Just Jump!

Old Man Winter still hasn't made a "lasting" impression here yet. Ely & Spring Valley got measureable snow (more than 6 inches) from that last storm. Snake Valley got maybe an inch....... lol. After nightfall the other evening, I was surprised to hear sounds of pitter-pattering and gushing water through gutters. I opened the door to see it pouring rain. I think this is the first time I've ever seen rain at the end of January. This weather has got me confused; not to mention the poor plants. I wouldn't be surprised if the tulips pop up! I'm just happy the dry cycle was broke. It was getting really pathetic. I didn't like the idea (again) of dragging a hose around my house to water the trees.......I'll welcome the rain :)

The weather makes me want to start planting in the garden. I know, it's silly. But, I can't help think about it on these warmer, sunny days. It may also be because of the dozen + seed magazines that came in the mail......so at least I'll order my seeds :)

I'll tell you it's been great to get the kids out more this winter! I can't believe looking at these photos that the kids aren't wearing coats! One of the activities we are still enjoying:  jumping!

Myself & my 4 siblings grew up with easy access to a trampoline. We had one in our yard; and I have many memories of all 5 of us on the trampoline (at the same time) doing dangerous stunts. No safety net, I might add. None of us really got seriously hurt ~ I'll just throw that statement in now. We did get an occassional sprained ankle when one of us would push the other off the trampoline. Or come to think of it, when the heavier person would unintentionally launch the lightest person high in the sky which resulted in a not-so-soft landing. It's funny, because as a parent I won't let my kids do most of the things that we did. But I'm also not too over-protective.

Everyone knows trampolines are fun, but let me share with you the many benefits of using one:

Here are the physical benefits:

A cardiovascular workout – Jumping on a trampoline increases the heart rate and gives your heart, a very important muscle, a great workout.

A workout for the muscles – A great workout for the feet muscles up to the stomach muscles occurs when bouncing on the trampoline for even a few minutes.

Weight loss – The combination of cardiovascular exercise and the strengthening of the muscles contributes weight loss. As muscles strengthen they aide in the increase of the metabolism which helps to burn fat. The cardiovascular workout burns calories. By jumping on a trampoline for 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a week, weight loss can occur.

Improved flexibility – Jumping on a trampoline strengthens and lengthens muscles improving flexibility.

Increased bone density – Exercise can strengthen bone density as well as muscles. Increased bone density helps to prevent broken or fractured bones and osteoporosis. Proven better for your joints than other forms of activity.

Improved joint, tendon and ligament function – The strengthening of joints, tendons and ligaments can help to reduce the chances of some forms of arthritis and lessen the pain in some arthritic joints.

Development of balance and coordination - Balancing on a trampoline is unlike balancing on anything else. The trampoline floor is constantly moving and jumpers must be aware of their center of gravity at all times. The balance learned on a trampoline helps improve balance in other activities.

Improved posture – Along with improved balance, jumping on a trampoline can improve posture.

Development of motor skills – The brain is forced to function bilaterally when a jumper is in the air. Both sides of the brain and both sides of the body must work together to maintain coordination and balance when on a trampoline. This increases motor skills.

Children (and adults) who regularly jump on a trampoline reap educational benefits from the exercise. Studies have shown that trampoline jumping can:

Have an effect on academic success – By helping a child learn to control movement of the body, it can help a child learn. Because a trampoline teaches muscle control and coordination, many children see an improvement academically when regular use of a trampoline occurs.

Improve self esteem – A child gains confidence as he masters new skills on the trampoline. This can translate into a better self image that may help improve academic success.

Teach persistence – It often takes many tries to master a skill on the trampoline, but because it is so much fun a child will often persist. This can teach the important lesson that doing something right is worth the effort.

In a matter of 15 - 20 minutes you can tame your wild beast........ or at least slow him/her down  ;)

Did I mention it's also fun????

Besides the sound of heavy breathing from a pounding heart while lactic acid explodes through soft tissues, do you know how to tell when someone has achieved this particular exercise goal?

The hair never lies!  .............................. lol
:D

You are welcome to come over and join in the fun!

And if you aren't too crazy about the thought of jumping (I'm slowly getting back into it)  - you can always choose Isaac's preferred method of exercise: walking.

To whatever moves you - happy exercising!!!!