When it comes to unusual workouts you can't get much weirder than trampoline exercises - or trampoline sports.
These "death traps" however are not to be taken lightly. As the classic Simpsons episode demonstrates, trampolines can cause some serious injuries so my immediate recommendation is that you start small, use a space with lots of headroom (so you don't hit your head on the ceiling), and proceed slowly with a degree of caution until you get used to the trampoline.
These days you can get a mini exercise trampoline and this will make much more sense if you are getting purely to be part of your workout. (Note that I said "part of your workout". Using a trampoline should not be sole source of your exercise.)
Like any other fitness gadget you will need to learn how to use it properly and safely - and to its full potential, and thus realize also its limitations. You will want to use it barefoot or in socks, pad the area around the trampoline (in case you fall off), and never have food or water on the trampoline with you (it has the potential to make a mess, become a distraction and cause slippery accidents).
8 Super Fun Trampoline Exercises
#1. Start by doing a simple bouncing exercise on both feet for 2 minutes to warm up. This will be relatively relaxing and fun.
#2. Boxing - Upwards, forward and sides. Alternate punching upwards, to the side and forward. Do this for 2 minutes. Take a small break and stretch if you feel tired after this.
#3. Jumping Jacks - Do 50 if you are just starting. 100 if you've done this before.
#4. Snap Kicks - Be careful doing this. You will want to get your foot back down quickly so you need to kick quickly upwards and back down again. (Snap kicks is a basic martial arts move, but definitely fun to do.) Do 20 snap kicks total. Take your time in-between each kick.
#5. Bounce Side to Side for 2 minutes.
#6. Twist Jumps - Twist your hips from side to side while jumping for 2 minutes.
#7. Marching - Get your knees up high while doing this for 2 minutes.
#8. Cool down again by doing a basic bouncing exercise, going slower until you hop off after 2 minutes.
If you get bored of the workout above try making up your own exercises you can do on the trampoline. Experiment!
NOTES
Trampolines are a low impact workout, but it also tones the legs and core muscles because it involves so much jumping and balance.
The National Ballet School in Toronto even uses mini exercise trampolines for their ballet students.
If you suddenly feel dizzy slow down and get off the trampoline. Take a break and drink a small amount of water.
You may feel a significant energy boost after exercising on a trampoline - the reason is because the fun quality of the exercise boosts your adrenaline and other "fun" hormones in your body which make you feel energized.
Trampolines work well when combined with other exercises like jogging outside, doing yoga on a mat, and even weightlifting with free weights at home (not on the trampoline, that is dangerous).
Trampoline exercises don't really burn a lot of calories by themselves. Hence why they work well as a motivator, but not so good at burning fat. Use the trampoline to motivate yourself to exercise - like a reward for completing your morning jog.
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