The Health Benefits of Jumping on Trampolines

Think you outgrew trampolines year ago? Wrong! Trampolines are a great way to get your cardiovascular exercise in, and a fun way to do it with the whole family. Trampolines have become increasingly popular and are frequently purchased by parents wanting to keep their children fit and occupied through the summer months.  However many people are unaware of all the health benefits of trampoline exercise for adults as well, also known as rebounding.  Rebounding is an aerobic exercise that strengthens every part of the body and is safe and gentle enough for everyone to benefit from, both old and young.]

Here are some reasons why Health Fitness Revolution believes you should vary your workouts and try letting loose on a trampoline:

• Increased Cardiovascular Conditioning: Studies of both sedentary, middle-aged women and highly trained athletes alike demonstrate a modest but significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness with regular, 30-minute trampoline workouts.

• Better Posture:  The increased muscle strength which is associated with the regular use of a trampoline, particularly in the areas of the back and the stomach, means our muscles are better able to support the spine, which, in turn, can help to prevent – and even reverse – conditions commonly associated with poor posture.

• Better Bone Density:  bouncing repeatedly puts bones under small amounts of stress sufficient to help them build themselves up to cope with that stress. This in turn reduces the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

• Increased Balance and Coordination:  the action of bouncing while trying to maintain balance and coordinate bodily extremities calls on both sides of the body and even the brain to become engaged.

• Easy on the Joints:  The action of using a trampoline helps to strengthen the tendons, ligaments and muscles around the joints, thus easing the pressure on the joints themselves.

• Stress Reduction:  Rebounding can decrease stress hormones like cortisol, and increase endorphins which are your body’s feel-good chemicals. Also just the physical activity of bouncing and having so much fun can take your mind off your problems.

• Increased Leg Strength:  Gymnastics coaches have been using trampolines for years to train athletes.  In studies, participants who rebounded regularly saw a 30% leg strength increase in their legs.

• Pain Reduction:  The gentle action of the trampoline – and the weightlessness achieved at the height of each bounce – can, in some cases, be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of common ailments such headaches, joint and back pain and arthritis.

• Improved lymphatic circulation: The short periods of weightlessness between periods of higher than average G forces that occur while bouncing actually helps the body get rid of toxins; physical activity and gravity effects are essential to the lymphatic system achieving this and both are more actively engaged when trampolining than with almost any other sport.

• Perceived as easier than traditional aerobic activities: An interesting study found that although the heart rates of sedentary women increased with increasing bounce rate, their rating of perceived exertion did not. This suggests that bouncing may feel easier and be more pleasurable to non-exercisers than other forms of cardiovascular exercise- which means anyone can have fun doing it!

• Can Be Done at ANY Age:  There is no age limit with this exercise, it can be a fun family activity and is ideal for those of an older age as it provides a safe, gentle, no-impact exercise.. Rebounding is suitable for everyone and can be adjusted to your fitness level and can be done in the comfort of your home!