What are the Different Types of Mini-Trampoline Exercises?

A mini trampoline is an excellent and versatile piece of workout gear that offers a great aerobic workout without as much impact on the joints, and helps to involve all the muscles in the body to keep balance. There are a number of different mini-trampoline exercises that can be performed in addition to simple bouncing up and down on the trampoline. Jumping jacks, knee raises, or jogging are some of the most common; the mini trampoline can also be used for assistance doing push-ups or even crunches. As with any workout, varying the mini-trampoline exercises performed will make it both more fun and more effective.

Bouncing up and down on the trampoline with one foot or two feet is one of the most common mini-trampoline exercises because it is very effective. To make it more difficult, users can attempt to alternate feet, or to increase the speed in order to boost the heart rate. Knee raises on the mini trampoline are another excellent exercise that help to work the abs as well, and the same things can be done to make the exercise more difficult. Jogging on the trampoline, sometimes referred to as trogging, is another very effective exercise that is much lower impact on the body than traditional jogging on outdoors or on a treadmill.

It is important to get the arms involved when doing mini-trampoline exercises as well. Adding punches to any of the leg exercises mentioned above could accomplish this; just be sure not to straighten the arm all the way out when punching, which can injury, or damage the joints. Keep a slight bend in the elbow. Raising the arms over the head, as in jumping jacks, can also be another good option. It is important to always be careful on the mini trampoline, and to use a support bar when jumping or twisting if necessary to prevent falls.

Even though it may not be as common, the mini trampoline can be used for floor exercises as well. Some people balance on the frame of the trampoline and use it to do push-ups, either with the knees bent to make it easier, or with the legs straight. Crunches are another type of unexpectedly effective mini-trampoline exercises. Lying on the trampoline and trying to lift both the upper body and the legs at the same time can be a fairly difficult exercise, as well as simple traditional crunches. The "give" of the trampoline will make the crunches more difficult.