Simply bouncing on a mini trampoline positively affects every cell in the body.
Unlike other forms of exercise, rebound exercise uses gravity to optimize gains while conserving efforts, making it the most potent form of cellular exercise. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found rebound exercise to be 68% more efficient than running as it expends less energy and places less stress on the cardiovascular system and joints.[1]
Rebounding is another way to promote lymph flow and detox by simply using gravity and movement. As you know, the lymphatic system helps remove waste products, toxins, and other unwanted substances from the body’s tissues. Remember how we talked about the lymph fluid not having a major organ pumping it around our body?
Rebounding can help stimulate lymphatic flow by using the gravity-free up-and-down motion of bouncing on a mini trampoline to create pressure changes in the body. The bouncing motion helps open and close the one-way valves in the lymphatic vessels, which can then help move lymphatic fluid and waste products out of the tissues and towards the lymph nodes, where they can ultimately be filtered and eliminated from the body. Additionally, rebounding can help to increase circulation and oxygenation throughout your body.
Rebounding has been found to improve physical strength and muscular development. It’s easy on the joints and bones. It improves balance and coordination. It supports weight loss, reduces stress, and helps strengthen core stability. It has been found to improve the health of all age groups, and is available to anyone with the ability to simply bounce for a few minutes daily.
How do you do it you may ask? Just step onto the rebounding trampoline, keeping your feet shoulder width apart and in the center of the trampoline. Grab the handlebar if you have one, and relax your arms / shoulders. Lightly bounce up and down, keeping your knees slightly bent. Your feet do not have to come off the trampoline, but they can come up slightly if you choose and become skilled with the rebounder. Bounce 20-30 times, and then rest 15 seconds. Repeat 2-3 more times throughout the day. You just improved your health more than running, who knew?!
Rebounding is simple, fun, and highly effective. It costs very little, but the reward is significant. Lymphatic movement is not easy to detect—but once you get it moving, the sky is the limit on how well you feel! If you don’t have access to a mini trampoline, simply try bouncing up and down and at the same time shaking out your arms and hands. Our bodies (and minds) rely on movement—anything you can do to move your body will help move your lymph and keep your body active!
Credits:
[1] Okemuo AJ, Gallagher D, Dairo YM. Effects of rebound exercises on balance and mobility of people with neurological disorders: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2023 Oct 5;18(10):e0292312. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292312. PMID: 37797042; PMCID: PMC10553300. Summarized. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10553300/. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cover photo by jasper-garratt-Ng_Kl7K6V8Y-unsplash