Mini trampoline Exercise
Effective. Fast. Fun!

I've recently discovered mini trampoline exercise and frankly, I am blown away at how effective it is!

It is the exercise of my dreams... it's easy, enjoyable and with very little time spent, this type of physical activity produces some rather amazing results.

Mini trampoline exercise gradually and gently increases strength, circulation, oxygen intake, flexibility and balance as well as having many other benefits.

I've generally enjoyed physical activity for most of my life, but I'm not an "exercise freak" nor do I have a "perfect body" - if there is such a thing! I just enjoy the feeling of being able to move around and accomplish physical tasks without my body cracking or popping or making me miserable...

I actually used a mini trampoline in the '80s and '90s on and off but had no idea of how beneficial and effective it was... it was just fun! I'd turn on some of my favorite music and bounce away. I'd usually be smiling a lot!

So after I was physically disabled from a stroke and a heart attack, my level of physical activity plummeted to virtually zero.

I knew that regular physical activity was essential if I wanted any significant physical improvement. However, it was a challenge to find something that would help me increase my strength and endurance gradually and gently enough so that I could continue with it on a regular basis.

My current mini trampoline, or rebounder

Well, a few months ago one of my neighbors came by and as we sat on the patio chatting, she rather excitedly told me about a demonstration of mini trampoline exercise she'd seen at a health show. My interest really perked up when she mentioned that she'd been doing this exercise for just a couple of days and some scars that she had were fading...

I thought to myself, "Wow, that kind of exercise would especially help my heart because there has to be scar tissue from the heart surgery." She had an educational DVD about mini trampoline exercise, also called "rebounding," which I watched.

I swear, for me it was like finding the Holy Grail! I learned about a very low level of rebounding where your feet don't even leave the surface called the "health bounce." This low intensity mini trampoline exercise is used in physical therapy, for improving strength and energy levels for the elderly and for improving the physical condition of folks with physical impairments...

The video on the rebounding benefits page demonstrates the "health bounce" at the very beginning of the rebounding session (it looks like a gentle warm-up).

I HAD to get one and try it for myself. It really seemed like the solution to improving my level of physical activity and my health!

Quality of mini trampolines

All mini trampolines, or rebounders, are not made equally. Sure, they LOOK alike, but there are definite differences. Some mini trampolines are made with inferior materials and can actually cause physical damage to areas such as the lower back, nerves and ankles.

The material that the rebounding surface is made from and the springs that hold the mat to the frame are the two main components that need to be of high quality in order for mini trampoline exercise to be enjoyable, effective and safe.

Here's a very good article that explains the differences in materials and provides a "buyers guide" to good quality rebounders (mini trampolines): http://rebounderbuyersguide.blogspot.com/

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How I use a mini trampoline for the "health bounce" exercise

Now, if you have a mini trampoline out in the garage that may not be made of quality materials, here's a suggestion. You could use it for a very gentle health bounce and discover for yourself some of the benefits of rebounding and then upgrade to a good quality mini trampoline.

Since I recently "discovered" mini trampoline exercise, I've started health bouncing on an old one that was given to me. I put my feet out toward the edges, away from the center where the mat can sag. The intensity of my bouncing is extremely low; sometimes I am hardly moving. But I know from some of my research that this level of activity does in fact make a difference. My feet never leave the mat. I also have my rebounder by my fireplace so that I can hold the mantel for balance.

Since my work area is in the living room, I can just get up from my desk to take a break and do a few minutes of mini trampoline exercise.

I've been doing this for a month now, about 3 - 5 minutes a few times a day. The improvements I've experienced so far are pretty incredible considering the small amount of effort I've put in... getting my butt out of the chair is probably the most energy I'm expending!

Some benefits of rebounding (mini trampoline exercise)

Mini trampoline exercise gradually and gently increases strength, circulation, oxygen intake, flexibility and balance. Some of the improvements I've personally noticed so far are:

• Decrease in bloating and fluid retention


• Improved, more consistent blood sugar levels


• Improved levels of mental and physical energy


• Improved quality of sleep


• Improved strength, especially noticeable in my legs when going up stairs


• Less tension in my shoulder and back muscles, which are usually as tight as a rock


• Improved flexibility and range of motion - I really notice it when I'm turning my head and torso to the side or bending down to pick something up or tie my shoes


• Improved posture because all the muscles in my body are getting strengthened gently.

My clothes fit more loosely; I feel more trim. My husband even commented, "You look more trim!" the other day.

I've lost a few pounds actually, but that is not my primary focus. I've read that mini trampoline exercise can "melt away" fat. I'm beginning to see that for myself but it's too soon to really say. Plus I have to factor in that my muscles are getting stronger and muscle is heavier than fat, so my main "measurement" is how I feel, not what I weigh.

I will be sharing my gains and more information related to mini trampoline exercise (rebounding) with you as I continue my progress. Here's an article about how rebounding benefits practically anyone: Rebounding Benefits Rock!

What a trip! An enjoyable, easy and effective way to improve health that is not expensive or time consuming?? Mini trampoline exercise rocks!!

Cheers!

Important Note: A mini trampoline, or rebounder, is not a toy. It should not be used to play on or jump wildly on. It is a piece of exercise equipment and has guidelines for safe usage. Children must be taught to use it correctly and be supervised while using it!

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