Jumping, bouncing and swinging: the best and cheapest forms of exercise
It’s generally accepted these days that we need to exercise to stay healthy, but with all the labor-saving equipment we have, exercising is often difficult. Joining a gym can be expensive, and adding time to getting there, changing, and showering can take a lot out of the night. Running or jogging is much cheaper and very easy to put off in bad weather. Hitting on hard surfaces, if your running technique is not good, can also cause physical problems.
Of course, if you have arthritis or any other seriously debilitating disease, then this type of exercise is a complete no no. For you, there is the rocking chair. They cost as little as £ 50 or $ 75, so most people should be able to afford one. Although I have not been able to find the original source, I have read that studies have been conducted at the Medical College of Virginia that showed that using a rocking chair establishes a natural rhythm that activates the body’s natural ability to repair and recover. You should start with up to one hour per day for the first week, then increase the time by ten minutes per day per week for several weeks. It has cured colds, flu, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. (From an article by Beatrice Dexter in the Examiner (US; 7/7/92)) This motion has also been shown to help calm distressed dementia patients in a Rochester, US nursing home. .
For the most active people, the best and simplest forms of exercise are jumping jacks and bouncing. You’ve probably seen clips of boxers jumping for long periods and I admire them, because I can’t go on for more than ten minutes. This is the cheapest way to exercise though, as a jump rope can cost as little as £ 5 or $ 7. I prefer a real rope, which is more expensive. Amazon carries 233 different spells. I didn’t realize you could get leather ones!
If jumping is difficult for you, the next cheapest form of exercise is to use a mini trampoline or rebounder. These cost from £ 20 or $ 30 to £ 100 or $ 150. People who use a mini trampoline or rebounder are said to be among the fittest. Even NASA endorses this type of exercise. (Journal of Applied Physiology 49 (5): 881-887, 1980). Bouncing exercises the arms, legs, abdominal muscles, heart, and lungs. You will find that your body will be better toned and you will be able to continue for longer and longer periods. This is a zero impact exercise, which means that while you are getting all the benefits of running, you will not have to absorb shock waves that would damage your muscles and joints (Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 10: 401-408, 1990).
You can easily fit a mini trampoline or rebounder into your normal routine, because every minute you spend bouncing is the equivalent of about three to four minutes of running. This also means that you get to the point of burning fat much faster than you would if you were running. You can use a mini trampoline or bouncer while watching TV or listening to your music: indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Since you can use a mini trampoline or rebounder indoors and it takes up little space, you can use it in any weather.
If you start to bounce, you will find that your circulation will improve and your heart and lung capacities will increase. Your coordination and balance will be better and your muscles will be well toned, giving you a slimmer figure, even before your weight is affected. If you are exercising to lose weight, you should be aware that because muscle is heavier than fat, you are likely to gain a little weight or lose nothing to begin with. For this reason, it is a good idea not only to weigh yourself before starting, but also to measure your waist, hips, chest, thighs, upper arms, etc. You will soon notice that, in addition to losing weight, you have more energy and vitality and that you have fewer infections. Dr. Morton Walker, in his book Jumping for Health: A Guide to Rebounding Aerobics (Avery 1989) says that rebounding has at least thirty health benefits and that it activates your lymphatic system, which is an integral part of your body system. elimination of toxins.
Jumping, bouncing, and rocking are by far the best forms of exercise. They all offer enormous health benefits, and yet they cost so little that absolutely anyone can take at least one of them.