Tiny Trampoline, Big Magic
A couple of years ago I bought a cheap Amazon rebounder, which is a mini-trampoline. I bought the BCAN, which uses springs, and for the first couple of years, it was fine.
With psoriasis, I wanted an easy way to exercise my lymphatic system. I was dealing with a lot of toxicity.
A few weeks ago, I upgraded to a JumpSport rebounder, and the difference is night and day from the cheaper one I bought from Amazon.
My JumpSport has got more resistance and isn't as jarring to my joints as the spring rebounder is when you jump longer than 20 minutes.
I was able to jump barefoot on the spring mini-trampoline, but need shoes with the JumpSport because the resistance is stiffer. There isn't as much 'spring' with the cords vs springs, but you get a better workout because you have to push down on the mat harder to get lift.
Rebounding is fun, and the fitness payoff for 20 minutes of jumping is phenomenal.
There are plenty of free rebounding videos on YouTube, but my favorite channel is San Fran Fitness.
They have tons of beginner videos and the husband/wife team that teach are funny and warm. Here is my favorite beginner workout:
How does Rebounding feel different from other forms of exercise?
It's challenging to jump around like a maniac on a small trampoline without a safety bar. I'm nearsighted with presbyopia issues, and I have to be careful I don't careen off the pad when jumping.
But I love it.
I did use a safety bar for a couple of months, but quickly ditched it when I started doing more complicated routines. There is a lot of arm waving and flapping now, and I need all the space I can get.
When I'm familiar with a routine, I can lose myself in the music and there is a sense of euphoria that I used to get when I was a runner.
Rebounding on a min-trampoline is much easier on your joints than running. Many routines are available where you run on the trampoline if you miss it, but honestly, I get more benefits from jumping than I ever did running.
And I don't know where you can get a cardio workout as well as a full-body resistance workout in 20 minutes.
I find jumping to be fun and I look forward to my session. I feel great all day, and if I do it when I get up in the morning, I've already got 6000 steps knocked out, in addition to getting my lymphatic system primed for maximum detoxification.
What benefits have I noticed, and do I use it for reasons other than exercise?
My face and neck, especially under my chin, is looking more chiseled. When you jump, every muscle in your body is getting a workout. You also get rid of puffiness under the eyes and chin.
I also have occasional vertigo. I know, why would I jump on a trampoline with vertigo?
Actually, regular bouncing keeps it in check. I think it has something to do with keeping the inner ear challenged to keep you upright with all that bouncing. But in all seriousness, I've noticed a huge difference in my balance.
Here's another reason to have a mini-trampoline--chest colds.
If I bounce for a few minutes when I wake up, I can clear out whatever is hanging around my upper bronchial tubes. I get over chest colds pretty fast now.
Another benefit?
Um...getting fiber out of your body through natural means.
Everything in your body is affected by bouncing, including your colon. With regular bouncing, if you are inclined towards constipation, well...you won't be anymore.
Ladies...it strengthens your pelvic floor like nothing else does! You can cough and sneeze after you've been bouncing for a while without panicking.
I don't seem to have any neck and shoulder pain anymore. Everything is loose and supple. I do some fascia stretches too, but I think bouncing does a lot to keep me flexible and able to stand all day working in my studio without feeling like a train hit me at night.
Long story short, your organs will smile if you bounce for 20 minutes a day!
Random fact about me: I am intrigued with Tuvan throat singing, and one of my favorite groups is The Hu. I even bought merch online from The Hu which I've never done with any other group!