What is rebounding? Simply put, it’s bouncing (or jumping,) typically on a mini trampoline. Using small, controlled movements, it has a low impact on your joints, but it is a very effective way to exercise every cell in your body. Gently jumping for just ten to twenty minutes a day will help detox your body, and can be done while watching TV, listening to your favorite music, or outside in the fresh air. Even 3 or 5 minutes will make a remarkable difference!
Rebounding is especially helpful to your lymphatic system, your body’s “trashcan.” The lymph system is a network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels that move lymph fluid around your body, and is a major part of your immune system. As lymph fluid flows through the body (similar to the way blood circulates through the cardiovascular system), it passes through lymph nodes, which filter the fluid, trapping and destroying harmful organisms. When the lymphatic system is weak or underperforming, your body isn’t able to properly dispose of these toxins. However, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump, so it relies on the body as a whole to circulate fluid through muscle contraction, gravity, and movement. Rebounding creates the perfect synergy of these three things.
This is why it is so important to keep the lymph moving throughout the body and lymph glands. When you are sedentary the lymph is not circulating enough to move the toxins and waste products for elimination and as they build up your body feels lethargic and stagnant. Swollen ankles and feet are often a sign of lymph building up. Any activity or motion that utilizes the larger muscles will help the lymph moving.
When you jump on a trampoline, you strengthen and cleanse your cells at the same time using gravity, acceleration and deceleration. These three forces combine to squeeze out toxins from the cells at the bottom of the bounce. At the top of the bounce, pressure is decreased, and your lymph can flow upwards. Circulation is enhanced, and the lymphatic system is pumped and cleansed. This means every cell in your body including those in your brain, head, heart, organs and legs are reaping the benefits as you bounce up and down. In fact, studies by NASA scientists show that rebounding on a trampoline is 68% more effective than jogging, yet it requires less effort and is easier on your body.
What Rebounding Can Do For You
While rebounding promotes a healthy lymphatic system, there are also many other benefits you can gain from this activity. Unfortunately, because it is such a simple concept many people dismiss it as having little to no value. Rebounding goes way beyond exercise and is suitable for people at all fitness levels. It is a whole-body exercise where every single cell is rejuvenated and oxygenated!
In his book Jumping for Health, Dr. Morton Walker claims that just 2 minutes of rebounding offers equivalent physical benefits as 6 minutes of running, 10 minutes of swimming and 22 minutes of walking! Other benefits of rebounding include:
- Increases cardiorespiratory fitness
- Improves circulation
- Strengthens and cleanses cells – moves cellular waste out
- Makes bones denser
- Improves coordination and balance
- Tones and strengthens muscles
- Increases energy
- Boosts lymphatic and immune systems and aids in detoxification
- Protects joints from impact injury caused by hard surfaces
- Can aid in reducing blood pressure
- Enhances digestion and elimination
- Improves mental performance
- Supports a deeper and more restful sleep
Getting Started
There are many different brands, styles and price ranges, so always do your research to find what will work best for you. As with everything else, you get what you pay for so consider the quality, not just the cost when purchasing. Make sure the one you choose has well designed springs, resilient fabric and quality construction.
You don’t want a cheap one where the fabric could deteriorate and tear, resulting in a fall or injury. For good quality you are probably looking at $100-$200 dollars, but they will last so much longer and will be safer. Most higher quality rebounders will come with an instructional guide or DVD to get you started, but no matter which one you choose, remember to always listen to your body.
Start with slow bounces or alternating heel lifts while keeping your feet on the mat. Once you are comfortable with this, you can increase the effort and move to a gentle jog (bouncing just a little higher, but still keeping your feet on the mat). If your body is ready for more activity, try a lifting your feet off the mat when you bounce (no more than 4”). There is no special routine needed. As your body gains strength and becomes used to the movement on the rebounder, you can do more and go higher.
After I rebound, I like to end with some gentle stretching and drink plenty of water to help flush even more toxins out. Rebounding has been around for a number of years, yet some may think it couldn’t possibly be of much benefit to health because it can be so much fun. No matter what your initial thoughts about rebounding, don’t jump to the wrong conclusion! This is a safe and gentle way to both move your body and help it to detox. I encourage you to give it a try!
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not to be construed as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. These statements made have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be taken as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician.
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