Sometimes it really is a wonderful world. Especially when serendipity dictates that many things we enjoy are actually good for us! For example, butter. And salt. And bouncy houses.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who attends grocery store grand openings solely for the opportunity to jump in the rented bouncy house. And I’m probably not the only one who gets unreasonably excited when a friend’s/relatives house has one of those huge trampolines in the backyard.
Fortunately, rebounding, a.k.a bouncing on a trampoline, provides unique health benefits as well as a fun workout.
The benefits of rebounding
Full-body detox
The lymphatic system, commonly summarized as the “garbage disposal of the body,” relies completely on our conscious movement. Unlike the cardiovascular system with the heart automatically pumping fluid, the lymph system relies on our body movements as a pump.
Movement turns on the garbage disposal – without movement that forces the lymphatic fluid to drain, toxins collect stagnantly in the lymph instead of leaving the body. Any type of exercise, such as walking, weight lifting or swimming, helps flush toxins in the lymph.
But rebounding is by far the most effective movement therapy for increasing lymph flow and draining toxins from the body. Many natural health practitioners recommend daily rebounding as a gentle detox technique or weight loss aid (more on that below). Due to the up-down movement, lymphatic fluid is forced to flow and flush toxins.
Supports bone and joint health
NASA uses rebounding to help astronauts regain the bone density they lost when in space (due to the lack of gravity). A study done by NASA in 1980 supports the use of rebounding in remineralizing bones. Rebounding belongs in the routine of those with osteoporosis.
Rebounding also offers joint-friendly exercise without the impact of exercising on hard surfaces.
Cellulite Reduction
I actually hesitated writing this point. In our photoshopped, appearance-obsessed world, advertisers lead us to believe that cellulite is gross and unwomanly. Well, guess what: cellulite is totally womanly – after all, most women have cellulite! I don’t think it is a healthy thing to obsess about or try to eliminate completely.
With that said, cellulite is frequently due to a stagnant, toxic lymph system. By supporting lymphatic flow in the butt and thighs, rebounding can improve one of the root causes of non-hereditary cellulite. Often, women see a reduction in cellulite after regular rebounding for a few months.
Fun weight loss
Long bouts of cardio exercise can actually backfire in weight loss attempts, since prolonged periods of “breathless” exercise can lower your metabolism (this book explains the best exercises to support metabolism). Metabolic-supporting exercise is key to weight loss, however, and that is where rebounding comes in.
If you rebound at a moderate pace, so you can still breathe comfortably, it gets you moving without stressing your metabolism. Also, the gentle detox encourages fat loss.
Improved balance and posture
Another benefit of rebounding? You automatically improve your posture, engage your abs, and practice your balance when you are bouncing. By regularly rebounding, you carry these improved habits off the trampoline.
Supports the cardiovascular system
The benefits of rebounding include the cardiovascular system. First, just as rebounding supports lymph circulation, it supports the circulation of blood. Rebounding decreases blood pooling in veins to improve chronic edema and rebounding can even lower blood pressure by aiding blood circulation.
Improves the endocrine and immune systems
Rebounding is one of the supportive therapies I recommend in my book Quit PMS: End your menstrual misery. Since detoxing excess hormones and toxins is key a healthy endocrine system, I recommend rebounding to anyone with hormone imbalance.
Rebounding improves the immune system by increasing the action of red bone marrow and supports tissue repair.
How to start rebounding today
What you need
Any trampoline suffices. Since my budget is tight, I got the this very affordable mini rebounder, it was about $40 on Amazon. I’m pretty happy with it… it’s a bit squeaky and it required three people and a bit of wresting to put together. For a bigger investment, you can get a higher quality rebounder with bells and whistles like an exercise DVD and balance bar.
What to wear
This is important: do not wear tight or constricting clothes. Yes, bits of extra will jiggle. That is SUPPOSED to happen. The more jiggle, the more your lymph system is flushing out those toxins! So put on some fun music, step away from the mirror, and have fun rebounding.
What to do
Tailor your rebounding sessions to your unique situation. I recommend a moderate pace, so you are breathing slightly faster but not uncomfortably. Your feet don’t even need to leave the trampoline, you can just bounce up and down by bending your knees.
For detox support, rebound for at least 15 minutes daily. Try three five-minute sessions throughout the day. For weight loss support, rebound for 15-20 minutes at moderate intensity in one period, at least three times per week. Don’t rebound right after eating or drinking.
Recommended Rebounders
A simple, budget-friendly version A higher quality rebounder with included extras
Do you have a trampoline? Do you regularly rebound?
Sources: The Seven Day Detox Miracle, http://rebound-air.com/best_rebounding_33_ways.htm, http://www.extremehealthradio.com/5-benefits-of-rebounding-and-why-you-should-start-rebounding-today/
I have a Jump Sport rebounder. It has bungee cords rather than springs and is very quiet.
Rebounding is Great! Please Rebound 15 – 20 Minutes only. Long Periods of Rebounding will create a detox Overload Crisis. Must give your body time to eliminate the Toxins. DAILY Bowel Movements are important.
How much time does one have to give their body to eliminate toxins? Can I do more than one 15-20 session on a rebounder per day, as long as I give my body enough time in between for toxin elimination (and if so, how long would that be between sessions)? How will I know if I’m overdoing it (what are the symptoms of detox overload)? Thanks for info!
Ok, I see it says not to wear restrictive clothing and that jiggling is fine but what about if you have large breasts? It doesn’t seem like that would be good to be bouncing….
Wear what allows you to rebound most comfortably. Even if you wear a tight sports bra, you’ll still get benefits of rebounding.
I wear a comfy sports bra
I’ve been rebounding for about a month now and I’ve gotten great results. I’m 71 years old and I had a big stomach and high blood pressure with a reading of 160-170/80 every day and now my B/P has gone down to an average of 140/75 of course I’ve added a Natural Slim meal plan of carbs, protein and Vegetables. My goal is to rebound everyday until my B/P completely normalizes. And as a bonus I can now see my six-pack! And this is without suffering any joint aches. I’m not kidding.
Congrats! 🙂
Susan
I bought a Bellicon a few months ago after having a cheap rebounder for about a year. The Bellicon is definately worth the investment! In about six weeks I saw such amazing results that my husband decided to start using it too.( He did not exercise at all before but now he uses it every day.)I can eat the way I did when I was young, I am 43 now. I no longer need to watch what I eat or feel guilty and worry that I will gain fat for eating. I lost all excess body fat in a few weeks. I had to have all my pants and skirts taken in. I have six pack abs, which I have never had before. I have muscles in my back which is something I have always lacked and caused me to have a lot of back pain issues. Everyday I was astonished at how great my body looks, all due to the Bellicon! My friends noticed a differnce too and a few are looking into buying. I can’t believe the whole world dosen’t know about this excercise it seems to me like the cure to the worlds weight problem besides many other issues.
Did you see results from using your first rebounder too, or only after using the Bellicon? You didn’t change your diet at all to get abs and lose inches? I’m so hoping I get good results without any other lifestyle changes. I’m using a cheap rebounder, though. I can’t afford a more expensive one right now. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have an “Urban Rebounder.” I’ve had it for over 10 years and use it daily. It’s still just like new. I just checked online and they are for sale for $99.00 with free shipping.
Bellicon’s are great, but they cost over $500.00 last time I checked. You just don’t have to pay that much to get a really good rebounder. Just sayin’.
I’m interested to hear from people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia who have used a rebounder. What, if any, benefits have there been to your health?
I have Fibromyalgia and CFS and have been rebounding for the past year. Sometimes it’s hard to “feel like” rebounding because I ache so I usually turn on a show and start walking in place on the trampoline, before I know it I’m running or jumping and my body feels great. Getting the blood pumping and lymph system flowing helps me throughout the days. I started slow and worked up to 20 min over a couple weeks. I mix it up with different movements. I try to do 4-5 times per week, and end my session with light foam rolling. I feel fitter and stronger since starting this exercise. Good luck!
I am wondering exactly what type of jumping do people do to get abs and weight loss benefits? Is your rebounding simply bouncing/jumping up and down, or do you do incorporate various adaptations, like bouncing while v-seated on trampoline to strengthen abs? Please share any jumping variations and routines you use. Thanks a bunch!