Use a trampoline or an elliptical machine for your cardiovascular workout. You might think trampolines are just for kids, but working out on the trampoline strengthens your helps you get rock-hard abs, according to information from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Try the elliptical machine instead of the treadmill and reduce the impact on your knees and other joints. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise per week for healthy adults.
Calories
If you want to burn the most calories during your exercise session, choose the elliptical machine over the trampoline. According to information from “Fitness” magazine, working out on the elliptical machine burns about 575 calories per hour, while jogging on a trampoline for one hour burns about 290 calories.
Impact
Working out on the trampoline is a high-impact exercise, while the elliptical machine offers low-impact exercise. High-impact exercises place strain on your joints and low-impact exercises provide the benefits of sports conditioning without jarring your body. People suffering from back pain and those recovering from certain injuries require low-impact exercise to prevent health complications. If you suffer from a health condition that precludes you from high-impact exercise, discuss low-impact exercise options, such as walking and swimming, with your health professional.
Home Gym
The trampoline and the elliptical machine offer cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise benefits, making them an asset to your home gym. However, consumers should consider cost and the amount of available space before bringing home fitness equipment. Trampolines come in a variety of sizes, including small, portable trampolines called rebounders, which are commonly used in fitness classes. These smaller trampolines generally cost substantially less than a new elliptical machine. Elliptical machines are typically large, heavy and difficult to move. Both the elliptical and the trampoline require clearance to exercise safely. The elliptical machine requires more floor space, but a trampoline requires more overhead clearance.
Physically Challenged Adults
The elliptical trainer has greater accessibility for people with physical challenges than the trampoline. Adding low-cost adaptations to elliptical machines, such as steps, side rails and deeper foot beds, increases the access to this cardiovascular machine for the physically challenged, according to a study from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska published in the September 2011 issue of the journal "Physical Therapy." In the study, modifications to the elliptical trainer increased self-perceived safety by 55 percent, comfort by 43 percent, usability by 24 percent and the ability to get a good workout by 23 percent.
