Besides walking, I was working out along with various videos on YouTube, especially with the channel, Improved Health. However, I was wanting to do something more for my body, and something different. I started seeing videos about rebounding.
A rebounder is like a mini trampoline. However, there are different types; one with springs (mini trampoline), and one with bungee cords (rebounder). The ones with springs give a firmer resistance and tend to be noisier, the one with bungee cords gives more bounce and tend to be quieter. Years ago, I had one with springs. This time I purchased one with bungee cords. Not only is it quieter, it's also more fun and easier on joints!
When I started using my new rebounder, I tried to do too much too soon. It not only got old from being more than strenuous than I bargained for, it wasn't so pleasant having to move it from spot to spot, as I did not have a designated spot that didn't require moving it. So it sat quite a bit more than I wanted it to sit. However, I did eventually come up with a spot in a bedroom, where it could stay put. Voila! I started using it on a regular basis. I started out more gradually this time, using it 2 -5 minutes at a time with minimalist moves. That worked much better and it became fun. I looked forward to using it and continue to use it and usually use it for 5 - 10 minutes at a time now.
I usually feel more energized after using the rebounder, and especially like using it along with peppy music.
You can check out the model that I purchased on Amazon: JumpSport Rebounder 39". I got mine in the mid-range, price wise, which is still a good quality rebounder.
Over time, I do have hopes of my abs becoming more toned, but good ol' me, wanting to get it done, I wanted something more to get it done sooner!
I started hearing about weighted vests and rucking. The general meaning for rucking, is walking with weights. More specifically, the weight is normally positioned on the back, and can be done in a backpack. This is a takeoff from how troops are trained in the military.
Testing out rucking with a weighted backpack is recommended to see if a weighted vest or a specialty rucking backpack is for you. I found a padded backpack that I had purchased years ago for a vacation trip, and used that. It was probably around a pound in weight on its' own, and I added around five pounds to it.
On my next trip to our local fitness center, I wore my weighted backpack and did twenty laps with it around the inside track. Woah. I really felt it the next day. Yeah, too much, too soon! I think I've learned this lesson this time, lol.
I went ahead and ordered a weighted vest, one that is adjustable. The vest has a basic weight of six pounds, and you can add additional one pound weights to it, up to six more pounds total. It would take about a week to arrive.
In the meantime, I wore my weighted backpack and reduced my trips around the indoor track to five. Yeah, that works! It's a lot better than starting at 20.
The weighted vest arrived and it works so much better. It is easier to adjust to my body. There are specialty weighted backpacks that can be purchased, that even come with a belt strap, for more fine tuning on the adjustment.
For now, I am happy with my weighted vest. I did add one of the additional weights to the back, to give more weight distribution to the back. I had watched videos where it was recommended for better posture, to have more of the weight on the back, and also closer to mid back, and not at the lumbar or upper spine region.
I have noticed that I'm more conscious of how I'm sitting when at a restaurant, and am usually find myself sitting up straighter now.
You can check out the one I ordered, on Amazon: U shaped weighted vest. It is 6-12 pounds. You can get pretty good weighted vests that are below $30-$60, and go up from there.
So now I have several options for walking. I can do different things to help my overall body strength, tone, stability, and stamina. I think it comes down to - I like variety. By the way, both rebounding and wearing a weighted vest are good additions for improving cardio.
How about you? Do you like variety or do you like one basic thing and sticking to that?
Here is my original post about the walking step log: https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2026/09/i-walk-tshirts-and-bottle-labels.html
Cheryl Paton
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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