Joint pain keeps many people from getting a good cardiovascular workout. For many, the answer is swimming or other low-impact ways of maintaining an elevated heart rate. But finding the facilities for such a workout can be difficult.

A new business in Kirkland, Sky Zone Sky Mania, is offering a low impact, high cardiovascular, highly fun workout called Skyrobics.

“You can burn 1,000 calories in 45 minutes,” said Abigail Aikins, the Sky Mania operations manager and instructor for the new class. “You use about 40 percent more energy than you would on an elliptical.”

Skyrobics is performed on a basketball-court sized set of 52-interconnected trampolines. Sky Mania, located in the Totem Lake neighborhood on N.E. 116th Ave., has one of just three basketball-court sized trampolines in the state and has just started the Skyrobics classes.

“We had six people in the first class,” said Aikins. “And they ended up bringing two more for the second class.”

Aikins said that she only posted the class on the business website four days before the first class and has been surprised at the early interest.

“I thought no one would show up,” said Aikins. “But it is for every skill level and body type.”

The allure of the first-timers being able to tryout the class for free helped with the attendance.

The class incorporates a 15-minute warmup session with stretching and bouncing on the trampoline. Then the fun work begins as students get instruction on “rouncing”: jumping the length of the trampoline, eight squares, back-and-forth. The “rouncing” continues for 25 minutes, working up a good consistent workout.

“Twenty-six times down-and-back equals a mile,” said Aikins. “It is the equivalent of a three mile run. But it is a lot easier on the joints than running on hard pavement.”

Aikins said no one in the first two classes has been able to get to 26 “rounces” but she is sure they will work up to it as their bouncing skills improve.

And while it is not as easy as it sounds, it is as fun as it sounds.

“Most people see bouncing on a trampoline as a basic skill but a lot of people need some time to get it down,” said Aikins.

That is because the student has to learn to jump the proper distance so as not to hit the divider and then learn how to turn around by bouncing off the 45-degree angle wall trampoline.

And the workout is not just for the legs.

“You can tailor the exercise to what you want to do,” said Aikins, who used to teach traditional aerobics classes. “It is not just a lower-body workout.”

The workout can also be good for rehabbing some injuries. Aikins said that she injured her ankle and the Skyrobics helped her to heel faster.

Aikins also said it is a good way for those looking to get into a low-impact workout regimen.

“As you get older you tend to get less active and this is a fun way to stay active. The possibilities are endless with this,” said Aikins, who noted that you have to be aware at all times with the workout. “It really keeps the mind active, too.”

The facility, which opened on Dec. 10, also offers dodgeball, a toddler time and other events, such as free jump.

Drop-ins can expect to pay $8 an hour, $40 for a month of unlimited jump time or $60 for a punch-card that does not expire and incorporates 10 jump sessions. Those under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver, which is available online.

For more information about Sky Zone Sky Mania, visit www.skyzonesports.com