Is An Exercise Trampoline for You?

It seems every time you turn around, there’s a new form of exercise being touted on late night TV infomercials, each one sounding more perfect than the rest, and all of them making claims that you will see the very results you have been wanting. It’s challenging not to get swept up by it all and reach for your credit card.

But what if it was really not hype that there is a small, unobtrusive piece of equipment, relatively inexpensive, that can provide similar benefits to walking or running, but with less impact to your joints and the added benefit of helping to cleanse your lymphatic system, flushing out toxins, and leading to increased health and vitality.

An exercise trampoline, otherwise known as a rebounder or a mini-trampoline, is that piece of equipment. Weighing far less than full-size trampolines, these smaller trampolines are designed to burn calories and fat, reduce stress, improve your circulation, boost your immune system, increase your energy, and improve your balance and coordination. And there’s more – it will also reenergize a sluggish lymphatic system, flushing toxins out of your system. The gentle, bouncing movement is easy on your joints, and can even prevent some arthritis. Using an exercise trampoline will firm and tone your entire body. Added to all this, jumping on a trampoline is more like fun and less like exercise – it will make you feel like a kid again!

N.A.S.A. conducted a study of rebounding, and they call it a “miracle exercise.” In their study, the scientists found that using an exercise trampoline was 68% more effective than using a treadmill.

What to Look for in an Exercise Trampoline

First of all, you get what you pay for, so please do not bother investing in the cheaper models sold in discount stores today. These poorly designed rebounders can actually do more harm than good, even though it may seem like the price is right.

Instead, you’ll want to choose from several reputable brands popular on the market today, many of them sold over the Internet. Consider looking into Urban Rebounder, Needak, Soft Bounce, or ReboundAIR to get a sense of what high quality exercise trampolines offer.


How to Use My Exercise Trampoline

You may have gotten a video when you purchased your rebounder. If not, you can order one; this will provide you with a good source of beginning instruction. You’ll want to wear loose clothing and properly fitting athletic shoes. Alternatively, you can jump barefooted. It is not recommended, however, that you jump just wearing socks, as this makes it easier to slip.

Start with the gentle “health bounce.” This movement alone, with your feet never leaving the mat, increases that lymphatic flow and in fact, burns as many calories as a brisk walk.

As you get more used to your exercise trampoline, you can add more aerobic bounces, which consist of standing in the center of your trampoline and then lifting one knee at a time as if you were stomping grapes. Once this feels comfortable, you can progress to jogging in place.

Next you can add the basic strength bounce: jumping with your whole body! Keep your knees slightly bent, and start low. The gravitational force is the key thing here, not how high you jump. This movement will strengthen every cell in your body.

You can begin with session of three to five minutes, and progress to twenty-thirty minute workouts performed several times a week. You’ll be amazed at the results and also by how enjoyable your exercise trampoline is to use.