Bungee running is just one of many forms of bungee fitness that can get your heart pumping and help train your body. Keep reading to learn more about what bungee running is, why it can benefit you, and how to set it up by yourself.

What is bungee running?

Bungee running is a form of resistance training, which improves your body’s performance when taking part in sports and exercise. It involves running towards a target with a bungee cord attached to your body. Once you have stretched the bungee cord as much as you can, it will pull you backwards to the position you started in. The bungee cord will add extra resistance to your workout, meaning you have to work harder in order to gain distance and stretch the bungee cord. Bungee cords are incredibly durable and stretchy, so they can help you to push your body to the max.

Bungee running often takes place outdoors, on a slippery surface or a soft bouncy castle, to prevent injury when the bungee cord drags you backwards. However, don’t be put off if you’re not an exercise fanatic – oftentimes people take part in bungee running purely as a fun activity. It’s often used for team building activities or a social game, with two people racing against each other to see who can reach their target first.

What are the benefits of bungee running?

Build muscle

For those looking for alternative muscle-building training, bungee running could be the perfect solution. Resistance training using bungee cords will help to build muscle in your legs and feet without having to run for an extended period of time. It’s a fun exercise that can be easily worked into your workout routine, or simply use it as a standalone activity to train your muscles.

Improve stamina

Bungee running can become an intense workout in just a short amount of time. Keeping your bungee running cord taut for a longer run is helpful if you want to improve your stamina, but take care not to strain too much. This exercise can often be done with a partner who holds the bungee cord while you run. 

Burn calories

Like with any exercise, bungee running is an effective way to burn calories. If you don’t enjoy hitting the treadmills or going for a run, incorporating bungee cords into a workout with friends can make the experience much more enjoyable. Make your workouts fun by setting up a bungee running outdoor area with friends – you can have a laugh while you burn calories.

Team bonding

Even though it’s often used by athletes or gym-goers for resistance training, bungee running can also be a great team bonding exercise. Whether done outside or indoors, you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat, while also bonding with your teammates cheering you on from the side lines.

How to set up your own bungee running cords

Because bungee running can be carried out as either a serious workout or a recreational activity, it can be set up in different ways. However, it will of course involve a bungee cord whichever way you choose to take part. 

You’ll usually need about 6 metres of bungee cord for a regular workout, however you can test which length works best for your workouts and the space you have available. If your bungee cord is too long, then a hot knife rope cutter is ideal for cutting it down to the perfect length. For outdoor or recreational bungee running, then a longer bungee cord is ideal as it allows you to run further without tension on the cord, meaning you can then be pulled backwards once you’ve run a certain distance. 

If you plan to use bungee running as a workout with a partner, then all you have to do is tie the bungee cord around your waist while your partner holds on to the other end. But, if you want your bungee cord secured to a fixed point, you’ll need to think carefully about this. Make sure that your bungee cord is attached safely to a structure that won’t move – if it does, you’re at risk of falling flat on your face. Aside from this, ensure that the area you plan to exercise in is free of obstructions or trip hazards, and wear protective gear if you feel as though you might fall.

Overall, setting up bungee running cords is fairly simple – you just need one end secured to yourself, and the other to a person or fixture to create tension.

Looking to get into bungee running or bungee fitness? Take a look at our superflex bungee cords or get in touch to discuss more options.