Running on a mini-trampoline

@janism - sounds like you are on the right track (pun unintended)! I’d say continue what you are doing!

Hi,

I also have osteoporosis but no meds and have 3 gym classes weekly plus daily walking and routines at home, Eight pound weights are great…I use that weight at home and I am 107 pounds and it is just enough for me.

You really need resistance training for your bones and more impact. My opinion is that a trampoline has too much give and, though it is great for cardio., simple walking or running on a concrete surface is better. You need the impact. Bands are good also. I would make sure you are doing the best exercises with the weights so you can target all the areas…go slowly with the weights so you feel them but no pain. I love to stamp my feet lol. Walk for 30 seconds stamping your feet, run in place for 30 and repeat 3 or 4 times. Don’t forget to do daily stretching especially your hamstrings.

Whatever you do, learn more about what is appropriate for your age. And don’t forget DIET. You need the bone benefits of green vegetables like spinach or kale and a healthy eating lifestyle in general. Healthy eating will affect your entire body and improve your blood flow and your overall mental health.

There’s so much to exercise. Enjoy the journey.

FL Mary

I have seen several "experts" state that unfortunately mini-rebounders do NOT increase bone density. An AI search showed this: "According to current research, rebounders (mini-trampolines) do not significantly increase bone density, meaning they are not considered an effective exercise for building bone mass; while they may offer some benefits for bone health, particularly for those with joint issues, the best way to increase bone density is through high-impact, weight-bearing exercises like running, jumping rope, or stair climbing."

Well, phooey! I was afraid of that. Clearly anything I can actually make myself do won't help! It is the only exercise I've been able to make myself do because I can read while I'm doing it. I am the only adult with a small kid in the apartment, so I can't really get outside to walk, and running is just out of the question even if I could go outside--I hate it and value my joints. Exercise is the one part of what I should be doing that I just haven't been able to make myself do.

Sigh.

@janism

May I ask why you cannot go outside and walk with your child…don’t know the age but fresh air and brisk walking are the best. We have many young mothers who are out everyday with strollers walking or running.
Is a treadmill possible for your apartment? It could replace the trampoline and you can definitely read while walking.

FL Mary

Keep using the trampoline. I used to do only activities that were good for my bones (which didn't help). The trampoline running is great for your heart! Keep it up. Can you find a stroller that you can jog with? I have seen them at my thrift store, or at yard sales. Maybe you can find an exercise program on YouTube for osteoporosis.

Fresh air and brisk walking! You guys are great, but you clearly don't live where I do in the freezing north!

I guess I wasn't really looking for exercise recommendations, but any knowledge you had about the trampoline. The 4 year old isn't interested in being pushed around in the cold, rain, and heat, plus I hate running and jogging. A treadmill would take up half my apartment. Believe me--I've looked at the obvious! I'm playing around with what I can actually make myself do at 4am, which is when I have discretionary time. After trying the trampoline I realized that I'll only be able to force myself into exercise if it is something I can do while the kids are asleep and I can read while I do it. A folding stationary bike worked, but that doesn't do anything for my bones either.

I'll keep messing around with it. Thanks for being in this forum to pitch in. I lurk from time to time and read your experiences and questions.

You mean reading on a treadmill, right?

@janism if the trampoline is all you can do, continue with that. You are still exercising, and some exercise is better than none. I can’t even accomplish that! How do you read while on a trampoline?? I couldn’t do that!

I have been contemplating getting one of those kettle balls - quite affordable at Winners or Marshall’s - because I have read they are good for weight bearing exercise … but any such exercise would trigger chest pains in me.

I live in the frozen North too, and can empathize! Did you get as much snow as we did in Ontario, Canada, last weekend? Apparently it was the worst we have ever had, according to our weather guy!

@janism

I could read or watch tv when I had a treadmill…kept a binder clip on the page of the book to keep it open.

FL Mary