The Mini Trampoline

Ok, so DH has bought dd a mini trampoline .. she love jumping and he just thought it would be a fun gift. It's working wonders to get some of her excess energy spent before bed time :redface:

NOW .... I want some help in finding ways to benifit from this little piece of exercise equipment :)

Please anyone have any exercises, web-pages, tips on how to use it?? There were no manual or info leaflet, and I have never used one of these before. I was thinking about using it to get back into shape after this bubba is born.

Bec, Racheal ... come on ... it's going to aid my BIG comeback :cryinglaugh:

The only person i know with one uses it to "jog" on the spot while pumping her arms, like running but with the bounce. She holds little 1kg weights and i think also wears weights on her ankles (sand wrap kind). The higher you pump your knees and arms the more calories you burn. It's basically like no-impact step :)

Bx

I am pretty sure I have seen some tramp exercises shown on UTube.....worth a google perhaps?

I have a mini trampoline but don't use it for excersise. Our kindy gave it to me for my kids when they decided they would buy themselves a new one. We have a big trampoline too LOL. Anyway I found this.

1. BASIC BOUNCE This exercise can be as difficult as you want, depending on the effort you put into it. Stand in the center of the mini trampoline with feet slightly apart. This will be your basic starting stance for all rebounding exercises. Without lifting your feet off the mini trampoline, lightly bounce. If necessary, situate yourself near a sturdy object or wall that can be held on to for balance. As you become used to bouncing, lift your feet off the trampoline a little. Increase the height of your bounce as you become more comfortable with this basic bounce.
2. BASIC WALK This is a good warm-up and cool-down exercise. From a basic starting stance, alternately lift your heels. Do not lift your toes off the trampoline. Swing your arms as you would while walking.
3. BASIC JOG This exercise is a fun way to raise your heart rate. From a basic starting stance, alternately lift each foot an inch or two off the mini trampoline. Move your arms as you would while jogging.
4. HEEL-TOE BOUNCE This advanced exercise is taken from Billy Blanks' Tae Bo routine. Stand in the center of the mini trampoline with your feet close together. Instead of doing a basic bounce, bring your left foot forward during the bounce, touching your heel to the surface. Briefly raise your left arm up in front of you as your heel touches the surface. Repeat this for the right foot. Doing this for a minute or so is all it takes to get the sweat pouring.
5. JUMPING JACK BOUNCE This is another advanced exercise. From a basic starting stance, bounce up. As you bounce, spread your feet apart (watch your footing!) and bring your hands over your head. Compared to a regular jumping jack done on a hard surface, bouncing on a trampoline makes this exercise easier on the joints.

These five exercises are just the beginning of your lifelong fun with rebounding. Each exercise can be varied by using different arm motions. To make each exercise more of a challenge, go faster or bounce higher. The basic jog can be jazzed up by adding an alternating side twist (moving only your lower body) to each step you take. As you become more comfortable with rebounding, you will naturally discover new exercises.

Ohh thank you Kathryn ... I'll try those out as soon as I'm up after ds. I like the sound of the Heel-Toe thing ... challenging and fun

And I do have some weight and ankle-wraps at home ... forgot about them, would have to dust them off ;)

I'll check out U-Tube too ... might be nice to SEE the exercises.