roughly 500 to 600 calories for an average adult: that is a MET-based estimate, not a measurement of these classes. Be sceptical of two figures you will see a lot. The 500-to-800 “per session” numbers are repeated with no source at all, and a 30-to-45-minute class does not reach that. And the 800-to-1000 per hour some boot manufacturers publish would take athlete-level effort sustained for a full hour.
Does this work if I am a beginner or have not exercised in years?
Yes, if you start short. The first few sessions are about learning to stand, walk and stop in the boots before you bounce to music; half an hour is a lot at the beginning. Every class states its skill level separately from its intensity, precisely so you can pick something simple but tiring, or something gentle but technical.
Which boots do I need for the classes?
Any leaf-spring rebound boot in good condition. MyBootLab does not sell boots and does not tie you to a brand: if you already own Kangoo Jumps®, Fit Boots or any equivalent, they work. Before each class, check that the straps close properly, that the bands are in good condition, that the spring has no cracks, and that the resistance is the right one for your weight.
Do I need to book a class time?
No. Every class is there when you open the app, and new ones are added each week. Your pass opens the whole catalogue, not a timetable.
Which class types exist? The six formats, explained How online rebound boot classes work
Kangoo Jumps® and Fit Boots are registered trademarks of their respective owners, and MyBootLab is not affiliated with either. We name them only to describe equipment compatibility.
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