Thursday, January 8, 2009

Lose Weight By Having Fun With A Rebounder

By Jane Bracken

Looking for a fun, space-saving, portable fitness activity that gets your heart pounding but doesn't pound your joints? How about an exercise that doesn't require complicated equipment that can be tailored to your individual tastes? Want to strengthen your muscles without lifting weights? A rebounder may be just what you're looking for. Trampoline buying has become common for good reasons.

A rebounder is a mini-trampoline designed to give you a great workout at home or on the road. Some styles, called folding rebounders, fold in half to make them more portable. There is no complicated set-up, no heavy weight stacks, no cords or even electricity are required. The activity is easy on the joints because as you jump, your feet never touch the ground. Your body weight is lifted gently back up into the air for a zero-gravity experience.

Jumping on a mini-trampoline burns more calories per hour (286) than walking at three miles an hour (270) without stressing the ankles, knees and hips. (Based on a 180-pound person.) And you don't have to get out in the scorching heat or freezing cold to do it. Just jump on and work out to your favorite music or place the rebounder in front of the television and watch your favorite program. You can even purchase DVD workouts through rebounder com websites that set your exercise pace with hip-hop, dance, latino or other music styles.

Like most exercises, rebounding is designed to get your blood flowing and your heart racing. Walking lacks a lot of the benefits you get from rebounding. Some of these are building better balance and stronger muscles. Keeping yourself upright while jumping is a difficult thing to do after a while, hence the potential to strengthen your body.

The least expensive rebounders, or mini-trampolines, are priced around $30 at department stores, but higher-end folding models made with superior materials and provided with accessories like workout DVDs, carrying cases and grab bars that stabilize users are available for about $250. When trampoline buying these features should be considered. There is a rebounder for every budget.

And there is also a rebounder for every age and fitness level. Who knows a child that doesn't love to bounce up and down? And who knows a grandparent that wouldn't appreciate a workout that is easy on the joints? Work at your own pace, challenge yourself as fitness improves, and rebounding can be the path to a thinner body, better circulation, a stronger heart, improved immune system and less stress.

Some of the other great results of a rebounder at that you will look and feel better about yourself. Just by having fun with your workout and bouncing around in the comfort of your own home, you can lose weight and be a more driven individual. Also, it barely takes up any time as you can work out when you want too and for how long you want too.

Working out has never been so simple and enjoyable. Rigorous and straining workouts are officially at an end with the emergence of the rebounder. Hop along with your favorite television shows, DVD's, or music, and enjoy yourself as you cut weight and improve your body's health. - 16004

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