Exercise trampolines are a great way to sneak in some extra cardio in a fun, low-impact way. This type of exercise is called rebounding, and it only requires one piece of equipment—a mini trampoline or rebounder. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, but walking and biking aren’t your only options.
Jason Yachanin, the co-owner and a trainer at Perspirology, tells us that rebounding provides a low-impact, continuous workout that’s great for people who struggle to pay attention during workouts. Holly Roser, a certified personal trainer and owner of the Holly Roser Fitness Studio, explains that rebounding can also improve cardiovascular healthand balance while helping you lose weight. Rebounding also offers a full-body strength and conditioning workout when combined with strength moves like squats and lunges, and it’s also a good option for anyone who struggles with knee pain from exercise. Natasha Caleel Freutel, a certified corrective exercise specialist and owner of fitness studio Fit Mama Santa Barbara, adds that rebounders can also provide an excellent workout for the cardiovascular system, legs, core, arms, and back. Plus, exercise trampolines can be just as effective as resistance training for improving knee muscle strength, according to a December 2019 study in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.
To find the best exercise trampolines, we tested a total of 13 products for 8 hours, with an on-site personal trainer present to supervise our testing. Each trampoline was evaluated for sturdiness, quality, comfortability, and bounce. A physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
Not all rebounders are built the same. So when shopping for a rebounder, there are a few important things to be aware of.
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Size: While most rebounders feature a diameter of 40 inches, the jumping area is usually a bit smaller. While Roser notes that a larger trampoline provides the space for wider jumps, it’s important to factor in that they will also take up more space.
Type of Bounce: Exercise trampolines come in either spring or bungee options. Spring options can offer more bounce, but bungee options may be easier on the joints.
Noise Level: While many options are quiet, it’s still important to consider the overall sound level of your rebounder, especially if you don’t live alone or you have downstairs neighbors. Generally speaking, bungee options are quieter than spring options.
Tension: A more firm pick will result in less bounce while more a bouncier pick may make you jump too high. Some picks are adjustable so you can find your own sweet spot.
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The reasonably priced JumpSport 350 earned the top spot on our list for its overall performance, and it also comes recommended by Freutel who likes that it is adjustable for your personal own demands. We found it to be exceptionally stable, while promoting comfort in every position we tried it in. A 16 gauge steel tubing promoted durability that stood out to us, and the arched legs which are designed for stability also lived up to the description.
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In our experience, this pick had just the right amount of tension and bounce. However, if you find it’s not right for you, it’s important to note that it has three adjustable tension settings to optimize it for your own specific jumping needs. Plus, the cords are designed with silence in mind. Importantly, Yachanin tells us that JumpSport is the only brand used at Perspirology, and that it is always working to update and upgrade their models.
A 39 inch diameter is smaller than other options that we tested, so you will be more limited in jumping space.
Product Details
Frame Size: 39 inches
Maximum Weight: 265 pounds
Foldable: No
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This remarkably low priced trampoline from Fitness Gear includes sturdylegs and the mesh didn’t move during usage, so we experienced no instability when jumping. In fact, our tester found that this budget pick was the most stable of the five trampolines they had tested. It also experienced no squeaking, and while it doesn’t fold, it’s smaller than other picks, with a frame size of 36 inches, so it can still be stored.
The tension of this model was tight, and it had a particularly consistent bounce profile, which left us feeling in control of our workouts. Additionally, the metal legs, the thick mesh, and the thick cotton and nylon combo for the cover combined for a well made feel despite the lower price. Plus, a cotton and nylon cover in the space between the mesh and the hooks made us feel more safe.
The smaller size may be limiting in terms of the movements that you can perform.
Product Details
Frame Size: 36 inches
Maximum Weight: 220 pounds
Foldable: No
Acon
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Standard exercise trampolines are usually around 40 inches wide, but this model from Acon is substantially larger, coming in at 55 inches wide. Roser notes that this additional size means this pick allows for exercises like jump squats and lunge jumps while the sturdiness allows for things like push-ups, step-ups, and tricep dips. We found it to be extremely stable, encouraging us to perform a wide variety of movements due to the additional space. And despite the size, we found it to be surprisingly lightweight.
This pick is also well-built; the frame and suspension system is patent-pending for its stability and safe but quiet landing, and that stability made our tester, who is a trampoline newbie, feel extra safe.
The spacious design will not work for people that are living in cramped quarters.
Product Details
Frame Size: 55 inches
Maximum Weight: 300 pounds
Foldable: No
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Another reasonably priced option, this pic from DARCHEN is perfect for anyone looking to dip their toe into the world of trampolines without making a sizable investment. While particularly lightweight, we were still impressed by how stable it was; the rubber feet kept it sturdy during usage and we found it to be effortless to carry.
We were able to easily slide it across the floor when we wanted to, but it didn’t move during usage. That level of portability earned it higher marks from us. Finally, we appreciated that this option was noiseless, so you won’t have to worry about disrupting your neighbors when rebounding.
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It is a no frills pick that doesn’t come with any special features or higher quality materials.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 inches
Maximum Weight: 450 pounds
Foldable: No
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Bungee trampolines can feel less shocking on the joints when compared to models that use springs. We particularly liked this pick from Bellicon, which impressed us by offering more bounce than tension. In fact, we were impressed by how much bounce we were able to achieve with the smaller sized pick. Additionally, at no point did we feel unsafe or like this was anything less than stable when jumping.
This option uses high quality materials that felt safe and sturdy for us in testing. It also boasts a simple set up with easy to follow instructions.
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The bounce may be too high for some people considering the smaller size of the trampoline
Product Details
Frame Size: 39 inches
Maximum Weight: 440 pounds
Foldable: No
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Weighing just 22 pounds, this pick was super easy to move around. And, as Roser notes, that lightweight profile makes it a good choice for smaller spaces. Importantly, Roser adds that while the legs fold when not in use, they do lock in place during usage, so you can feel safe. In testing, we thoroughly enjoyed this trampoline for its bounce, quality, comfort, and portability.
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The patented bungee system has roughly twice as many connectors as other models, ensuring a soft, silent landing. In terms of quality, it held up well to being put through workouts. The springs were taut during jumping, and our advanced tester said they would recommend this to beginners as well.
When we did ski jumps, we felt the legs shift, making this slightly less stable than other picks.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 inches
Maximum Weight: 330 pounds
Foldable: Yes
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If you’re looking to enjoy some sunshine while you do your bouncing, the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor and Outdoor Exercise Trampoline is our pick for you. It came mostly pre-assembled, requiring only that we attach the legs. In terms of performance, it was highly stable, with good shock absorption from the springs, a consistent bounce, and it even enabled us to vigorously bounce without it moving.
This adjustable pick comes in a square design intended to optimize and maximize jumping space. We also experienced no wobbling or squeaking.
It is not collapsible, so you will want to make sure that you have ample space to store it.
Product Details
Frame Size: 36 inches
Maximum Weight: 285 pounds
Foldable: No
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In our experience, this trampoline excelled at maintaining a quiet performance during usage, due in part to the highly elastic bungees used by Bellicon. While some trampolines feel too rigid and others are too bouncy, we found this one to strike a perfect balance, being bouncy enough to jump high and sturdy enough to do stable squats.
If you’re looking for some extra jumping area, this one boasts a 49-inch diameter, making it more than wide enough for all of our workouts. Additionally, customers have the option of purchasing ultra-strong bungees to support weights of up to 440 pounds which is among the highest weight capacities we’ve seen.
This pick is priced much higher than most of the other options on our list.
Product Details
Frame Size: 49 inches
Maximum Weight: 440 pounds
Foldable: Yes
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Despite being a “mini”, this trampoline proved to offer stability and a robust 330 pound weight limit with its 40 inch option. Our tester also found this model to be extremely sturdy and comfortable, noting that the safety bar kept them feeling safe during usage. And for customizability, that bar can be adjusted between four different heights.
Even as a mini, we still found that this pick was spacious enough to accommodate our desired workouts, and the bounce to tension ratio was ideal.
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Some people find that the folding process is tedious.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 inches
Maximum Weight: 331 lbs
Foldable: Yes
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For a higher weight limit, BCAN’s 450/550 LBS Foldable Mini Trampoline is our pick. It’s available in either a 40 inch option with a 450 pound weight limit, or a 48 inch option with a 550 pound weight limit. Assembly was simple; all of the necessary tools were included, and the instructions were clear, with detailed up close pictures to guide us. We found this option to have excellent overall stability, and the bungees worked well to provide ample spring for a good workout while still feeling perfectly safe. When we tested out side to side movements we didn’t experience any shifting.
The mat also proved to be spacious enough for us to comfortably squat or do lateral jumping exercises. In our experience, the metal parts were durable, and we didn’t need to overly rely on the handlebars due to the stability of the mat. We experienced no wobbling or squeaking of the bungees and the spacious design kept us feeling extra safe throughout usage.
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The handlebar felt somewhat loose, so we couldn’t fully rely on it fully for support and we couldn’t tighten it.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 or 48 inches
Maximum Weight: 450/550 pounds
Foldable: Yes
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For exercisers looking to be able to safely push it to the limit, we recommend this pick from ACON Fit. The 1.5 inch thick steel piped legs proved to be highly sturdy, while the anti-slide rubber stoppers on the bottom helped to keep this rebounder even more secure, holding it fully in place during two intensive rounds of exercise.
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In terms of performance, the 30 bungee springs worked well to keep our bounce controlled while still inspiring the confidence to go for a higher intensity while exercising. Finally, this pick provided the perfect balance of support and bounce for exercises like jumping jacks, high knees, and jump squats.
The instructions aren’t detailed enough, making it complicated to assemble.
While stable and excellent for high intensity, we found that going too far to one side did cause some wobbling.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 inches
Maximum Weight: 330 pounds
Foldable: No
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We found this option from SereneLife to be ideal for seniors for a few reasons. For starters, it arrived mostly assembled, coming with metal springs, so there was no need to attach bungees. When we jumped on it, we experienced no shifting or instability, and the tight springs lowered the overall movement, so we think it’s good to keep seniors safe with limited ranges of motion. It also felt controlled and low to the ground, and experienced no shifting.
The smaller footprint is a nice touch for people looking to avoid taking up too much space. And as a final benefit for seniors, it features an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted up to 46 inches high.
The smaller space, while beneficial for seniors that won’t be doing larger moves, is limiting for people looking to do wider movements like jumping jacks.
While we appreciate the handrail, we felt that it could’ve been easier to adjust and it also affected the performance of the front of the trampoline when installed.
Product Details
Frame Size: 40 inches
Maximum Weight: 220 pounds
Foldable: Yes
We updated our best budget pick. Our previous pick, the Wamkos Rebounder Mini Exercise Trampoline, is no longer available. We replaced it with the Fitness Gear Mini Trampoline, a trampoline that was part of our most recent testing and received an overall 4.7 out of 5 star rating for its excellent value, stability, and durability.
We replaced the pick for the Best for Dedicated Jumpers, the Bellicon Plus Trampoline with Handle 44” with Fold-Up Legs, because it is no longer available.
In addition to the best budget pick, we added five other new products from our most recent testing: Bellicon’s 39 Inch Mini Trampoline (best bungee), Sunny Health & Fitness’ Indoor & Outdoor Exercise Trampoline (best outdoor), BCAN’s 450/550 LBS Foldable Mini Trampoline (best weight capacity), ACON Fit’s 44 Inch Rebounder (best for high impact exercises), and SereneLift’s Portable & Foldable Trampoline (best for seniors).
To date, we have tested a total of 21 products in our search for the best exercise trampolines on the market. More recently, we completed additional testing on 13 new products for eight hours to update our list and make it even more precise. In making our picks, we put the trampolines through a variety of movements including basic jumps, ACON fit squats, jumping jacks, low ski jumps, squats, and high knees. We focussed on ease of assembly, stability, bounce/tension, quality, and value to make our final picks.
Ease of assembly: From the moment we opened the trampolines, we noted how simple they were to set up. We also addressed the quality of the instructions and how easy they were to follow. We were also sure to acknowledge if tools were necessary, and if so whether they were included in the packaging or not. In the case of particularly difficult to understand steps, we made note of them and addressed how we overcame the problem.
Stability: We noted if there was any shifting in the base during usage, as well as the overall support and range of movement allowed for by the springs. We were sure to note any moments where we felt less than stable during usage, and when we put the rebounders to the test with high-impact exercises, we also made note of any shifting.
Bounce/tension: We used this as an opportunity to examine the overall tension and to examine whether the rebounders provided an effective workout while leaving us feeling in control. We were also sure to determine the consistency of the bounce across different exercises, and whether the tension created any discomfort for us, as well as if it positively or negatively affected our workout experience.
Quality: Because of the compromised position that rebounding puts us into, we were sure to focus on more durable options for safety. We looked at the materials used and the overall construction of each model, and addressed whether the springs, frame, and handles felt durable. We also noted if there were changes in the feeling of the jumping area after usage, as well as if there was any squeaking or wobbling after usage.
Value: Based on the average price of rebounders, our testers noted how worth it the models were. They noted if they would buy these models for the listed price, if they would pay more, if they would pay less, if they would buy it on sale, or if they would skip it entirely.
Our team of experts helped us to not only understand the benefits of exercise trampolines, but to understand what people should seek from them.
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Jason Yachanin, co-owner and trainer at Perspirology.
Holly Roser, certified personal trainer and owner of the Holly Roser Fitness Studio.
Natasha Caleel Freutel, certified corrective exercise specialist and owner of fitness studio Fit Mama Santa Barbara.
Weight Capacity: It’s important to pick a safer model to jump on because you don’t want something that leaves you feeling unsafe. Some models have lower weight limits in the 200-pound range, while others go as high as 500 pounds. Make sure you purchase something built for you and won’t put you in harm’s way.
Materials: The materials used in your trampoline determine its weight capacity. As Freutel explains, a sturdy and high-quality option is important because you’ll be bouncing on it. She advocates avoiding cheap metal options, which can break or bend.
Health Benefits: Jumping on an exercise trampoline is a great workout, especially for anyone looking for a low-impact form of cardio. Yochanan tells us that the high-intensity nature of rebounding builds bone density and is unique in promoting lymphatic drainage. It burns calories, increases your heart rate, and strengthens your muscles all in one. Studies have shown that mini trampoline usage positively affects overall health and is a beneficial training program for overweight individuals. Freutel explains that rebounding keeps the heart rate up and can burn calories quicker than going for a walk or a bike ride.
While we picked the 12 best options, we tested many more that fell short in some regard to keep them off of our list.
RAVS 48″ Foldable Fitness Rebounder: While this pick featured a sturdy base, supportive springs, and was suitable for a variety of exercises, we found the assembly to be overly involved, and the handlebars to be less supportive than we wanted.
Jumpsport 570 Pro 44″ Fitness Trampoline: Despite a super easy assembly, clear instructions, and a wonderful balance of firmness and bounciness, this pick left us desiring more from its stability. We felt it was overpriced, given this concern.
Sportplus+ Indoor Trampoline: It’s a good option for the price, but our tester had some reservations about stability. Though bouncing and landings were comfortable, parts of the trampoline were uneven.
FirstE 48″ Foldable Fitness Trampoline: The large size made our tester feel secure and comfortable to move around, but the tension was on the firmer size, so more effort was needed to reach the desired jumping height.
JumpSport 250 Fitness Trampoline: The JumpSport 350 is our top pick, but the 250 fell short in sturdiness and the size of the surface area. Our tester enjoyed the workout but found this model to be too bouncy and narrow.
Marcy Trampoline Cardio Trainer with Handle: A handle is a nice touch to add security, but our tester found this handle to be unstable and wobbly. This could be an option to consider for someone who prefers a firm bouncing surface.
Lacey Muinos is a health and fitness writer at Health who has researched and reviewed a variety of exercise products, such as antiperspirants and socks. Her preferred forms of exercise are strength training, pilates, and walking, but she can appreciate a fun workout like rebounding.
This article was updated by Jack Byram, a writer at Health who has been covering all things exercise-related since 2023. As a workout fanatic, Jack knows the value of high-quality, low-impact workouts and used to regularly use a rebounder. Anecdotally, he liked it as a means to get himself moving in the morning and even found it to provide a mild endorphin rush.
Members of the United States Marine Corps and the Bangladesh Army took part in a joint fitness and camaraderie-building exercise organized by the US Embassy. The Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test strengthened teamwork, trust and operational readiness among personnel from both…
How many times have you said, “I can’t believe it’s December already,” this year? If your answer veers somewhere between “a fair few” and “honestly, I’ve lost count”, you’re in good company. It’s become the seasonal equivalent of asking about the weather – a reliable go-to as the year starts winding down. And while I’ll spare you the usual cosy festive clichés, December is the month when gym plans loosen, and most of us swap weighted plates for quality time and mince pies.
Still, if moving your body is something that helps you feel grounded, there’s no reason you can’t carve out little pockets for it over the festive period (just as there’s absolutely no shame in pressing pause altogether). Research consistently shows that even short bursts of exercise can support both mental and physical health, which is why keeping one or two genuinely effective, at-home moves in your back pocket can be a lifesaver when festive stress starts simmering.
“Fitness is built over weeks and months, so a short break over Christmas won’t erase your progress,” says Ania Gabb, personal trainer and Frontrunner Community Manager at ASICS. “But maintaining some kind of gentle movement will be good for your body and mind – and is even more fun when you get friends and family involved.”
So, consider this your cue to rally the group for some shoulder taps (the workout move, not a new routine your eccentric uncle unveils after lunch). Below, two top PTs break down why plank shoulder taps deserve a spot in your festive toolkit: a simple, equipment-free, full-body exercise you can squeeze in from the comfort of your living room.
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For more festive movement inspiration, head to our guides to Christmas Yoga, the best Christmas workouts, and five holiday workouts you can do from anywhere. Read how writers got on trying the Copenhagen plank, hover plank, and a regular old plank, here.
Plank Shoulder Taps Are The Perfect Festive Full-Body Move To Try This Christmas. Your Guide
What are plank shoulder taps?
If you’ve ever tried a YouTube HIIT session, you’ve almost certainly met the plank shoulder tap. They’re wonderfully faff-free but sneakily challenging – essentially a progression of the classic high plank, which has long reigned as one of the most reliable core-strengtheners out there.
“The plank shoulder tap challenges you to lift one hand and reach it across to tap the opposite shoulder, all whilst resisting the urge to let the hips sway, or the torso rotate,” says Les Mills personal trainer and presenter, Dan Raynor.
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In other words, it’s less about big, dramatic movements and more about control. A strong core isn’t built solely from endless crunches – in fact, studies continually show that these kinds of ‘anti-movement’ exercises (where you’re working to resist rotation) can do more for your posture and balance than dynamic moves alone.
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“The aim is to keep your body as still as possible whilst moving the arm,” says Hannah Wilkie, Trainer at Barry’s UK. She explains that it’s easy to pike your hips up or let them dip to the side, but that’s not where the strength is built. The slow, controlled hold is the magic.
What are the benefits of plank shoulder taps?
First up, they tick the big festive fitness box: they’re equipment-free and can be done in the smallest of living rooms (pyjamas optional).
But when you’ve got a Christmas film to get back to, and someone’s shouting that you’re up next in charades, efficiency matters too. Luckily, plank shoulder taps deliver a lot in a little time.
“Shoulder taps are a deceptively powerful full-body movement,” says Raynor. “They engage the shoulders and upper back for stability, while the deep core muscles (particularly the transverse abdominis) work hard to prevent rotation. The glutes also play a key role in maintaining hip alignment.”
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They’re also a brilliantly functional exercise – meaning the strength you build translates straight into real life. Think: carrying shopping bags, picking up little ones, or simply standing taller. Core strength underpins almost every daily movement, and shoulder taps train the particularly important kind: anti-rotational strength.
“Plank shoulder taps build anti-rotational strength, which is your body resisting the urge to twist,” explains Wilkie. “That move is essential for everyday movement, stability and balance.”
How to perform plank shoulder taps with good form, according to a PT
As with most strength exercises, but especially those targeting the core, the smallest tweaks can turn a move from ‘meh’ to ‘oh wow, that’s working’. That’s why both trainers agree: your setup matters.
“Set yourself up well,” says Wilkie. “Place your hands under your shoulders, with a long line from your head to your heels.”
From there, she adds, “tuck your pelvis to switch the core on.”
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Once you’re tapping, focus on staying steady. “Try to avoid the hips rocking, arching the lower back or shrugging your shoulders towards the ears,” she says.
And remember: modifying isn’t cheating. In fact, it can help you build strength far more effectively in the long run. “A half plank on your knees is a great place to start building strength safely,” Wilkie explains. If your wrists aren’t thrilled with the position, “elevating your hands on dumbbells can reduce pressure.”
Still not clear? Watch the handy tutorial below.
How To Properly Do a Plank with Shoulder Taps – Strength Exercises – Wellen – YouTube
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I have genuinely lived in this hoodie over the past few weeks. It’s the perfect thing for a low-intensity cosy core workout or yoga flow. And the best part? You can snuggle on the sofa in it, too.
These buttery soft, stretchy flares are made for home workouts – whether you’re doing a gentle flow, getting out for a walk or turning up the heat with a HIIT workout, thanks to their moisture wicking material. We’ll take one in both colours.
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How can I make plank shoulder taps harder?
If you’ve already mastered a steady set of taps without wobbling, there are plenty of ways to level up, and none of them require any fancy kit.
The simplest progression? Add more reps or sets. But if you want something a little more creative, try narrowing your base.
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“Bringing your feet closer together makes shoulder taps harder because you have less stability to rely on,” says Hannah Wilkie, Trainer at Barry’s UK.
Feeling confident? She also suggests swapping taps for drags: “Pull a dumbbell or kettlebell across your body instead of tapping your shoulder. It’s a simple way to make the core work even harder.”
Les Mills personal trainer and presenter Dan Raynor also recommends playing with tempo. “Slowing down the movement forces the core to work harder to resist rotation,” he explains, “whilst adding speed to your taps can elevate the heart rate and add in an element of conditioning.”
Making healthy, sustainable choices for our health and fitness can often feel like a secondary goal, always on the back burner. The philosophy of Stoicism, originating in Greece and refined in Rome, offers a timeless framework for living well. Its four cardinal virtues, taught by philosophers such as Plato, are wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. These virtues can help you navigate health, wellness and fitness decisions with clarity and purpose by helping you:
Make healthier choices (moderation in food/drink; exercise)
Reduce stress through focusing on what’s controllable
Push outside your comfort zone to grow
Act responsibly for our community
Find peace by accepting mortality
Together, these lead to a more virtuous, less anxious, and purposeful life, which inherently supports well-being and longer, better living.
Wisdom (Understanding/Learning)
Wisdom starts with learning, but it also requires understanding what is truly within your control: your judgments, actions and responses. Working out for an hour a day is the easy part of the fitness goal. The other waking hours of making healthy choices are the more challenging parts of the goal. In health and fitness, this means focusing on your habits and mindset rather than worrying about uncontrollable outcomes such as genetics or trendy social media posts from fitness influencers selling supplements. In a nutshell, use wisdom in these three ways to improve health, fitness and wellness:
Control what you can control. Do thisespecially when faced with setbacks, such as a missed workout or a slip in diet. Redirect your energy toward what you can do next, not what you cannot change.
Seek facts, not opinions.Approach nutrition, exercise plans and wellness advice with an objective mind that is based on science. Avoid emotional reactions and look for evidence-based information.
Make sound choices. Use reason to evaluate what’s beneficial or harmful for your training and nutrition, avoiding extreme diets or fad workout routines.
Courage (to Push Outside Your Comfort Zone)
Courage is not just about bravery. Courage is more about enduring discomfort and doing the right thing, especially when it’s hard. In your fitness journey, this means pushing through challenges and facing fears, such as trying a new activity or simply walking into a gym for the first time. The courage to challenge yourself with activities you are new to or not good at doing will help you become a well-rounded exerciser with performance and longevity goals. Try these three ways to add courage that enables you to make better decisions:
Accept the discomfort that comes with growth, whether it’s physical strain in exercise or emotional struggle in changing habits.
Remain focused on your goals and health commitments. Prioritize sleep, rest or recovery, and along with not skipping training days, even when external pressures tempt you otherwise.
Act objectively and see your circumstances as they are, not how you wish them to be, and respond realistically to challenges. Assess your progress regularly.
Justice (Fairness and Kindness)
Justice is about treating others and yourself with fairness, kindness and respect. In fitness, much is passed down from the older generation to the younger. Be that person who shares what you know with the next generation. This means supporting a positive training environment, whether at the gym, in group classes or among friends and family.
Treat others well by showing encouragement to people at every stage of their health journey, regardless of ability or background. This is powerful in people’s lives and makes you feel good, too.
Serve others by sharing knowledge, motivating workout partners, family members, and contributing to a supportive culture of activity to help others build the habit of fitness. Justice is also holding each other accountable.
Teach and communicate about your experiences, failures, and successes with humility. Having others learn from your mistakes and experiences is a smart way to communicate with the younger generation and beginners to fitness.
Temperance (Moderation and Discipline)
Temperance is discipline. None of these works can be done without discipline. We must learn to manage desires, impulses and habits to avoid excess in anything. In fitness and wellness, this virtue is vital for long-term success and well being. Training needs to be balanced with recovery, and this takes discipline to make some days easier than others. Too much of any good thing becomes a bad thing.
Avoid too much food, social media, supplements or even exercise. Balance is key to optimal performance, longevity and long-term goal achievement.
Manage impulsive responses to stress, frustration or temptation, choosing actions that keep you on track with your values and goals.
Practice discipline by doing things that are good for you, even when you do not want to. Working out daily is often the easy part. The rest of the day, when food choices are tempting us to cheat on our diet, is the hardest for most people.
For many who find comfort in making the easy options or cheating on diets, you can also experience the same comfort (dopamine hit) by not doing it and choosing the healthier choice. These four virtues work together to flip the switch on how your body responds to new disciplined actions. For example, justice requires wisdom to discern the right action. Then, it takes courage to act on those insights and push yourself outside the comfort zone. Finally, deciding to be disciplined and hold firm is the temperance that avoids selfishness or excess. In your health journey, applying all four virtues helps you stay resilient, make thoughtful choices, and build a sense of purpose and connection.
You can also use the Military.com Fitness Section to aid your health, wellness, and fitness journey. There are thousands of articles and videos full of practical tools for building resilience, mitigating stress and disciplined living for optimal performance and longevity. By focusing on what you can control, acting with courage and kindness to others, and practicing self-discipline, you create a foundation for lasting health and wellness, not just for yourself, but for the wider community as well.
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