What Muscles Do Pogo Sticks Exercise?

The pogo stick, invented in 1918, became extremely popular in the 1920s, but it has waned in popularity since then. It might feel a little silly to bounce around on a stick, but the pogo stick exercises several major muscle groups. If you're bored with your current routine, jumping on a pogo stick might be a welcome break.

Your back is the cornerstone of pogo stick movements. As you work to maintain your balance, your back gets a strong workout, and every motion you make on the pogo stick requires your back to help stabilize you. The latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius and deltoids will all get a strong workout. Focus on keeping your back straight, and avoid twisting to either side, as this can injure the muscles of your back.

A strong stomach is on virtually everyone's fitness goal list, and your stomach muscles work together with your back to help stabilize you as you bounce. You can work your stomach muscles even more by tensing your abs as you jump up and down. Your stomach consists of four muscle groups -- the transverse abdominus, the rectus abdominus, the external obliques and the internal obliques -- and each of these muscle groups will get a decent workout on a pogo stick.

Your legs play a major role in your ability to move on the pogo stick. As you jump up, you'll work your quadriceps and calves. Landing, however, can be hard on your ankles and knees, so start slowly and gradually build up your strength, particularly if you have a history of joint problems.

If you're tired of flabby hips or want a toned, firm butt, a pogo stick can help you achieve your goals. The bouncing motion works your gluteal muscles and hip adductors. To maximize the benefits in this area of the body, focus on bouncing more forcefully and getting higher as you bounce as you gain more experience using the pogo stick. Keep safety in mind as you do this, however; you want to play and get an adequate workout, not end up falling down.