Rebounding

[Cathya]

I have recently taken up rebounding for exercise and because I have read that the bouncing really helps the lymphatic system, immune system etc. Does anyone out there have any thoughts or experience with rebounding on a mini trampoline. I find it very convenient and am able to be more consistent each day in getting exercise but I am curious to know if it provides "added value" beyond walking.

Thanks,

Cathy

[TriciaK]

Dear Cathy, my husband and I use a mini-trampoline for rebounding exercise, too, and love it. We definitely notice benefits, including more energy. My husband has severe rheumatoid arthritis and I have fibromyalgia besides heart problems and fighting cancer, so most exercise, even walking, is difficult. The rebounder is fun and easy. I can even dance! I've always loved to dance and had missed it, but now it's possible again. Rebounding is easy and safe, no weather problems or need to change clothes or have special shoes. I believe it does stimulate the immune system and even exercises cells, lymph, heart, muscles and so on. The exercise can be as simple as just gentle bouncing or as vigorous as you want. My rebounder has a bar attached for balance, which I definitely recommend. Hugs, Tricia

[StephN]

Well, I am SO glad you posted about this.
When I first was diagnosed 5 years ago my Dad gave me his rebounder and I had it on the patio and used it for a while. Then the weather turned, it got put in the garage, things put in front of it and my cancer came back and flattened me. I see it peeking out every now and then when I am looking for something in the garage, but now I am going to go get it out! I have space in my rec room now that some of my deceased mother-in-laws furniture was sold!
Yay!

Not sure about all the benefits of using it other than balance and heart rate, but that is enough for me.

[Sandy H]

That was highly recommended by my supplement consultant a couple years ago. I did get one and used it for a while but as Steph said it got put in back of things and I knew it was there but decided biking and walking outside was better. Now, that it is colder and soon will be snow I will get it out and use it along with my treadmill. Some times it doesn't take much to get us back on the right track. hugs, Sandy

[StephN]

OK - Sandy, I got my "rebounder" out of the garage and have actually used it.
How about you??
After reading this article and a couple of others, I think I had better stick with it. This exercise should also help your lymph problem. Full article is this link:

http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?invocationType=wscreen-searchbox&query=rebounding%20exercise

And here is a good excerpt:

The Many Benefits of Rebounding

Rebounding Benefits the Body in 30 Healthful ways

Rebounding is an exercise that reduces your body fat, firms your legs, thighs, abdomen, arms, and hips, increases your agility, improves your sense of balance; strengthens your muscles over all; provides an aerobic effect for your heart; rejuvenates your body when it's tired, and generally puts you in a state of health and fitness.

You can easily perform this exercise in your living room, your office, and your yard. The traveler may wish to carry a portable rebounder aboard an airliner for use in a hotel room. It's the most convenient, metabolically effective form of exercise around.

There are 30 major health advantages of regular rebounding:

It increases the capacity for breathing.
It circulates more oxygen to the tissues.
It helps combat depression.
It causes muscles to perform work in moving fluids through the body to lighten the heart's load.
It tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during exertion.
It lessens the time during which blood pressure remains abnormal after severe activity.
It holds off the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
It increases the functional activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.
It aids lymphatic circulation, as well as the flow in the veins of the circulatory system.
It encourages collateral circulation.
It strengthens the heart and other muscles in the body so that they work more efficiently.
It allows the resting heart to beat less often.
It lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It stimulates the metabolism.
It promotes body growth and repair.
It tones up the glandular system, especially the thyroid to increase its output.
It adds to the alkaline reserve of the body which may be of significance in an emergency requiring prolonged effort.
It chemically attains absolute potential of the cells.
It reserves bodily strength and physical efficiency.
It expands the body's capacity for fuel storage and endurance.
It improves coordination through the transmission of nerve impulses and responsiveness of the muscle fibers.
It affords muscular vigor from increased muscle fiber tone.
It offers relief from neck and back pains, headaches, and other pain caused by lack of exercise.
It enhances digestion and elimination processes.
It allows for better and easier relaxation and sleep.
It results in a better mental performance, with keener learning processes.
It curtails fatigue and menstrual discomfort for women.
It minimizes the number of colds, allergies, digestive disturbances, and abdominal problems.
It tends to slow down aging.
It reduces the likelihood of obesity.


How Rebound Exercise Accomplishes Its Benefits

When jumping on a well-made rebounder, the exerciser usually feels invigorated and filled with a sense of well-being. People who rebound find they're able to work longer, sleep better, and feel less tense and nervous. The effect is not just psychological, because the action of bouncing up and down against gravity, without trauma to the musculoskeletal system, is one of the most beneficial aerobic exercises ever developed.

Rebounding aerobics is working with gravity to cleanse your tissue cells and act as an oxygenator, which, in turn, lightens the load on the heart. Also it's fun to bounce! Much more than fun, however, rebounding provides a number of physiological pick-me-ups for the person who sustains this activity for at least ten minutes, four times a day, or for a single daily session for 40 minutes. As you bounce, your feet hit the mat with twice the force of gravity. Then just as the astronauts experience while floating in space, your body is in a state of weightlessness at the top of the bounce.

[Sandy H]

Steph I got mine as a rebounder. It folds in the middle and has a bag to carry it in. I had a mini trampoline I had gotten at Sears but found it was too stiff for my legs and knees. The rebounder is softer and flexible. I did research before purchasing the rebounder and my supplement consultant also suggested it. She said with my fibromyalgia I needed to be very careful with leg and knee pain. I used it at first but then my lymphedema was moving around and fluid would get trapped in my chest wall and that caused me lots of pain. I am going to try again and see if I can make it work this time. I am also going to talk to my lymphedema specialist about it. I have a video that tells all the benefits of it. hugs, Sandy