Trampolines aren’t just for the kids. They are fast gaining popularity amongst Australian women (not to mention celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham) for the incredible health and fitness benefits the familiar backyard object yields.
Maintaining your gut health, toning those stubborn squishy bits and acting as a stress reliever are only some of the reasons to bounce on the reg. Checkout the full list of benefits below, and get ready to say goodbye to the monotonous indoor treadmill:
1. Torch cals… and have fun doing it
Does the thought of exercising for one-tediously-long-hour make you want to throw it all in and head back to the couch? Trampolining, believe it or not, is an enjoyable form of high-intensity cardiovascular activity with some really great health benefits. A NASA study found that 10 minutes of bouncing on a trampoline is a better cardiovascular workout than 33 minutes of running. Less time exercising while getting the same results? We could get used to that. The study suggests that trampoline exercise is 68% more efficient than jogging and perhaps “the most efficient and effective exercise yet.”
2. Nip stress in the bud
You heard it here first. Trampoline exercise increases the circulation of oxygen in the body and promotes the release of endorphins from the brain, resulting in more energy, better sleep patterns and a clear, happy mind. The team at Springfree Trampoline suggest that just 10 minutes of trampoline jumping a day is a great stress reliever for adults and can help to combat mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety.
3. Tone & tighten
Think toned abs, butts and thighs (and everything in between). Repeatedly bouncing on a trampoline is definitely a full body work-out – no matter how easy it looks – and pays special attention to the abs, butt and thighs. Why else do you think trampoline exercise classes are all the rage in NYC right now?
Jumping on an uneven surface causes the leg muscles to work continuously to maintain balance – toning and conditioning muscles you didn’t even know you had. The abdominal muscles and core come into play to keep you upright and balanced as you bounce – hello six pack!
Check out these easy trampoline exercises and transform your next leisurely bounce into a high-intensity workout. Hot tip: try high knee jogging on the spot and feel the burrrrn!
4. Be kind to your joints
Trampoline exercise is a low-impact plyometric work-out, which means unlike jogging, running and skipping, it reduces the amount of gravitational pull exerted on your body as you rebound, cutting down the strain placed on your ankles and knees. Springfree say that the trampoline mat absorbs a massive 80 per cent of the shock from the rebound, making it a great exercise option for (we hate to say it) ageing joints.
5. Keep things moving
Bouncing on a trampoline actually aids with digestion and improves gut health. Who would have thought? The rhythmic up and down motion of trampoline rebounding increases blood flow in the body and stimulates the contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles that make up the digestive tract, allowing the body to process and absorb nutrients more efficiently. As a result, your metabolic rate remains elevated for up to 24 hours after you get off your trampoline – need we say more?
6. Outdoor > Indoor
Many studies have proven that exercising outdoors is far greater for your health than doing the same physical activity indoors. In just 5 minutes of exercising outside, you can expect to see a boost to your immune system, an immediate (and lasting) effect on mental health, as well as enhanced bone and muscle health from increased exposure to Vitamin D.
Not to mention the effects on the hip pocket – trampoline jumping is an inexpensive (and enjoyable) way to burn some calories from the comfort of your backyard. Because we’ve all been through the mental battle of getting ourselves out of bed and to the gym.
For more health and fitness benefits from Springfree Trampoline click here.
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