Jumping on a mini-trampoline, known as "rebounding" by some in the fitness industry, can be an effective workout for children who love jumping on the bed through older adults trying to stay young at heart. Those with limited mobility and other conditions can benefit from mini trampolines because rebounding is a relatively "no impact" form of exercise. Most trampolines come with stabilizers that can be attached to help beginners with balance.
Works Your Heart
A study on rebounding reported in the November 1980 edition of the "Journal of Applied Physiology" found that jumping on a trampoline led to a higher heart rate and oxygen intake than running. Another study conducted by University of New Mexico and University of North Dakota fitness researchers Colleen McGlone, Len Kravitz, Ph.D., and Jeffrey M. Janot found that rebounding burned about 9.5 calories per minute.
Builds Strength
In 2002, the American Council on Exercise listed rebounding as one of the year's top fitness trends because of its potential to help the body gain strength more efficiently without absorbing the shock of high-impact aerobics. Many of the twisting motions build oblique muscles, which contribute to a stronger core. Other muscle-toning exercises can also be done on a mini trampoline, forcing the body to maintain balance throughout the motion.
Stimulates the Lymphatic System
According to Minna Lessig, a fitness contributor for CBS' "Early Show," rebounding stimulates the lymphatic system, which constantly flushes metabolic waste from the body. The change in movement activates one-way valves in the lymphatic veins: Bouncing upward causes the valves to open, while coming down makes them close. This helps rid your body of toxins and tones and tightens the skin.
Fights Fatigue
Podiatrist Dr. Morton Walker, author of "Jumping for Health," claims that rebounding helps fight fatigue by toning the glandular system (thyroid, pituitary and adrenals) that help to restore energy. It can also lead to improved sleep.
Improves Coordination
Synching your movements with the effects of gravity (while trying to maintain your balance) can quicken your reflexes through the transmission of more impulses and responsiveness of muscle fibers as well as improve body control/awareness. This can benefit those rehabilitating injured muscles as well as conditioned athletes looking to improve their game.
Wards Off Premature Aging
Because rebounding has such a positive effect on the heart and circulatory system, Walker thinks it has the potential to fight premature aging. He also thinks it helps other parts of the body and systems affected by the aging process: brain, skin, skeleton, libido, kidneys, liver and enzymes.
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