The Journey of Bungee Super Fly®: How It All Began
Bungee Super Fly® has revolutionized fitness, making movement not only accessible but also exhilarating. Behind this global phenomenon is Janneke van Amelsvoort, whose passion for aerial acrobatics and innovation led to the creation of a life-changing fitness experience. In this blog, we dive into the inspiring journey of Bungee Super Fly®, from its roots in aerial acrobatics to becoming an international fitness movement that empowers people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Janneke’s journey into bungee fitness began in 2007, when she became a bungee specialist for the musical Tarzan. As Aerial Captain, she was responsible for making dancers jump, fly, and perform dynamic movements—even bouncing from heights of 60 meters above the audience. This role gave her invaluable experience working with different types of bungees, harnesses, and aerial equipment. She learned how bungee cords react to movement, how to ensure safety, and how to create freedom of movement within a harness. However, after years in the performing arts, Janneke asked herself a critical question: “What can I do for the rest of my life?” This led her to combine her background in aerial acrobatics, dance, and yoga, leading to the development of Aerial Yoga Netherlands—a training system that brought freedom of movement to everyday people.
In 2016, Janneke was asked to choreograph a dance performance using bungees. Together with a height specialist, she developed a specialized harness and attachment system that allowed dancers to move freely, execute explosive movements, and push the limits of their physical capabilities. After the performance, she wondered: “What if I replaced the aerial hammocks with bungees and taught a class?” The response was overwhelming. Her experiment went viral, attracting interest from all over the world. Unlike her previous work in aerial yoga, which was mostly focused on the Netherlands and Belgium, Bungee Super Fly® had an international demand. She soon began receiving requests from across the globe: Do you offer instructor training? Where can we buy this equipment? How can we bring this to our studio?
Realizing that she was one of the few true experts in bungee training, Janneke took the leap. She perfected the equipment, making the harness more ergonomic and the system safer and more comfortable. Bungee Super Fly® was officially launched in 2017, and since then, has spread to Australia, Mexico, Egypt, Japan, the Middle East, the US, and across Europe.
One of Janneke’s core missions is to make movement accessible to everyone. With her aerial background, she had already helped people experience the freedom of movement through aerial yoga, but bungee fitness took it to another level. It allows people to move beyond their expectations, as the elastic resistance reduces impact, making exercises easier on the joints. Even people who typically struggle with fitness can perform burpees, push-ups, and jumps with ease. She noticed a specific group benefiting the most—women who were afraid of traditional fitness environments. Many of them felt uncomfortable in gyms but needed to move for their health. In bungee classes, they found joy, confidence, and motivation.
Janneke explains, “We see women blossom in the bungee. Not only do they become fitter and stronger, but they also gain self-confidence—because bungee training shows them their own strength.” But Bungee Super Fly® isn’t just for casual fitness enthusiasts—it’s also a powerful training tool for elite athletes. Beginners and those with limited mobility benefit from the bungee’s supportive resistance, while top athletes use it to enhance speed, agility, and endurance. Fighters and boxers, for example, use bungee training to simulate real-life resistance, making their movements more explosive. When they kick in the air, the bungee pulls them back, forcing them to engage their core and build stability.
One of the most unique aspects of bungee training is how it engages the core and nervous system. If you try to move using just your shoulders or upper body, the bungee won’t help you. But when you engage your core and use proper technique, the bungee lifts and supports you. This helps people develop awareness of their body’s movement patterns. Whether performing a push-up, a jump, or a run, the bungee forces you to use proper mechanics, helping you become stronger and more controlled in every movement. And beyond the physical benefits—bungee training makes you happy.
Janneke challenges anyone feeling down to try jumping three times in a row. It’s scientifically proven that jumping releases dopamine and serotonin, which are known as the “happiness hormones.” This is why bungee fitness isn’t just an effective workout—it’s also a mental and emotional booster. Since launching Bungee Super Fly®, Janneke has seen firsthand how it changes lives. One of the most emotional success stories is Abigail, a woman who was in a wheelchair for 13 years due to cerebral palsy. Through bungee training, she has been able to stand, walk on a treadmill, and regain mobility she never thought was possible.
“Imagine not standing on your feet for over a decade,” Janneke says. “Now, she’s walking. It’s incredible.” This success has inspired Janneke and the Bungee Super Fly® team to push even further, making bungee training accessible for people with disabilities, those recovering from injuries, and anyone who wants to move in a new way. Looking toward the future, Janneke’s vision is clear: bring bungee fitness to as many people as possible. To do this, she and her team are focused on training more instructors worldwide, creating more community-driven bungee spaces, and continuing to refine the equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Her message is simple: “Bungee training is for everyone. Whether you’re young, old, recovering from injury, or a top athlete—bungee fitness can transform your life.” Are you ready to experience the freedom of movement with Bungee Super Fly®?
Join the movement today and be part of the future of fitness!
