Trampolines aren’t just for kids.
Sure, you may have bought your trampoline for your kids, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on your own. Don’t just think of it as having fun, but as a tool to help you stay in shape.
Here are few trampoline exercise tips to get you going:
1. Getting started
We should begin by pointing out that many of the trampoline safety rules you’ve put in place for your kids apply to adults as well. Take a few minutes to review these tips here.
Now that you’re ready to get started, begin with a series of jumping jacks while standing on the middle of the trampoline.
Even the simple act of jumping is a good form of exercise. The higher you jump, the more energy you use to fight the pull of gravity, the more calories you’ll burn. Each landing accelerates you upward again, forcing your muscles to react to the gravity.
And bouncing on a trampoline can also enhance your sense of balance. When we’re weightless, there are a variety of muscles working to keep us oriented every time we land.
2. The jumping jog
Do you enjoy running, but worry that your neighborhood streets and sidewalks are damaging your knees? Consider the jumping jog, which gives you all the benefits of running and jumping, without the stress of jogging in the street.
Start at the center of the trampoline, with a few light warm-up jumps to help you get your balance. Once you’ve gotten a good rhythm of jumps going, start to “jog” by landing on an alternate foot with each bounce, lifting each knee as high as you can for every step. Continue for three minutes, then wind down with a few gentler jumps.
3. Powerbounce
Sit in the middle of the trampoline and try popping up to a stranding position as quickly as possible. Every time you stand, reach alternating arms across your body.
It’s a great workout for your core, as is this one: start by sitting in the middle of the trampoline, then lift your legs off the ground and contract your abs for 20 seconds, and release. Repeat three times.
4. Seat drops and straddle jumps
Start by standing up straight, hands at your sides. From there, jump into the air, moving your legs forward, bouncing on your bottom, with your legs out front and your palms down.
A similar exercise, the straddle jump, starts the same way. You stand straight, arms at your side, then jump in the air.
As you jump, extend your legs sideways, keeping your legs straight, reaching your arms toward your toes. Land standing with your legs straight in the original starting position.
5. Half and full twists
Once again, this trampoline exercise starts with you in a standing position, arms at your sides. Jump and turn in the air, facing the opposition direction for a half twist, or make a complete 360-degree turn for a full twist, and then land with your hands at your sides.
Whether you’re leaping into the world of trampoline exercises for adults, or just interested in jumping for fun, it’s important to have the right trampoline.
Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help. Visit us online or at one of our four locations to see our complete collection of trampolines from companies like AlleyOOP, Jump Sport and SpringFree. We’re confident you’ll find something that can help you and your family get the exercise you need, all while having the time of your lives.
