★★★★★
For the record, anyone reading this who wishes they could use one of those rebounder trampolines, yet can't because they have trouble with their feet hurting too badly from it or toes/calves cramping up:
I use a large inflatable exercise ball (75cm in diameter, comes *with* the pump to pump it up, about $15. -$17. USD from the fitness department at Walmart. They come in all different sizes, so even extra-short or extra-tall folks will be able to find the size that works for them.
Ebay (and maybe Walmart too) also has ruggedized burst-proof balls that can take 600 lbs of bounce-weight, so weight doesn't have to be an issue for this. Some balls are sand-weighted, so they won't go rolling merrily away from you when the time comes to corral them in a corner of the room.
I can sit on it and bounce, it doesn't cramp my calves or hurt my toes and feet, it's great. It's even more fun than jumping on a bed used to be :-). Also- One good strong bounce and it helps you stand up too, when you are ready to get off the ball and stop bouncing :-). You can put on some good music and "dance" :-) your upper body as well.
I have read that lots of folks use those vibrating platforms too, and apparently they work well, from what I have read. There's always a way to do what you have to do. Rocking chairs, while not a direct substitute, are not half bad either for helping your lymph system to keep moving. Or a vibrating recliner, if you have access to one.
All are ways to substitute for forced inactivity, or an inability to work out or walk. These are not exact and direct substitutes, but all good ideas- for somebody out there :-).
Linda
Rebounding
★★★★★
YES -! The lyph glands have one way valves. They do not empty of their own accord unless you are MOVING. Jumping on a mini trampoline (aka rebounder) is the most effective way to get the toxins out! I bought a cheap rebounder ($30-$35 dollars delivered from Wally Mart online) and I used it for about a month or so until I knew it was something I wanted to do - and then I bought an expensive "springless" model with the bungee cords instead of those noisy springs. The expensive "soft jump" model was worth every penny! I couldn't believe I actually liked the cheap one after I bounced on my new one. Hey, what you don't know.... ;-) If your knees and joints are an issue, you NEED the more expensive model, just be sure it is something you will do, and not just sit there collecting dust and making you feel guilty. Ha ha. Oh, and start off S-L-O-W. I started off at 3 mins... And was exhausted! Thought there was no way I would ever be able to jump long enough for it to have a health benefit. Well, adding a minute here and there I am now up to 20 mins at a time. I am working my way up to 30 mins a day, and will be very happy with that. It is AWESOME exercise, and SO much easier on the body than running. No pounding on a hard surface = NO pain! No, I do not work for any rebounding companies. ;)
Rebounding
★★★★★
Hi Carly, you sure don't work for a rebound company because I don't work either and my story is the same as you. What a difference do the more expensive trampolines make.... Like you I can't imagine I ever used the other one! Great fun though..... I have a couple of CD's but nowadays I just exercise to some nice music. Like you first I was awfully tired but now I am ok, I have been doing it on and off for maybe three years.
