Bounce Your Way to Health!
Bounce Your Way to Health! The Amazing Benefits of Rebounding
Years ago, on the brink of turning 25, I made a life-changing commitment: to exercise daily for the rest of my life. Over the decades, my routine has evolved—from jogging and yoga to dance aerobics. But nothing has brought as much joy and total-body benefit as rebounding, i.e., jumping/bouncing on a mini-trampoline.
I discovered rebounding in my early 50s after watching an infomercial that piqued my curiosity. Not long after, I bought a Rebound Air—a unit developed by gymnast and rebounding pioneer Albert E. Carter. Today, I use the Cellerciser, another top-tier model, and I bounce every morning for 15–20 minutes. It’s fun, invigorating, and makes me feel like a kid again!
Why I Still Rebound Every Day (18 Years Later):
Mood Booster – Even during emotionally tough times, rebounding uplifts my spirits.
Balance Enhancer – It’s helped me regain my footing quickly during the past month when I tripped on unseen dips on the sidewalk and a hose at the carwash.
Joint-Friendly Cardio – Unlike jogging, it’s gentle on my knees and other joints which I must be mindful of because I have bunions.
Muscle Toner – Keeps my legs and arms strong and toned.
A Quick History: Albert E. Carter introduced rebounding in the 1970s after noticing its profound benefits for his and his children's health especially for strength, energy, and focus. His book The Miracle of Rebound Exercise helped popularize inthe 1970s and 1980s it alongside a NASA study showing how rebounding helped astronauts regain muscle that was lost during their time while being weightless in space. Although interest in rebounding waned by the 1990s after the U.S. market was flooded with poor-quality mini-trampolines, its popularity resurged in the 2000s thanks to better equipment, influencers like Tony Robbins, and the emergence of YouTube which gave a platform for rebounding videos. Also the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a growth in home exercise equipment including rebounders. In recent years, a number of fitness studios have begun to offer classes in rebounding.
Six Key Benefits of Rebounding That Can be Summarized with B.O.U.N.C.E.:
Balance – Enhances stability and posture
Oxygenate – Improves circulation and brain function
Uplift – Elevates your mood through the release of endorphins and reduces stress
Nourish – Boosts lymphatic drainage and detoxes
Core – Strengthens stabilizer and pelvic floor muscles
Energize – Recharges your body with feel-good movement
Getting Started:
Research and Choose Quality: Invest in a spring-based, high-quality rebounder like the ReboundAir or Cellerciser. Avoid cheap models.
Add Music: Create a playlist of upbeat songs (I love classic rock tunes like “Jumping Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones and “Jump” by Van Halen.)
Schedule Your Time: Start with just 3–5 minutes a day and gradually build up to 15–20 minutes.
Have Fun: Let your inner child out to play! Take a light-hearted approach to this form of exercise.
