Urban Rebounder Trampoline [FIRST UPDATE]
Written: Aug 11 '09 (Updated Aug 24 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: low cost, sturdy, good DVD routines, ease of use, fun
Cons: a slight odor but fades with some time.
The Bottom Line: Get one, try it for yourself, and have fun. Money well spent to remain or get in shape.
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| GaryD's Full Review: Urban Rebounder Trampoline |
THERE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE!
I've used a number of exorcise machines over the last twenty years from stair-climbers, steppers, treadmill, gliders, and elliptical. May favorite with best results has been the stair-climber but as times change so do products and obtaining parts for repair are extremely difficult. My next favorite is the elliptical because it is low to no impact on my joints. My knees hurt the most from any exorcise including the elliptical but I believe it's more the stabilizing muscles base on the pain.
Over a weekend HSN was pushing the Urban Rebounder Trampoline with stabilizing bar, resistive bands and two DVDs with a total of ten workout routines. I watched giving it serious consideration. This was their latest and greatest model that's quarter folded. It's been some time back though I remember reading somewhere that trampolines aid in strengthening those stabilizing muscles. Could this be the solution I've searched for to relieve my pain?
Let me explain briefly the knee pain I'm referring to because in no way would I even consider surgery as an option. Obstinate — definitely. Compromising — rarely to never. The pain resides basically to the sides of the knees and it feels more like a tired muscle after exorcising or strenuous work. The pain is only present about mid way into an activity and fades with rest or just merely walking. This is why I believe it's related to the stabilizing muscles.
Now that you are aware of why I made the purchase of the Urban Rebounder Trampoline and my reasoning behind it I'll brief you on the Urban Rebounder Trampoline itself.
URBAN REBOUNDER
I have trust issues with products I will be placing myself on when it comes to my feet leaving grounded footing. It can take some time before I become comfortable with something like the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. We all know if anything can go wrong it will that's Murphy's Law.
After making my purchase online at HSN.com the Urban Rebounder Trampoline arrive within less than a week. The box was fully intact from its journey with UPS. Let's give UPS a round of applause.
Upon opening one end of the box containing the Urban Rebounder Trampoline I see a white Styrofoam block and carefully lift it out and away. Now I see the quarter-fold Urban Rebounder Trampoline, two black poles and two formed rods with black foam padding. Extracting the quarter-fold Urban Rebounder Trampoline I lay it on the floor. Noticing a small brown box and a plastic bag with DVDs and manual are neatly tucked inside the folded Urban Rebounder Trampoline. Retrieving these tucked items I briefly flip through the pages of their manual which contains instructions for the half-fold and quarter-fold Urban Rebounder Trampoline with safety precautions. Stressing two people should be present during the opening and closing of the Urban Rebounder Trampoline.
Now that all the parts have been removed from the shipping packaging I was ready for assembly. My first intentions was to discard the stabilizing bar for the time being but the little angel on my shoulder kept taunting me until I elected to throw it together and attach to the trampoline. Remember my knees could possible give way.
The Urban Rebounder Trampoline has a good solid weight to it. Not to heavy for one to carry and not to light that when you start jumping it will give out on you. It's quarter-folded, the first opening position is super easy. The appearance looks like a pair of sexy lips in its original folded state. One end of these fine kissable lips is thicker than the other so at the thinnest side you need to place a hand on both the upper and lower lips and open your arms as if welcoming someone while pulling the two sides apart. At this point you have a half circle before you and should maintain focus when ready to finish unfolding the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. Should you feel uncomfortable at this point do seek the aid of another individual. Myself, I'm a do-it-yourselfer, thus forged through without any additional help.
With the half circled Urban Rebounder Trampoline in front of you, place your knees about shoulder width apart on the lower portion of the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. You will be opening the trampoline away from your body. Pay attention; make sure no body parts are in contact with the joints (hinges) of the rebounder. At this point the Urban Rebounder Trampoline should be at almost a 90 degree angle with the base of your palms on the trampoline and digits (fingers) outstretched. You can apply your weight forward as the other half of the Urban Rebounder Trampoline moves slowly toward the floor. You will have a loud sound as the hinges lock in place.
The six legs on the rebounder are pre-attached at the factor with spring tensions. So that they do not spring up while opening your rebounder elastic straps restrain them. Cautiously release each leg and only lift the leg enough for it to slide into position on the rebounder. You will repeat this action six times. Though the instructions read to be time consuming it takes five minutes or less, with the Urban Rebounder Trampoline open and legs positioned securely check that all springs are firmly attached. One of my springs was off but placing it back into position was quite easy. You can now turn your Urban Rebounder Trampoline right side up.
Should you feel the least bit uncertain or question your own balance you need to take this time to assemble the stabilizing bar which is in four pieces. This is an extremely easy process. You should have noticed during the operation of placing the legs into position that two of the legs were unique with their extra tubing. This is where the long straight poles will engage. Just depress the shiny silver button on the pole as you slide it into position. When you hear a click and see the shiny silver tone button you can move on to the rest of the stabilizing bar’s assemble. Anyone that can depress a button and slide two pieces together will have not difficulty.
NOTE: the stabilization bar is just that — it's presents is to aid your balance stepping on and off the Urban Rebounder Trampoline and during your routine should you need it. What it will not do is support your entire body weight. Again, it is not designed to support your entire body weight.
Once together I see the rebounder is much sturdier than I was expecting. Stepping up on it for the first time there was no tilting and appeared to be very solid. The stabilizing bar wobbles some but is not a defect its support is strictly to aid your balancing.
Larger springs on the Urban Rebounder Trampoline make it more durable than its competitors. It can support up to 300 pounds maximum weight. The unit stays in position and you don't see items jarring around when in use. The stabilizing bar can be in the way at times when using your arms during some routines. Once your confidence and trust set in you can remove the bar and enjoy.
Your approximately ten inches off the floor and the 40 inch diameter is sufficient room for the exorcises you'll be performing. The included two DVDs with ten workouts should get you started out of the box and depending on your progression carry you through the year or longer before needing a change.
There is a slight odor which emanates from the Urban Rebounder Trampoline as most new items do. This fades away rather quickly (a day or two) but comes back if you replace the Urban Rebounder Trampoline back in its box. Over time it should pass.
THE INCLUDED ROUTINES
I want to get the most out of the Urban Rebounder Trampoline and watch my knees to see if I have any noticeable improvements. At this point I believe the Urban Rebounder Trampoline is a keeper but to be fair I have only used it three times thus far. Two day skip a day and on again. Using the first DVD and following the beginners routine I have noticed a lot.
First, it does not take long to work up a sweat on the Urban Rebounder Trampoline even using the most basic of routines that runs 10 to 15 minutes. My initial time on the rebounder was for 45 minutes. I followed the basic routine twice and continue with some simple side-to-side stepping and marching for a cool down.
Secondly, the time flew by, I'm usually watching the time on my Invicta diver (I use the diver dial to monitor elapsed time). You will have fun — I'll have more fun when I can place more faith and trust in the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. I know it's not going anywhere and it feels solid but I'm waiting for the test of time and endurance. I will definitely be following up on this review with an update.
Third!
I have a basic idea of how the astronauts’ feel when they return from a gravity fee environment. When you step off the Urban Rebounder Trampoline you feel so heavy. This is after performing a routine. Don't think stepping on standing a moment and stepping off you will feel the same effects. The feeling is fleeting but you definitely notice gravities affect.
ADVANTAGES
Any trampoline will offer you the same advantages as the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. Fortunately, the Urban Rebounder Trampoline folds and can be used indoors. No rainy, snowy, cold days to put off exorcising.
You will work every muscle in your body
You will reap the benefits of quality cardio
You will improve your balance and posture
You will strengthen your stabilizing muscles
You may lose weight (if this is what you're attempting)
Most importantly
You will have loads of super crazy fun
If you don't invest in yourself no one else will. Let today be the day you start anew. How you treat yourself is how others will treat you. This is a fact! You deserve to be happy and healthy so start jumping now. If your children think you lost it let them have a turn.
I DO RECOMMEND
I like my experience thus far with the Urban Rebounder Trampoline. The price was very reasonable; the product is of jim quality, can travel with and folds to a compact size. The rebounder is solidly constructed and easy to set up and take down. The manufacture recommends two people for opening and closing the Urban Rebounder Trampoline BUT with some caution one individual can perform the task.
I will be updating to let you know how the Urban Rebounder Trampoline is working out and whether I return it or not and why. I thank you for your time of reading my review and do pray you find it useful, informative and fun. Have any question that I may be able to address do leave a comment. Thank You.
[First Update]
I have begun to see and feel significant changes within a two week period. My balance has improved; my joints (especially my knee joints) have greatly improved. The persistent aching which I mentioned early on in my review as all but vanished. I still don’t have 100 percent trust in the rebounder but it is gradually increase as the days pass. I have temporarily discounted using the stabilizing bar to give my arms more freedom of movement. The rebound squeaks quite a bit more so with extended use though not enough to concern oneself to discontinue use.
At present I’m still using the basic routine on the first DVD (going to grow with the rebounder gradually) but it only runs for 10 to 15 minutes so I play it twice with some active while the introduction plays and at the end during the credit runs. By doing this I’m using the rebounder for 35 to 50 minutes Mondays’, Wednesdays’, and Fridays’. As I become even more comfortable on the rebounder I’ll increase time and number of days per week.
You will soon discover that it doesn’t take long to break a sweat. I keep a fan turned on me during the routines for additional comfort. The rebounder is holding up well but the elastic bands that hold the legs in placed during breakdown for storage are showing signs of wear and breakage. This may be a concern to some but really isn’t that big of deal as I have yet had the legs to spring up by themselves though I am going to mention it to the manufacture.
THE CHANGES
I don’t see any weight loss yet in the mirror however my Invicta watch has shown results. When I purchased my Invicta watch naturally I needed to remove some of the additional links for the watch to fit properly. Since I’ve been using the rebounder the same Invicta that fit well after removing links now wears like a bracelet, Yes, I need to remove one or two links for my Invicta to fit right again.
Sleeping has improved tremendously; I don’t waken several times during the night just to fall back into slumber. The quality of sleep is rejuvenating and my personal wellbeing seems much better.
My breathing is deeper now, not as shallow as prior to using the rebounder. I thought my breathing was fine but I definitely have notice this difference.
On the bad side
Should you elect to try the rebounder for yourself be sure to buy a good pair of shoes designed for jumping. The shoes I’ve been wearing are all purpose but mostly walking apparently. In the meantime I’m searching for a quality pair of shoes just to use with the rebounder. This is only on the bad side because for some like me – it means another purchase – I’ve never been one for tennis shoes – Cowboy boots and loafers. The tennis shoes I have are only worn to walk to the mailbox and back each morning and of course during exorcise on the elliptical and rebounder.
I’ll make every attempt to update this review regarding the rebound and its side effect good or bad approximately every four weeks. I want to thank everyone that has read this review and rate for their time and pray you have found it beneficial. No product is going to be perfect, no product is going to delight everyone, and no product is going to last forever. But a product should being you happiness, a reasonable term of usefulness, and a good value for your dollars. At this point the rebounder is fitting the criteria.
NOTE: The rebounder came with resistance bands they appear to be well made and secure. However, I have not worked up to using them yet so I have not covered them in this review. This is why I only mentioned their presents in the included contents and did not elaborate any further. I will be covering them also when they come into play during my routine.
Recommended:
Yes
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GaryD
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Location: Kentucky
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