Bought myself a mini-trampoline late last year, a Jumpsport 350. Was delivered in the first week of January. I must give Amazon props for always delivering as ordered, and in quick time.
Can't exactly remember how I stumbled upon trampolines, but I found myself amazed at the expansive market for them and the claims re benefits of rebounding. I was especially interested in the weight loss benefits, although I soon realized that losing weight was just one part of the equation.
So, the trampoline was delivered, collected after an almost 4-hour wait at Customs at Piarco, and taken home. That night I read the instructions, fitted on the legs, and tentatively stepped on.
Whoaow... I was bouncing! And then I was over-balancing and falling off! I laughed and laughed, stepped back on and tried again. It took me several days of jumping to learn how to balance, although it has been one month now since I have it, and still sometimes I find myself teeter-tottering a wee bit. It was a most excellent time of adventure.
At first, I thought that I was jumping wrong, perhaps my posture was incorrect, because my calves very very quickly began to hurt, as did under my feet, whether I jumped in shoes or not. Took me a while to realize that my calf muscles were only just waking up, and as for my feet, they eventually became accustomed to slapping against the mat.
I tried out all sorts of exercises - my favourite right now is running on the spot, lifting my legs as high as I could. I did the health bounce, twists, jumping jacks and whatever else I could think of. Using the trampoline is actually aerobics on a rebound surface - perfect for my back and wonky knees. Only wished the mat were a bit bigger though, but the bungy cords make for a very quiet and smooth movement.
Last week, while walking to work, it dawned on me that I was walking faster than usual, and my legs were not tired. I was elated! Something was happening here, and I loved it! Even if there had been no weight loss yet, my legs were becoming stronger. Nice.
I jump twice a day - morning and night. Have found that the after work fatigue is replaced by a different, more enjoyable fatigue after jumping, a 'whoo, that was good!' sort of tired.
I like it.
So, this is an account of my first month foray into the world of rebounding. By the end of February, I expect to be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. No? How about the third month? Fourth? Jeez, then what's the point?
Ah, I remember.....fun exercise. Yes, people, those two words can be used together in a sentence.
Try it. You'll like it.
