Mini trampoline Exercise
Fast. Effective. Fun!
Mini trampoline exercise, or mini
trampoline rebounder exercise, has been described by many
to be the most efficient form of exercise ever developed
by man.
Why is this activity gaining in popularity
so rapidly? Because it's easy? Because almost anyone, regardless
of age or physical condition, can actually engage in and
benefit from a mini trampoline workout? Because mini trampoline,
or rebounder, exercise is really easy and fun??
A
good quality mini trampoline, or rebounder |
I rediscovered mini trampoline exercise,
also known as rebounding, last year and it has totally solved
my problem of "how do I get more physical activity
and exercise" in my life after a stroke and a heart
attack and inactivity for several years.
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, or
rebounder, in the '80s and '90s - but had no idea of how
beneficial and effective it was... it was just fun and a
fast and easy way to get a little workout! I'd turn on some
of my favorite music and bounce away... usually with a grin
on my face.
After I became physically disabled from
the stroke and 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.
Well, last year my neighbor 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
must be scar tissue from the heart surgery." I watched
an educational dvd of a mini trampoline workout that explained
how mini trampoline exercises and rebounding benefits the
whole body.
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.
How I use a mini trampoline for
the "health bounce" exercise
Since I discovered mini trampoline exercise,
I've started
"health bouncing" where my feet never leave the
mat. I also have my rebounder by my fireplace so that I
can hold on to the mantel for balance. You can get a stabilizing
bar with some good quality rebounders.
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. It's quite refreshing!
I've been doing this for over a year now,gradually
working from just a couple of minutes a day to 15 - 20 minutes
per 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 and starting took
the most effort!
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 better too :)
I actually lost a few pounds when I first
started my mini trampoline workouts, but that is wasn't
my primary focus. I've read that mini trampoline exercise
can "melt away" fat. Well, I've seen it for myself
now.
Combined with a low carbohydrate diet,
mini trampoline exercises have contributed to my weight
loss of almost 25 pounds in 6 months - and improving my
health is my main objective. The weight loss has been a
bonus! 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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