Do you remember those mini trampolines your parents (or grandparents) loved to use in the 80’s? Well, they’re back, and better (for you than ever), but this time, let’s call it Rebounding.
Due to the pandemic and a host of celebrities like Goldie Hawn seen on TikTok and Instagram working it, there’s been a resurgence. But it’s more than the celebrity factor. Rebounding has caught on because there are so many health and fitness benefits, and so many different ages and bodies can do it.
For starters, did you know that this low-impact, high-cardio, anti-inflammatory exercise is more efficient than running, according to research in the Journal of Applied Physiology? But unlike high impact exercises like running, rebounding is the best exercise for lower back pain. Not only can it relieve your back pain it can also strengthen your back muscles.
When you jump on a mini trampoline, the muscles in your spine contract. This is what keeps your back stable when jumping and is why bouncing helps strengthen your back muscles, providing relief for back pain over time.
Plus, “it drains your lymphatic system,” says Tiffany Marie, certified personal trainer and founder/CEO of Trampoline Trim. “So we’re clearing toxins out of the body while also reducing inflammation.”
For the maturing population, rebounding has also been found to improve bone density, better your balance, and reduce pain severity, too. NASA also has used rebounding because it helps astronauts restore bone density, which is lost in zero gravity.
And if you’re a woman who has had children — and suffers from that awkward little problem of incontinence when you jump up and down — rebounding can actually help that.
Because you rebound indoors, and the mini trampoline doesn’t take up a whole lot of space (can easily be stored under a bed or up against a wall when not in use), it’s great for apartment dwellers, and can be done year-round, in all seasons and any kind of weather. And think of this: there’s the fun, funky, retro aspect to it.
If you don’t have an old rebounder stored in the basement, experts suggest buying one that sits at least eight inches above the ground and is made with a good fabric that retains elasticity and has some give to it.
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