Mini-trampolines can help you get stronger and straighter and there are a lot of ways to use them. Why, you might even enjoy exercising again!
A mini-trampoline is also called a “rebounder” because you rebound when you jump on it: It bounces you around.
They start at about $30 and go way up from there, but the lower-priced models seem sufficient to me. If you feel real unsteady on your feet and think you would do better with a handle (hand rail) some come with a handle!
Once you get it set up (it has legs about 6″ long) just leave it up. If you have to move it out of the way, you could push it under your bed or lean it up against a wall.
Kids think trampolines are fun and hey!
Why should they have all the fun?
So, once you have your mini-trampoline, what do you do with it?
First, get on it gingerly. It’s going to feel strange beneath your feet and you’re going to do a little wobbling. Get the feel of it. Just feel it.
You can “jump” with bare feet or with tennis or athletic shoes. Socks might cause slipping. Bare-feet and shoes-feet don’t feel the same on the tramp. You might feel more steady with your shoes on.
After you start to get the hang of it, try bare feet sometimes and shoes sometimes. That way, you use different muscles.
It’s not necessary for your feet to ever leave the security of the trampoline.
You don’t have to jump into the air with space between your feet and the tramp. All you have to do is…bounce. Press down a little and let the rebounder move you up a little. That’s called ‘contact bouncing.’ Down a little, up a little. Try to get a little rhythm going.
If you need to hold onto a doorway, wall or chair for a while while “bouncing” or getting on and off, do it. Safety first!
The simple act of moving slightly up and down will help your leg muscles grow stronger and improve your balance.
You can try marching in place, lifting your knees. Try pressing in more with your heels or toes. Whatever movement you make, it will be pretty gentle on your joints.
Rebounding is also a good way to get your lymph fluids moving. That helps cleanse your system, so it’s a good thing.
You can do rebound for a minute or 5 minutes. Start out slow and work up to 5 minutes. If you’re having lots of fun, do it more. Do it several times a day. Play at your own speed.
When you first get on the mini-trampoline, and you’re feeling it and positioning yourself, this is what I’d like you to do: Lift your breastbone. That will put your head more over your shoulders where it should be (rather than in front of your body.)
Lifting your chest will help you stand straighter and let you move your arms in a comfortable, neutral position.
Your arms should get in on the fun, too. Swing them at your sides with your elbows bent, just as if you were walking.
Your mini-trampoline will probably come with directions for movements, but all you have to do is little bouncy movements and you will start to have stronger legs and better balance.
