Rebounding
Who knew that jumping on a mini-trampoline could have so many health benefits? Turns out, there are plenty of reasons to bounce for 10 minutes a day
Trampolining benefits
Build strength
Improve bone density
Improve balance
Cardiovascular workout
Relieve stress
Stimulate lymphatic system
Strengthen immune system
Increase white blood cells
Release toxins
Improve digestion
Prevent or reduce cancer
Arthritis management
Reduce menstrual discomfort
Support the endocrine system
Prevent and reduce varicose veins
Rebounders, or mini-trampolines are small and close to the ground and therefore stable. This makes them a great option to workout safely at home. A growing body of evidence of the health benefits suggests that rebounding is impressively efficient mode of exercise.
The act of jumping up and down works your legs, abs, glutes, back, abs and pelvic floor and builds strength. The impact of increased G-forces on the bones improves bone density and thereby reduces your risk of osteoporosis. It acts to strengthen joints, tendons and ligaments as well as bones and has been proven to assist in the management of arthritis. Because of the soft surface, jumping on a rebounder stimulates the vestibule in the middle ear which improves balance.
““Rebounding is also associated with better balance, coordination and motor skills””
The involvement of the large muscles of the legs when jumping requires lots of blood which in turn builds cardiovascular fitness. With regular trampolining, you can reduce your resting heart rate, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Because of the involvement of the pelvic floor, jumping is great for preventing and treating urinary incontinence.
Jumping releases endorphins which help to maintain a positive attitude. Furthermore, the impact of jumping causes your muscles to repeatedly tense and relax which is not only great for your circulation, and digestion but also relieves stress.
The lymphatic system, a network of tissue and organs that help remove toxins and waste from the body, is a vital part of our immune system and defends against bacteria, diseases and infection. Unlike the circulatory system which has the heart to pump blood around the body, the lymphatic system relies on movement to pump it, rebounding (which creates a weightless state at the top of a jump) can increase lymph flow by as much as fifteen times.
Rebounding also stimulates your thyroid gland which aids in the removal of stored fat. Trampolining is proven to reduce or eliminate cellulite.
“Jumping on the trampoline for even half an hour is a really good workout. You get really tired. The next day, you’re feeling it. And you really have to use your core.”
Rebounding results in biomechanical stimulation which leads to increased cell energy and increases the mitochondrial count in cells. Mitochondria generate chemical energy (stored as adenosine triphosphate, or ATP) from the foods we eat that is then used to power metabolic processes. Essentially, mitochondria convert chemical energy from the food eat into energy that the cell can use. Mitochondria also clear away old or broken cells in a process called apoptosis.
The benefits of improved circulation, improved lymph flow and cell destruction combine to help prevent and eliminate cancer with regular jumping.
Frequent rebounding increases blood flow which reduces vein pressure and alleviates or prevents the creation of varicose veins.
The detoxification of jumping removed excess hormones and creates a healthy endocrine system which in turn aids menstrual discomfort in women.
While there are plenty of different exercises you can do (twists, pike jumps, butt kick jumps, squat jumps, jumping jacks and tuck jumps to name a few), you don’t need to do anything fancy to get a benefit. A simple jumping routine for 5-10 minutes a day, three days a week is all you need!
