Adults: Jump Your Way into a Healthier Life

You may know that trampolines are a great way for kids to get exercise, but do you know that jumping can provide many health benefits to adults as well?

Weight loss – Jumping on a trampoline creates a rebounding effect which reduces body fat as it engages the whole body.  Not only will you build muscles in your legs while you jump, but the rebounding upward bounce will help your entire body tone up.  According to a NASA study, a 150-pound individual will burn more calories rebounding for an hour than they will if they were to run for an hour. 

Increased circulation – As you bounce on the trampoline, your muscles such as those in your calf will contract and force blood through the heart to be replenished with oxygen.  The result is better circulation and potentially less clogging of the arteries. 

Reduced stress – Rebounding can reduce cortisol (stress hormones) and increase the feel-good endorphins in your body.  Even just the act of getting outside and jumping can take your mind off your worries and reduce your stress levels. 

With a trampoline in your backyard, it’s easy to take advantage of the health benefits and live a healthier life.  Visit Backyard Dreams at www.backyard-dreams.com and get $100 off any trampoline til 12/31.

5 Easy Ways to Get Children to Play Outside

Children need at least one hour of physical activity each day. Getting children out from behind the screens of computers, television, cell phones and video games and into the fresh air and sunshine can be a parent’s biggest challenge. As parents know, it’s not easy to compete with electronics so we have to be creative. Consider these tips:

1.      Make the backyard fun! A trampoline and/or swing set makes it easy to entice kiddos out of the house with the promise of fun. Backyard Dreams at www.backyard-dreams.com has $100 off any trampoline until 12/31.

2.      The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours a day of screen time for children two years old and up. Set limits and stick to them.

3.      Make ‘outside time’ routine. Set aside the same hour each day so that everyone knows to expect it. This can minimalize the complaining.

4.      Play outside with them. Jump on a trampoline or join in their game of chase. You’ll experience numerous health benefits alongside your children, you’ll increase your bonding time with them and you’ll set a great example.

5.      Explore new, creative activities. Jump in a pile of leaves, plan a scavenger hunt with items from nature, plant a garden or start a rock collection. You can also take children on a night hike – just being up past their bedtime makes it really fun for them!