Rebounding, also known as trampolining has been has been around for about 20 years as an alternative to running, jogging and spending hours pounding on a treadmill. These last three methods of exercise can have long term harmful effects on the joints and cause shin splints, knee, back and hip problems in later life.
NASA, in a scientific study, sang the praises of rebounding in 1980 but it seems to have taken a couple of decades for us to fully realise just how uniquely beneficial this type of exercise can be. NASA discovered that the ratio of oxygen consumption is twice as efficient during rebounding than treadmill running and sometimes is just below 4-Gs. (four times G-force - Gravitational Load). Normally our body weight is 1-G and 4-G is most efficient for oxygen absorption.
Astronauts have been rebounding for decades because of the positive NASA findings which also found that this form of exercise was extremely helpful in rebuilding the bone and muscle mass that astronauts lose in the weightlessness they experience in space.
Rebounding is not frantic leaping into the air and landing - it is a deep bounce followed by small methodical movements which aim to build resistance. With rebounding your feet will hardly leave the mat of the rebounder. Unlike a traditional trampoline the mat on a rebounder is much tighter as are the springs. This tension reverses the trampoline principle and gives a more downward movement rather than an upward one.
This means, as it is so gentle, that it is ideal for chronically ill people, the elderly and the physically handicapped, in fact anyone who needs gentle, but effective, exercise. For those who simply want to tone up and build stamina it is also an simpler way to achieve a leaner body. It can be a family exercise regime - grandparents to children - everyone can bounce at their own pace and have fun at the same time.
Rebounding is great news for the joints - there is no pressure put on even painful or arthritic joints. It is zero-impact and improves circulation, promotes better equilibrium, increases strength and yet is not a dreaded chore. It is the most effective and efficient way to exercise the entire body.
Bouncing on a rebounder also will firm your legs, hips, thighs, stomach and arms. It reduces the excess body fat and stimulates the metabolism. All this as well as being completely safe and causing no harm to the joints.
Every cell in the body is strengthened with rebounding whereas with treadmill jogging only the muscle cells are strengthened. This simplest of acts - bouncing up and down countering gravity also stimulates the lymphatic system, digestion, reproductive organs and your brain without any trauma to any part of your body.
So surely this rebounding is worth a try but first do take care and buy high end as an inferior rebounder will simply not be as effective. While you're bouncing you can reminisce about childhood days when you visited your grandparents, headed for their bedroom, and immediately climbed up and bounced on their bed.
