Bouncing around may sound like child’s play, but if you’re in Brett Freeland’s iRobics class, it’s a total workout.

Freeland, a member of the Waikiki Bboys dance crew, leads the hourlong class, which takes place on the trampolines in one of the dodgeball courts at iTrampoline Hawaii, Tuesday through Friday evenings.

The class begins with a good stretch. Freeland says that being a dancer has taught him the importance of stretching to prevent injury. (His dance crew performs on Kalakaua Avenue near the International Market Place from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays.)

The class ends with the same stretches, which was a pleasant surprise. Many workouts skimp on stretch time, something most people don’t take time to do on their own.

At the session I attended, I was the only female in a class of more than a half-dozen 20-something males, but I did a pretty good job keeping up with them. Well, OK, they did one-hand stands and back flips while jumping on the trampoline, but I kept on bouncing.

It was fun and I was laughing much of the time, mostly at myself. Just bouncing in place for several minutes takes a lot of energy and provides a good workout.

We played catch with balls while jumping and did quarter turns in the air. Variations included knee and toe touches. We jumped and threaded a ball between our legs in the fashion of a basketball player. Pushups were performed along the sides of the trampoline.

The exercises done during class are meant to improve balance and coordination, Freeland said.

Partnering off for core strengthening, we did a situp and twisted from side to side while holding the ball, then tossed it to the other person. It seemed easy enough until a few minutes passed by — then my abs were screaming at me.

Jumping and hopping on a trampoline is easier on the joints than pounding on a hard floor, and a NASA study found it far more effective for cardiovascular fitness than running. A 155-pound person who trampolines for an hour reportedly will burn about 250 calories.

The colorful surroundings at iTrampoline Hawaii may inspire participants to pay an additional $18 fee to stick around and play in the dodgeball court and foam pit, with the basketball hoops and on single-person trampolines, which are placed together in a patchwork that is surrounded by trampoline-covered walls. People were bouncing from one trampoline to the next, which would provide a workout on its own.

Kaniala Kaleo, 21, said the class was harder than he expected. "I like being able to meet new people. And I like how (Freeland) incorporates everything he’s learned about dance and stuff into the aerobics class. What’s not to like?" he said.

The high-energy class is definitely fun, so I’d have to agree with him.

Note: Special socks with grip are required and can be purchased at iTrampoline for $3.

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“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.