Trampolines are great for a low-impact workout that combines cardio and strength. (Photo: Amazon)
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If you spent the better part of 2020 and 2021 socially distanced and woefully sedentary, you might still be struggling to lose the so-called "Covid 19." Don’t be too hard on yourself if your pants don’t fit: It's been an intense time, and staying in shape has taken a back seat for many of us.
But if you’re using 2022 to reset and shed the pounds, you might want to consider a cardio workout that’s great for all ages and fitness levels: the craze that’ll make you kick up your heels (quite literally) — mini trampoline workouts.
Think you’re too old for such shenanigans? Believe it or not, the first trampolines were actually used to train NASA astronauts and pilots, thanks to their gravity-defying characteristics.
This is precisely what makes trampolines such a great workout tool for anyone with chronic pain or inflammation of the joints, as we learned from Louis Coraggio, founder of TrampoLEAN, a trampoline-based fitness studio. Coraggio told Yahoo Life that trampolines provide a low-resistance at-home workout that can keep you motivated to stay in shape — especially when going to the gym is tricky, as it may be with this latest wave.
"The media has marketed trampolines as a kid’s activity, but it was actually made for adults," says Coraggio. "It’s one of the only exercises that provides vertical acceleration and deceleration plus reduced impact on each land. This can prevent injuries by putting less stress on the joints."
Coraggio tells Yahoo Life that trampoline workouts also boost brain function, since all that bouncing requires a whole lot of balance and coordination. That’s also why he recommends that newbies learn proper technique through online instruction (TrampoLEAN is broadcasting world class live stream and video on demand content). For those curious about getting starting, TrampoLEAN is offering 50 percent off the first three months of video on demand with code LEANTRIBE.
"Go into it with caution, honor your body and don’t go beyond your limits," says Coraggio. "Take it slow and be mindful of your posture, then gradually increase your intensity levels."
Another tip? Kick off your shoes! "We all like to feel the air blowing beneath our feet," notes Coraggio. "But going barefoot on the trampoline also strengthens the muscles in the arches in feet. Those muscles actually go dormant when you wear sneakers too much."
Ready to bounce? Check out these top-rated, affordable mini trampolines — they’re all available on Amazon, and some are on sale! Shipping is free, but if you want your trampolime fast, why not take this opportunity to sign up for Amazon Prime? In addition to speedy free shipping on many, many items, you'll get discounts at Whole Foods, access to great streaming content and more. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime here.
This 36-inch trampoline uses 30 tension bands to provide a safe, supportive and whisper-quiet foundation for your workout. Burn calories, boost your heart health and increase muscle tone — this baby can support up to 250 pounds. It even includes three online instructional videos — and it’s now 30 percent off.
"I am a 68-year-old woman. Overweight and bad knees. This was a lifesaver for me," wrote one fan. "I started with 2 minute sets. It was hard. But I stuck with it. I am now doing 10 minute sets 4 times. That's 40 minutes...I am losing weight, and my doctor has taken me off my blood pressure medication."
Coraggio recommends bungee trampolines for safety, and this one is perfect. It’s a relatively standard-sized 40-inch model that’s quiet and built for a safe, cushioned bounce. Heavy-duty bungees provide the perfect tension, and six steel legs keep you stable enough for high-intensity exercise.
“This thing is amazing...I’m a bigger guy, pushing 350," wrote one five-star reviewer. "It holds me and supports me better than my mattress.” Says another. another: “I'm 300 lbs and feel very secure it will not break :) i jumped for less then 5 minutes and could feel it in my legs. Gonna graduate up in time then add some weights for my arms!,”
On sale at Amazon, this beauty can support up to 300 pounds. Please note the deeper-than-usual 360-degree safety pad.
"I bought this for exercise while sheltering in place for Covid 19. I have scoliosis, and have been having horrible low back pain," wrote a customer. "I did a very light, 30 minutes of bouncing for my 1st try, and noticed later that night that my back/right hip was no longer burning..."
The adjustable handle on this 40-inch mini trampoline makes it great for new jumpers who want something substantial to hold onto. It’s a stable, durable bungee model (it has springs, too) that holds up to 330 pounds. Right now, it’s 10 bucks off!
"Best purchase! Easy to assemble, durable, and the most fun workout! Could not recommend more!" wrote one fan.
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It'll include connected bikes, rowers and treadmills.
Fitness
