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A trampoline workout is fun, but can leave you with injuries. How to do it right

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A trampoline workout is fun, but can leave you with injuries. How to do it right

When was the last time you jumped on a trampoline? Ages ago, perhaps? Nevertheless, you’ve likely seen children having a blast on trampolines in parks and other recreational centres. But guess what? Even you should consider bouncing on a trampoline—not just for fun, but for the several health benefits it offers.

The idea of jumping your way to better health is growing in popularity, thanks to the increasing fondness for adult trampolines (also called rebounders). Though not yet mainstream, fitness centres in top metropolitan cities are introducing this fun workout equipment, blurring the line between recreation and exercise. Don’t we all wish for that—exercise that’s actually fun? Those who struggle to stick to a gym routine would surely agree!

You just need to let loose, jump on the trampoline, and perhaps try a few different moves while doing so—that’s what trampoline workout routines are all about. This can burn as many calories as running at a speed of 9 kilometres per hour, but without the same level of exertion.

What is a trampoline workout

Trampoline workouts are essentially low-impact yet intense cardiovascular activities, and they come with a host of health benefits. To begin with, they are excellent stress-busters.

“A trampoline workout gives you a great cardio session, but without the impact on your joints that you get from running or jumping on hard surfaces. It also strengthens your core and has real mental health benefits, as it lifts your mood, making it great for stress relief.

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Additionally, it boosts lymphatic drainage,” says Aarushi Pasrija, a Delhi-based Zumba instructor and trampoline fitness coach.

Doctors note that the soft surface of the trampoline reduces the impact on joints compared to running or other high-impact exercises, which can be beneficial for people with mild joint issues. Trampoline workouts are also good for bone health, strengthening muscles, and improving balance.

“The repetitive impact during jumping stimulates bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis,” says Dr Yugal Karkhur, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.

“A trampoline strengthens the muscles in the arms, legs, and core, promotes weight loss through calorie burning, and enhances cardiovascular health by raising the heart rate. It also improves flexibility, balance, and coordination. Trampoline exercises also activate the lymphatic system, which boosts immunity,” adds Dr Debashish Chanda, lead consultant, orthopaedics and joint replacement, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

It also strengthens your core and supports pelvic floor health.

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Apart from basic jumps, trampoline workouts also involve harder moves like squat jumps, jumping jacks, and tuck jumps. But all that comes later, not at the beginner stage. To turn trampoline workouts into full-body workouts, mix them up with strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga. You can also add weights or resistance bands to the trampoline workout.

One can incorporate weights or resistance bands into trampoline workouts to enhance the strength training aspect. (Photo: Freepik)

Superb for those with desk jobs

“Trampoline fitness is excellent for those with desk jobs. This activity engages the stomach and lower body and can help overcome the issues caused by prolonged sitting,” says Swarna Bose, a Mumbai-based fitness trainer.

Several workplaces have started organising trampoline workout sessions for their employees to introduce them to this enjoyable form of exercise. According to Bose, people love these sessions because they tap into their inner child.

A fitness trampoline, however, is different from the ones you see in children’s parks. Adult trampolines are typically smaller and firmer. You can easily purchase one online or from sporting goods retailers like Decathlon. Prices can range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000.

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However, it is advisable to choose sturdy equipment that is heavy and has curved legs for better stability.

Growing craze for trampoline workouts

Delhi-based Ankur Gupta, who has been selling fitness trampolines since 2019, acknowledges a slight increase in demand over the past 1-2 years.

“People used to think trampolines were only for children. It has been five years since I imported the first batch of fitness trampolines, and there has been a slight shift in people’s perception now. Until a few years ago, even gym owners weren’t interested in investing in them, but things are slowly changing. In fact, people are buying them for their homes as well—for their indoor workout routines,” says Ankur Gupta, founder of Jumprfit, a new-gen trampoline retail brand, to India Today.

Fitness trampolines can easily be placed indoors on a flat surface and used for workouts. All they need is a bit of space and some practice.

Risk of injury, and prevention

The idea of incorporating trampolining into a fitness routine may sound exciting, but caution is necessary to prevent injuries.
As a beginner, several precautions should be taken to avoid getting hurt. Improper form, pre-existing joint issues, overexertion, losing balance, or falling off the trampoline can lead to sprains, strains, fractures, and bruises. Your neck and back may also bear the brunt of improper usage.

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Know it from experts on how to start a trampoline fitness routine at home:

Buy a fitness trampoline with a stability bar

“The best tip for beginners, in my opinion, is to purchase a rebounder with the option for what they call a T-bar, or stability bar. This attaches to the rebounder and is an incredible way for a beginner to acclimate to the instability of being on an uneven surface,” says Kathleen Baggio, a Canada-based fitness instructor who shares home workout videos on her YouTube channel.

Go slow

Take time to understand how the equipment works for you, and to learn how to balance on the bouncy surface.

“I always tell beginners to start slow. Trampolines are a new experience for the body, so you will need time to get used to balancing. Start with basic bounces to feel the mat and understand how it moves with your body,” says Aarushi.

Watch your form

It’s not as simple as being a carefree child on a trampoline (PS: even that can be risky). You need to watch your form and stay focused.
Kathleen suggests beginners start with gentle health bounces.

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During this movement, she explains: “Feet are flat, with a gentle push down into the mat, allowing the mat to rebound you back up, and repeat. The feet do not leave the mat. The work is in the push down into the mat with flat, even feet, a slight bend in the knees, core engaged, shoulders back and down away from the ears, and gaze forward.”

  • When performing regular jumps or other exercises, bend your knees when landing on the trampoline. This helps maintain balance.
  • Avoid outside distractions and respect your physical limitations.
  • Hold the stability bar when getting on and off the trampoline. Kathleen also suggests placing a step bench (a sturdy one) beside the rebounder to help get on and off with added security.
  • It’s important to set up your trampoline on a stable, flat, and non-slip surface. Do regularly check it for any signs of wear and tear.
  • Wear good grip socks or shoes while performing trampoline workouts.
  • Most importantly, be patient—start slow and gradually increase the intensity.

Start it right

“A beginner routine would focus on foot placement and getting comfortable on an unsteady surface, holding onto your stability bar and performing the health bounce for 2 minutes, perhaps twice a day, and incrementally increasing the activity level from there,” says Kathleen.

Aarushi also recommends starting your trampoline workout journey with gentle bounces as they help build confidence and control.

“You can then move on to jogging in place, jumping jacks, twist jumps, cross jumps, and jump squats. These exercises are safe but still get your heart rate up. As for how often, start with 2-3 times a week. Let your body adapt, and then you can increase both the frequency and duration as you feel more comfortable,” Aarushi adds.

Getting a trainer helps

Experts highly recommend having a trainer (either online or offline) to help you begin your trampoline workout journey on the right note.

Stay off the trampoline if…

Trampoline workouts are not meant for everyone. Those diagnosed with osteoporosis, arthritis, or serious joint issues like back or knee problems should avoid trampoline workouts as they can worsen the pain. Pregnant women and those with heart conditions should also consult their doctor first.

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“People with balance issues or a history of frequent falls should also avoid it, as they are at a higher risk of injury on an unstable surface,” says Dr Karkhur.

Stay off the trampoline if you have chronic joint issues like arthritis or osteoporosis. (Photo: Pexels)

It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting a new form of workout.

What about the elderly?

Trampoline workouts may benefit the elderly, but they should be approached with caution.

“The low-impact nature is generally good for joint health, and the balance benefits can help in fall prevention. However, the risk of falls and injury is higher in elderly individuals, especially those with osteoporosis or poor balance,” says Dr Karkhur.

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“Furthermore, age may weaken muscular control and coordination needed to maintain balance on the unstable trampoline surface. Walking and swimming are two other low-impact, more steady exercises that may be safer options for seniors,” adds Dr Chanda.

Otherwise, for the elderly, mini-trampolines with handrails are recommended under the supervision of a trainer.

Buying the right trampoline is important too. While cheaper trampolines may look lucrative, it’s better to choose ones with sturdy frames, heavier weight, and curved support legs.

Published By:

Medha Chawla

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Published On:

Oct 1, 2024

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Fitness

Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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Amazon

This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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