Gwendolyn Womack

Happy Holidays! As we head into the New Year, I thought it is the perfect time to do this post. It’s not about books but about a health journey I’ve been on. This year two things have super charged my life that I wanted to share with you because I think it’s the perfect gift to give yourself. (I’m so glad I did it!)

The first one is the rebounder trampoline. You know those little trampolines that were so popular in the 90s? Well in my extensive “writerly” research :-), I found out NASA considers the rebounder trampoline the best exercise on the planet. Bouncing on it for 10-minutes is the same as a 30-minute run but without any of the stress on your body. Jumping and getting a momentary suspension of gravity has an incredible positive effect on your cells. It’s good for joint pain, body swelling, hormone balancing, boosting your metabolism… I could go on. And doing a more sedate “health bounce,” where you keep your feet on the trampoline but still bounce for 3-5 minutes, completely flushes your lymphatic system and boosts your white blood cell count and immune system for hours after you’ve done it.

I got mine back in March and jump it every morning. I’m absolutely addicted to it. Here’s the one I got from Amazon. This does have an affiliate link. I truly can’t recommend it enough! I tell everyone about it when I have the chance. I got this particular brand because it has the top mat extended to the very edge so your foot won’t fall through one of the elastic openings. I also got the 48″ so I can do jumping jacks etc. without worry of falling off an edge. I am clueless when it comes to assembling anything, so I recommend getting the assembly. (I had someone on Taskrabbit to come assemble mine. It took him less than hour.)

The second thing is a vibrating plate that you stand on. Again NASA uses this on their astronauts to increase bone density. The benefits of standing on a plate are enormous. It flushes your lymphatic system as well, strengthens your bones, speeds up your metabolism, and can alleviate aches and pains. I’m also on my plate every morning without fail. I jump on the trampoline for at least 15 minutes and I get on the plate for 15. Both are invigorating.

Here is the plate I got on Amazon. There are plenty of choices out there, but this one seemed pretty basic and wasn’t too expensive. It also has arm band attachments if you want to work out your arms while you do it.

So if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to get healthier, these two things, hands down, will do more for you than you can imagine. They make great gifts too! (Okay maybe not the trampoline, lol, since it is big.)

It’s been said, Health is the greatest form of wealth, and I couldn’t agree more. I wish you an incredibly healthy New Year.

Cheers,

Gwendolyn