In recent years trampolining has become a popular way for both children and adults to keep fit in the backyard. The benefits of regular bouncing are supported by scientific research which states that trampolining is 68 per cent more efficient than running, making it one of the best forms of exercise. Not only that, it has psychological and rehabilitation benefits and is generally enjoyable.
Research
The benefits of trampoline exercise have been analyzed by NASA scientists. The report published by the "Journal of Applied Physiology" states that "for similar levels of heart rate and oxygen consumption, the magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running." The results showed that 10 minutes of bouncing on a trampoline provides the same level of results as 33 minutes of running, leading them to claim that "rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man."
Physical Benefits
Trampolining provides you with an aerobic workout, helping to improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system and improving your general fitness. This type of training helps to boost your body's metabolic rate and its ability to burn more calories as well as to burn fat. A 160 lb. adult bouncing on a trampoline for 30 minutes can burn around 133 calories. Regular bouncing helps to tone the body, especially the stomach, back and legs, as your core-stability muscles are constantly engaged to help keep you balanced. Regular trampoline exercise is also good for your immune system, which helps keep your body's natural defenses high and reduces the chance of getting sick, according to Dr. Morton Walker, who published a list of trampoline health benefits in the Townsend Letter for Doctors.
Psychological Benefits
Participation in trampoline exercise releases endorphins, your body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, from the brain which help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and leave you feeling invigorated. Regular use of a trampoline can also help boost your mental health, according to Bouncing With Health. It can improve self-confidence, encourage regular sleeping patterns and help make you feel more awake. This rise in energy levels is a result of the increased flow of oxygen in your body after bouncing.
Good for Bones
Although bouncing provides intense training for the cardiovascular system and muscles, it is a low-impact workout. This is because the equipment absorbs 80 percent of the shock from the rebound. This reduction in the amount of shock absorbed by the bones and joints reduces the chances of injury. According to many medical professionals and according to the research carried out by NASA, Trampolining can also help reduce the risk of bone conditions such as brittle bone disease, fractures and osteoporosis, as slight impact when landing helps to strengthen the bones and improve bone density. NASA found it helped rebuild astronauts' bone mass after they returned from space, where they had lost nearly 15 percent muscle and bone mass in just two weeks.
Considerations
As with any form of exercise it is important to consult your physician before taking part in a new activity. However, the intense yet low-impact workout provided by rebounding makes it suitable for senior citizens, people with disabilities and those undergoing rehabilitation following an injury. A report published in the "Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation" confirms this, stating that "the mini-trampoline provides a convenient form of exercise with a major advantage being its apparent low level of trauma to the musculoskeletal system." Children should always be supervised while bouncing on a trampoline and moves such as somersaults should not be performed without the supervision of a qualified coach.
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