For most of us, the last time we were on a trampoline was as a child. But trampolining is one of the most effective ways to build strength and stamina when you’re working out and is particularly effective when you’re training for endurance events such as a triathlon or marathon.
A research study by NASA has shown that exercising on a trampoline is 70% more effective for your fitness training than running on a track for the same amount of time. And bouncing is better for your joints than pounding a track, too, while also building bone and muscle mass.
This is because the body goes from a weightless environment – ie mid-bounce – to extraordinary impact when coming back down on to the trampoline, making every muscle contract to reduce that impact.
Trampolining involves core exercise that increases endurance and stamina. Every part of the body is working while bouncing, particularly the abdomen and lower back, all of which combines to improve strength.
Triathletes benefit most from trampolining. The high-intensity event involves swimming, running and cycling, all disciplines that require different things from the body and joints. The transition between the three disciplines has to happen so quickly that the triathlete’s body has to respond instantly to new demands. Doing specific leg and arm movements on the trampoline will work different muscle groups and build strength where it’s most required.
Even if you’re not training for an endurance event, trampolining can be a highly effective and enjoyable way of building core fitness that will help in all types of athletic activity.
The other great thing about trampolining is that it’s great fun. So if you can get the kids off the trampoline in the back garden, you can start bouncing your way to greater fitness.
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