Niall Roche asked:


If you have been researching trampolines, you’ve probably come across the name JumpKing. There’s a good reason these trampolines are so popular. JumpKing has high quality trampolines and a venerable reputation as one of the oldest trampoline manufacturers in existence. These trampolines are plenty of fun to use and can usually be counted on to lure the kids up off the couch and out of the house to get some much needed exercise and fresh air. Kids love trampoline and it usually doesn’t take a whole lot of convincing to get them out there.

Of course, while a JumpKing trampoline is fun to use, there’s another reason people use these products. People who are concerned about damaging their backs and joints by doing high impact workouts to strengthen their cardiovascular systems often prefer using a trampoline to work out. This is because there is a lot less stress placed on their bodies when they bounce on the trampoline’s mat, or bed. There is no hard surface beneath the trampoline’s mat. If they do an aerobic workout using floor mats instead, people have a much higher impact surface to work on because the floor is right under the thin mat. Besides helping people exercise without as much stress on their joints, JumpKing trampolines are also great for improving coordination, balance, reflexes and flexibility.

JumpKing Trampolines have had a reputation for creating great trampolines since 1948 and also manufactures replacement parts and accessories. This Texas based company is a certified member of the International Trampoline Industry Assoiciation. In addition, ASTM International certifies JumpKing as a manufacturer of products that meet their exacting quality standards so you know you’re buying a quality product that’s safe for your family to use.

Despite the high quality of JumpKing trampolines, this company makes sure its products remain affordable for its customers. For a little over $300, you can buy a standard basic trampoline. Of course, as you add on accessories, the price will increase. However, this manufacturer does offer free ground shipping on your trampoline order and has offered additional incentives in the past, such as giving away a six foot tent for trampolines with online orders!

In addition to shopping for a basic trampoline, you may want to look at some of the other products JumpKing offers, such as a combination package of a trampoline and a safety enclosure. Also, JumpKing makes another product that is ideal for the young, and young at heart, members of your boucy household – inflatable bounce houses.

With its excellent customer feedback and years of experience, it’s no wonder that JumpKing is usually given first choice for trampoline buyers all over the world.



Bernice

Andrew Mitchell asked:


An Osteopath’s Guide to Feeling Good Throughout Pregnancy

by Andrew Mitchell

As any mother will admit, pregnancy places tremendous strain on the body. On average, women gain around 30 pounds during pregnancy, resulting in a big postural change. It can be incredibly laborious to carry all that extra weight around, not to mention extremely exhausting for the body. Some of our leading osteopaths have offered some tips and exercises that you can do, even before going into labour, in order to assuage the physical burdens of pregnancy.

Work-out sessions: It is great to have a regular work-out routine when you are pregnant, but it is important that you adjust your routine accordingly depending on how much your body can take during pregnancy. We recommend doing three or four work-out sessions a week of approximately 30-minutes each during your first and second trimesters. When it comes to your third trimester, shorten your routine by 10 minutes so as to accommodate your heavier belly.

Types of Exercises: While cardio exercises can be beneficial, we recommend exercises that keep your heart rate controlled. It is good to break out sweat, but do not allow your heart rate to exceed 145 bpm. Exercises such as squats and lunges (without weights) are highly recommended, as well as swimming and brisk-walking. Swimming is particularly rewarding during your final trimester, as the water supports your body and relieves muscle tension. Cycling and gentle aerobics are also highly recommended. Carry out many short stretches before and after each work-out to stimulate the flood flow and improve the flexibility of your joints and muscles.

Movements/Exercises to Avoid: It is best to abstain from partaking in high-impact and contact sports, such as squash or football. When warming up, do not hold a stretch for longer than 5-6 seconds. If you hold a stretch too long when pregnant and vulnerable, your body release a hormone known as ‘relax’ which (while necessary for going into labour), when released prematurely, can damage the areas around the joints. Additionally, avoid overexerting yourself – this means that you should refrain from lifting heavy objects. 

Dietary tips: A balanced diet is, of course key to helping you, and your baby, feel at your best. Just because you are eating for two does not mean you have to eat twice as much as you normally do – a pregnant woman needs about 2500 calories every day.  In order to get the right amounts of energy and nutrition, it is advisable to eat something from each food group: fruits and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, and protein (fish, meat, etc.).

Visit an Osteopath: In order to keep a close watch on the changes your body is going through, start seeing an osteopathic doctor early on in the first trimester. This way, if you are doing your exercises incorrectly, or if certain muscles are under too much strain, we can step in sooner than later.

It is never easy being pregnant, what with weight gain, back aches, raging hormones, and sheer exhaustion. But hopefully, with the help of an osteopath and the techniques above, your passage from pregnant woman to loving mother will not only be bearable, but enjoyable.



Glen