Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Gonzalez of Mindful Bounce Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gonzalez.

Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Nicole González, and I’m 38 years old. I’m the mother of Nicolás (22), Tomás (17), and Khloe (4), and I will soon be the grandmother of Agustina. I’m a certified instructor for Kangoo Jumps.

Kangoo Jumps is a high-intensity aerobic workout performed with rebound boots that absorb up to 80% of the impact on the joints. This protects the knees, ankles, hips, and spine, making the exercise safer and more accessible for people of different ages and physical conditions.

I started jumping in Chile, my home country, seven years ago with my trainer, Nilda Plaza, in the capital, Santiago. I’m infinitely grateful for my connection with her, as she has been my inspiration since the day I met her — not only for me but for many other people as well. I loved jumping from the very first time I put on the boots. I was a little scared at first, but once the class began — the music, the energy, the connection with the other women, and the incredible physical, emotional, and mental benefits of this discipline — I knew I would never stop. I had never enjoyed exercising before, but that all changed that day.

I moved to Michigan five years ago, and as soon as I was able to start jumping again after my last pregnancy, I looked for classes near my area. To my surprise, the only place offering them was about an hour away from where I lived. So, I decided to become an instructor myself — not only because I needed this for me, but because I wanted other women to experience the same physical, mental, and emotional transformation I felt when I began moving my body and left a sedentary life behind. Jumping reconnects you with your inner child, and it’s guaranteed that more than one laugh will escape during class.

Alongside Kangoo, in my journey toward holistic well-being — and thanks to Covid — I discovered yoga, and I fell in love with this practice as well. I’m grateful to my teacher, Libertad, who, with much love, introduced me to this new path of caring for the body, mind, and spirit.

I feel deeply called to become a yoga instructor, too, and I’ve been in training for several months now.

The name of my venture is Mindful Bounce Michigan, which combines both disciplines.

Two years ago, I began teaching classes thanks to the support of Centro Multicultural La Familia, and I continue to teach there twice a week. I’ve met wonderful people and feel so grateful to connect with them through movement and rebound, as each one of them carries a unique story, and all of them are a source of inspiration in my life.

Migrating and mothering without the support of family and friends hasn’t been easy, but this path as a Kangoo instructor — something I’m truly passionate about — has helped me stay grounded, consistent, and stronger every day. Starting something new and innovative in a country that isn’t your own, in another language and culture, is highly challenging. But I’ve discovered that when you do something you truly love, there are no obstacles that can stop you. That’s why I encourage everyone to pursue what moves their heart and soul.

I would like to invite you to try a class, to jump with me and see for yourself the impact that rebound exercise can have on your life.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Introducing a completely new discipline that often causes fear — because many people think they might fall — is very challenging.

Being a single and immigrant mom, and taking my daughter to classes is also a challenge, as it means I have to take more time to do everything with her.

But above all, my mind plays tricks on me when I see low attendance. Even though I sometimes think I should give up, I immediately dismiss that thought and I keep moving forward, because I believe in my potential and I love what I do. I trust that perseverance is the key to achieving my goals. And that Kangoo Jumps will reach the right people at the perfect time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mindful Bounce Michigan?
Kangoo Jumps rebound boots offer multiple benefits, such as reducing impact on the joints by up to 80%, burning between 300 to 800 calories per class, and promoting weight loss since it’s a high-intensity aerobic workout. In addition, it strengthens the muscles (legs, glutes, and core), improves cardiovascular and muscular endurance, increases coordination and balance, and helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins.

The class is very complete — we start with cardio, performing a choreography based on jumps and rebounds to the rhythm of the music. We work on legs and glutes (squats), arms and back (using dumbbells), and core, finishing again with legs and glutes exercises on the floor on a mat — all while wearing the boots, which weigh about 3.9 pounds each.

Jumping is often perceived as play, so during class, we inevitably reconnect with our inner child and the joy of bouncing.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve made many connections with my students because I love getting to know them — they’re not just girls who train with me, they’re my friends.

And through them and with them, our connections have expanded.

Pricing:

• $15 with Boots Rental
• $10 with Own Boots

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_bounce_michigan?igsh=MW9yOGd0c2d0Z29oNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mindfulbouncemichigan?si=jG203BQXib9XeInu