Exercising on a Trampoline
As the days get longer, the evenings brighter and the air warmer we all naturally start to spend more time outside. Children and adults alike can enjoy a plethora of outdoor summer activities which offer the perfect opportunity to enhance your health and well being whilst soaking up vital vitamin D. Ranging from vigorous sporting activities such as tennis and hiking, to more relaxing sports such as golf or rambling, exercising outdoors has never been more tempting. Fun packed activities now include the familiar sight, particularly in the past few years, of a back garden filled with children, all bouncing on a trampoline (which is obviously surrounded by a safety enclosure!).
But trampolining is not only for the children. Trampolining, or rebounding, has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. This is in some part due to studies which highlight the fantastic health benefits that can be gained from working out on a trampoline. As well as improving balance, co-ordination and bilateral motor skills, trampolining offers a low impact cardiovascular fitness workout that will improve your lymphatic circulation and strengthen bone density, helping to build up resistance to fractures and osteoporosis.
Depending on what you wish to gain from your trampoline workout, there are many trampolines available on the market today from which to choose. Various sizes, shapes makes and models, all of which cater to different body types, weights, activities and intensities. For example, the Reebok rebounder, available in a sleek black and silver design, is the ideal rebounder for home workouts. It is small enough to store away easily, yet designed to give a "club standard" workout.
For a full size trampoline designed to give you and the kids a workout, see our Trampoline Ratings for assistance with selecting a particular model. Always remember that a trampoline safety enclosure is an essential item for using a full size trampoline.
If you have chosen your trampoline and are now turning your attention to how to dress for your trampoline workout, bear in mind the following helpful hints and tips – You should avoid wearing clothing that is loose or ill fitting. Also avoid jeans or clothing with prominent zips or buckles. It may be advisable, especially for beginners, to wear long sleeved and full legged clothing to avoid grazing yourself. Opt instead for sports clothing, leggings, jogging bottoms t-shirt, long sleeved tops, or leotards. Socks or trampolining shoes should also be worn at all times. Avoid wearing jewellery and ensure long hair is tied back securely. Ladies - sports bras with firm support are essential!!
You will find suitable clothing available from most sports brands, Nike, Reebok, Adidas etc. Trends in recent years have shown a cross over between sports clothing worn for leisure and for sporting activities, so be aware if you are purchasing clothing from a sports brand to ensure it is suitable for working out in. You may find suitable clothing is also available from "extreme" sports brands such as Quiksilver or Volcom.