We Could All Use a Little More Lift in Our Lives
One of my private chuckles is imagining what it would look like if we took some of our Mojo moves — booty-up twists and swirls, shimmying, shouting and karate chopping — and dropped them into everyday life. Imagine skipping around Trader Joe’s and high-fiving the checkout person or belting out a “woo-hoooooo!” at the office. We’d probably be sent “upstate” to a funny farm to learn how to blend in better.
Funny enough, blending in — our measured, predictable daily routine of sit, stand, walk, repeat — may feel safe, but it’s actually dangerous for our health. Bones, muscles, and even our brains crave surprise, impact, and play. Without them, we slowly stiffen and weaken. Which brings me to the question:
If you’ve been away from Mojo for a while, when was the last time you jumped, skipped, bounced, or stomped? If it’s been a while, time to get moving!
Why Jumping (and Bouncing) Matters
Jumping isn’t just for kids. It’s one of the most powerful (and efficient) ways to tell our body, “Stay strong, stay agile.” Here’s what happens when we add a little air under our feet:
Stronger bones: Even small jumps stimulate bone-building cells. In one study, premenopausal women who did just 10–20 jumps twice a day for 16 weeks significantly increased their hip bone density compared to women who did nothing. Keeping bones challenged with impact is also one of the best ways to help defend against osteoporosis, the “silent disease,” as we age.
Heart & metabolism boost: Research shows that bounce-related aerobic programs in women improved fitness, blood pressure, and body composition after only 12 weeks.
Balance & coordination: Every hop forces our body to stabilize. Mini “bounce” programs show better balance and motor control, especially in women over 40.
Mood lift: And the smile factor — skipping and doing jumping jacks release endorphins and shake off stress…just what we need when life feels like a non-so-funny farm.
Bone-Chilling Facts
- Bones are living tissue, constantly breaking down and rebuilding.
- Bones store minerals like calcium and phosphorus, essential for strength.
- Bone marrow produces blood cells that keep us alive and thriving.
- Regular weight-bearing exercise is essential for good bone health: Moderate stress helps strengthen bones by stimulating bone cells to lay down new bone tissue.
The takeaway? Bones are not static — they need regular challenge and impact to stay strong.
Be Nice to Yourself
I cringe when I see influencers challenge followers to leap onto tall boxes or pull off “Instagram-worthy” stunts. Don’t fall for it! Big, flashy jumps can be dangerous especially for knees, hips, and connective tissue.
Bones respond best to small, consistent impact — little hops, side-to-side maneuvers, jumping jacks, or bouncing in place. Think of them as “toothbrush jumps”: short, daily doses keep your skeleton polished and strong.
For most of us, smaller is smarter. Your body will thank you for repetition and rhythm, not risk.
Impact Isn’t Just for Legs — It’s for the Whole Body
When we think of “impact,” we usually picture jumping. That’s great for legs and hips, but bones in our arms, spine, and shoulders need attention too. And here’s the magic of Mojo — we sneak impact into the whole body:
Legs & hips → hops, skips, chassés, gallops, jumping jacks, and even those sneaky little heel pops.
Arms & wrists → big overhead claps, sharp punches/paddles/slaps, swinging arms, or powerful “reach-and-pull” moves to the beat.
Spine & ribs → twisting shimmies, side bends with bounce, and torso pops that tug on your vertebrae and keep our posture muscles fired up.
Shoulders & chest → power moves like “throwing the arms” forward, dramatic chest pumps, and rhythmic arm circles that add momentum and load.
Every shimmy, clap, punch, and hop in Mojo is telling your bones: “Stay strong. Stay resilient.” You’re not just dancing — you’re giving your skeleton a full-body tune-up.
Mojo’s Perfect Dose
Mojo sessions sneak these “bone snacks” right into the party. The reps of shimmies, twists, hops, and yes, the occasional “whoop”, don’t feel like much in the moment. But add them up — 2 to 3 classes a week, week after week, year after year — and you’re not just dancing, you’re building denser bones, sharper balance, and stronger muscles.
This is why walking alone, while wonderful for heart health, isn’t enough. As exercise physiologist Kerri Winters-Stone puts it: the skeleton becomes accustomed to the loads we typically subject the body to — meaning we have to surprise it to make it grow.
The Bone-Strong Formula
The best regimen for bones is a blend of:
Impact (jumps, hops, bounces)
Strength (weight lifting, bodyweight moves)
Balance/coordination (dance, agility, sports)
Mojo checks all three boxes while keeping it joyful and sustainable.
What If You Have Arthritis?
If you’re living with arthritis, it doesn’t mean you have to sit out the bounce. Big, explosive jumps may put too much strain on the joints, but low-impact bouncing — soft hops in place, heel lifts with a little spring, or mini side-to-side bounds — can actually help. These gentle movements improve circulation, nourish cartilage, strengthen the muscles around your joints, and boost balance without the jolt of a hard landing.
Bouncing with arthritis isn’t about performing athletic feats — it’s more like a gentle spring in your step, reminding your body it can still move with rhythm and resilience.
For Those of Us Who Can Still Jump
I’ll say it loud and proud: some of us over 60 still love a good jump — me included. If you’re one of the people who can still spring, do it — with power foot gear, great form, and the common sense to listen to your body. Yes, strangers will look at you sideways and whisper “she’s going to hurt herself someday,” but the truth is that careful, controlled jumps done consistently build strength, power, and joy.
Our Takeaway
You don’t need to jump high; you just need to jump often. Shimmy, hop, bounce, or skip your way into stronger bones, a healthier heart, and a brighter mood. Every playful move is giving your body a reason to stay youthful and resilient.
Mojo is our very own funny farm—in the best way: strong in body, light in spirit, and connected with resilient, adventurous friends. Come on out and PLAY with us this week!
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