What Is Rebounding?
Put simply – bouncing on a mini trampoline. Unlike regular trampolining, the aim isn’t to bounce high or perform gymnastic tricks, but to perform a series of small, controlled movements.
"Just bought myself a mini trampoline... and what a hoot! It's surprisingly good exercise, and I can have a bounce whilst watching the telly. I'm planning to use it most evenings when I come home from work - I usually just collapse in front of the box” – Sarah X
Benefits of Rebounding
A zero-impact exercise, rebounding provides many benefits for you and your body:
- Improves circulation
- Increases the capacity of heart and lungs
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Improves co-ordination and balance
- Reduces stress and tension
- Improves muscle tone (particularly legs, thighs, hips, abdomen and arms)
- Increases energy and vitality
- Boosts the lymphatic and immune system
- Fits in with your lifestyle
- AND IS GREAT FUN!
“I've got a rebounder, I find it's very good for me as I have a knee injury which means I can't run on the ground for any distance. I put on a good CD and bounce along. I find it's good exercise” – Alison G
Who Can Rebound?
Moms, dads, children, grandparents… Rebounding is suitable for all ages and abilities! Stabilizing bars can be fitted which may help if you feel unsteady or are elderly, disabled or handicapped.
“Having had lots of problems that has prevent me doing any exercise for years due to wheelchair etc, I have discovered the wonders of rebounding! I started in the wheelchair with my feet on it and my husband bouncing. After a week of that I was able to sit on it myself and bounce. I have now progressed to standing whilst holding on to bar and bouncing myself. It has made me feel so much better and I get better at it daily.” - Maria
Buying A Rebounder
It's the old adage - you get what you pay for... inexpensive models can be stiff and don’t offer adequate cushioning and support.
Invest in a quality rebounder, which boasts:
- A stable 6 leg design - cheaper 4 leg models are known to topple over
- Unscrewable legs – for easy storage
- A solid spring system – to ensure adequate support for your joints
- A non-slip mat – for those trickier manoeuvrings!
"To all those wondering whether or not to go ahead and get one... all I can say is DO. Have just bought one and it is fantastic - mainly cos you feel so weightless when exercising rather than pounding along on the treadmill!!! It's really great - get one and try it!" – Jackie
Rebounding Exercises
If you feel you need a more regimented exercise routine – invest in a rebounding video.
“I have just bought a video called Cardio Bounce … it is really good! It is a complete workout lasting 45 mins but is split into sections: warmup, aerobics, stretching, etc. It has a section called gentle bounce for if you are not very fit as well. I can definitely recommend it! The music is a bit naff but if you complete all the sections you will really feel you have worked hard!” – Kazzie
Source: Weight Loss Resources