Rebounding for Spinal Health

Bouncing on a rebounder, or mini-trampoline, uses gravity, acceleration and deceleration to strengthen your muscles and joints, including the spine. Unlike running and jogging, you are not exposed to joint-jarring impact every time your foot lands on the trampoline. Your body will experience up to 1 1/2 times normal gravity but is low-impact since the bouncing surface absorbs the impact. Rebounding strengthens all of your bones, including your spine, and helps to move cerebral-spinal fluid and remove cellular waste for improved health.

Reduce Tension

A stiff back can inhibit your movements and make you feel tired. Gently rebounding on a mini-trampoline can help loosen up your spine joints and relax tight back muscles. Bouncing on a rebounder also helps to improve your balance and align your spinal column as your back muscles constantly adjust to maintain balance. Strengthening the back muscles by rebounding also helps to stabilize your spinal column.

Bone Health

Low-impact exercise, such as bouncing on a mini-trampoline, helps to strengthen the bones and improve and maintain bone health. People who suffer from osteoporosis may develop a rounded back due to softening of the bones of the spinal column. Rebounding can also help to prevent and can reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Rebounding is safer and more efficient at restoring bone and preventing bone loss than running or jogging. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, see your doctor and follow her advice about exercise and rebounding.

Spinal Fluid Movement

Any exercise will help to move spinal fluid, but rebounding is a low-impact way to move spinal fluid with a low risk of injury. The body’s reaction to the up and down bouncing with increased gravitational force stimulates the movement of spinal fluid through the spinal column and moves lymphatic fluids around the body. Movement of the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and in the spinal column helps to transport nutrients to the spine and brain and facilitate the removal of cellular waste.

Safety

A rebounder mini-trampoline is not a toy and should not be used by children. Keep your rebounder away from children. Do not attempt to perform tricks or high bounces on a rebounder. Falls from a mini-trampoline can result in serious injury. Always check your rebounder for tears, fraying or damaged springs. Use a rebounder only on a level surface away from low-hanging light fixtures and ceiling fans. Make sure there are no objects under or around the rebounder before jumping. Wear non-skid shoes or socks when bouncing to avoid falls. See your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to use a mini-trampoline to exercise. Never use a rebounder with another person. If you become dizzy or disoriented, bend your knees to stop bouncing and wait until the dizziness subsides before continuing to exercise.