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Jump for your health
Trampolines may be the next big thing for health enthusiasts, no longer merely a children’s plaything.
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If done correctly, a 10-minute trampoline workout could equal 30 minutes’ jogging. (Shutterstock/File)
L
ife in big cities tends to limit people’s physical movements, either by choice or situation. Most prefer to ride in their cars, or to order app-based motorcycle taxis or cabs — even to go a short distance.
Worse, there is inadequate space for pedestrians, whose jobs mostly keep them seated behind desks nearly the whole day.
“Minimal body movement poses the risk of contracting degenerative ailments like diabetes, coronary heart disease and arterial clogging,” said sports medicine specialist Grace Tumbelaka.
As more and more young people are being found to have these diseases in recent years, it shows that sedentary lifestyles have reached a critical level.
However, Grace noticed that people’s awareness of the benefits of physical exercise was being overwhelmed by laziness.
“Some people have joined fitness clubs but most of the time they feel too lazy to work out alone,” she said.
Various forms of exercise also fail to tempt many out of boredom to train regularly. Consequently, the advantages of routine training are missed.
A new gymnastic alternative for training, as well as gathering with family, is offered by a trampoline fit club.
(Read also: Extensive weekend exercise may be better than daily training: Study)
Grace said that besides its health benefits, trampoline exercise had the special bonus of getting together with the whole family.
Some families already own trampolines, but particular methods are needed so that the exercise equals the calorie-burning and health-promotion of other sports.
The good news is, according to Canadian trampoline athlete and gymnast Greg Roe, training using a trampoline could burn a lot more calories compared to ordinary sports.
“It’s because the muscles have to maintain balance while jumping on the trampoline, so they’re required to work harder,” explained Roe, who was invited to be a guest coach at Jumped Trampoline Fit Club in Tangerang.
Grace said that, if done correctly, a 10-minute trampoline workout could equal 30 minutes’ jogging.
Coaches are needed to ensure safety and to direct movements for greater health benefits.
“Trampoline fit club activity is different from a playground trampoline because of the emphasis on health benefits,” said Roe.
(Read also: Struggling with stress? Consider exercising, study says)
For a beginner, many movements look simple, but with proper practice they cause considerable perspiration.
“Beginners can just practice varied jumps, maintaining balance and becoming familiar with their movement on the trampoline,” Roe said.
Instructors provide warm ups and basic guidance for trampoline practice.
“For movement effectiveness and safety, it’s recommended that just one person uses one trampoline,” said Grace.
Children can also take part as their coordination will improve, but two people on one trampoline will disturb focus.
Grace said trampoline gymnastic training belonged to the low impact cardio category. “Despite the amount of jumping, the body weight is buffered by the trampoline, so there’s no danger to our joints,” said the doctor, who works in several hospitals.
With the low impact on joints, she said this activity was highly suitable for people recovering from injuries who wanted to restore their physical stamina.
Roe said that trampoline exercise would also improve body coordination and balance, thus improving physical fitness, as well as increasing cognitive function in children with special needs.
Grace noted that a pleasurable training atmosphere could also stimulate endorphin production to preserve a good mood and prevent depression.
