Wed, May-19-04, 22:46
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... Pro-Atkins!
Posts: 1,705
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Plan: General LC
Stats: 312/274/220
BF:
Progress: 41%
Location: Tacoma, WA
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Me Too!
Here are some excerpts from the Fitness Challenge about my experiences with the mini-trampoline:
It's great for improving balance and it's extremely low impact. I can even {gasp!} jog up there. There are a lot of health benefits to this way of exercising, one of which is reportedly moving lymph around in your body. I wasn't sure if this was just hype, but sure enough the morning after my first bouncing session, my lymph nodes were noticeably swollen and sore all over my body! I drank lots of water and bounced a little less vigorously the next few days and everything is back to normal, but I know the gravitational changes are having an effect.
Another lovely benefit it's reported to have - more toned skin! And who, after losing a bunch of weight, doesn't need a little help in that area!
(Here is a link to a CBS news story if anyone is interested in more information.)
{from another post, same thread}
The bar is a good idea, because balancing is fairly difficult. It's good to do it barefoot because you can really feel how hard the little muscles in your feet respond to the challenge. I'm really enjoying it - it hardly feels like a workout since it's truly so much fun.
I have a cheap-y brand from Wal-Mart that cost around $50 - it's fine, but definitely has a 'stiffer' bounce and I know will wear out faster since the springs are made of some sort of fabric. I've used the expensive ones - they are much, much better - the bounce is softer, springier. It's hard to describe, but it's like the difference between an Escort and Cadillac - both will get you where you want to go, but the Cadillac makes the ride more pleasurable, you know?
I think the ReboundAir is a very good brand, but I'd choose a Needak, primarily because it's made in the US. They're both great, high quality trampolines and cost about the same. The barrel shaped or tapered springs are best, and Permatron mats seem to be the 'gold standard' - also, make sure the brand you get allows you to buy replacement springs, because if anything wears out on the fancy models over the years, that will be it.
Obviously, I'm a fan! Anyone who learns more about trampolines, please share.
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Edited to add:
I hang my trampoline on the wall. I looped a cord around the top of one leg, and put in one of those bike hooks (coated, ~8" long) to hang it from. Very easy, although not exactly what I'd call attractive! At least it's out of the way.
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