Simple, compact and low impact – we’re adding some bounce to getting fit. So, why not join us!

Once upon a time a trip to the gym meant trying to avoid some rather threatening looking meatheads, veins angrily throbbing as they lifted impossibly large weights. Nowadays you’re more likely to encounter lots of rather cheerful looking people, decked out in Lycra leaping up on down on mini trampolines. The UK has officially embraced the rebounder.

WHAT IS A REBOUNDER?

In a nutshell, it’s just a small trampoline that’s essentially the same as the giant thing gathering moss in your garden. It’s a compact piece of kit that provides efficient, low-impact exercise and it’s a terrific way of getting fit and being kind to your joints. And because its compact size means that it’s pretty much suited to every home, you’re not at the mercy of the Great British weather (at the time of writing it’s rained pretty much every day since New Year).

We’ll get on to just some of the benefits shortly but it’s worth spending some time on the kit itself. There are so many rebounders, mini trampolines and trampettes available it can be quite overwhelming when looking to splash the cash. Take note, it’s best to avoid the super cheap ones unless you’re looking for a toy for the kids. If you really want to reap the benefits, then you must be prepared to invest in a quality product that’s a decent weight for stability and high enough off the ground to get a proper bounce in.

You’re then looking at either a bungee or spring rebounder. As long as you buy a quality product then both are perfectly good, it’s just a question of personal taste, goals and budget. Essentially a bungee is quieter, lower impact and more expensive. The spring rebounder (which you’re probably more familiar with from the gym) is best suited to a higher intensity workout and is a bit cheaper.

BENEFITS OF THE BOUNCE

The joy of the rebounder is that you can bend your exercise regime according to your personal fitness level and goals by simply incorporating different movement patterns into your bouncing. But here are just some of the health benefits you can expect:

Lymphatic drainage
This seems to be the one that most people associate with rebounding! The lymphatic system makes up a vital part of our immune systems by removing excess fluid from your tissues. Jumping up and down on a rebounder is incredible for boosting the lymphatic system as the one-way valves of the lymphatic system are forced to open at the top of the jump and close at the bottom of each bounce creating an invigorating lymphatic flush.

Kind on joints
If you want to put less stress on your joints while exercising than get a rebounder. Some experts reckon there’s as much as 85 per cent less shock of impact when using a high quality, well sprung rebounder, compared to working out on a hard surface. This means that you can work out for longer with a much-reduced risk of injury.

Muscle mass
As a weight bearing activity you can look forward to stronger bones while improving muscle strength and tone.

Core strength
The most efficient way to train our core is in the vertical position, which is how these muscles are used most of the time, improving posture and keeping us upright. So, no need for any more ab crunch workouts – hoorah!

Weight loss
Due to the unstable nature of a rebounder, 15 minutes of bouncing exercise has roughly the equivalent cardiovascular benefits of 30 minutes of jogging or running. Combined with a higher calorie burn per minute compared to jogging, it means a super-efficient way to lose weight.

Bone density
As we get older, we lose bone mass and mineral content from our bones. The gravitational force experienced at the bottom of the bounce strengthens bones which is great for helping keep us safe.

Improved digestion
The motion can stimulate the digestive tract and increase flexibility, while strengthening abdominal muscles.

Heart health
Like any cardio activity, the rebounder will help strengthen your heart muscles and decreases the amount of work your body has to do to pump blood – all very good news for your overall heart health.

Stress relief
There may be something to the phrase ‘jump for joy’ as bouncing around will help release endorphins — natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude.

So, there you have it. just some of the benefits… and we haven’t even mentioned strengthening your pelvic floor and improving bladder control. Not only is it great fun and an efficient way to stay fit, it’s also suited to all ages and fitness levels. And you can do it in the comfort of your own home, even though everyone seems to still want to do it in the gym!