The Rebounder

• Rebounding for fitness purposes first appeared in the early 1970s. Rebounders have since experienced rises and falls in popularity.
  
  However, the rebounder is becoming increasingly popular based on user testimony and studies conducted by NASA, followed by a report that outlines the value of the rebounder not only for fitness, but also for improved health.
  
  NASA has used rebounders to help returning astronauts adjust to life in an atmosphere with gravity and to help them recover from the weakened condition that results from a period in space.
  
  

What NASA Says About Rebounders

• In 1980, a report on a scientific study conducted at the NASA-Ames Research Center in California was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. The study found that rebounding for exercise eliminates undue pressure on joints and all parts of the body.
  
  The report continued to say that less stress is placed on the heart, even though rebounding still works the heart effectively, and that oxygen is used more efficiently by the body when rebounding than when running.
  
  

Health Benefits

• The health benefits of rebounding for fitness go beyond providing a way to exercise that is safer for your joints. Using a rebounder burns calories and builds muscle mass, both important for a weight-loss program.
  
  Rebounder exercise is also good for your lymphatic system--lymph is the fluid that travels through your body cleansing cells and carrying away toxins. Additionally, rebounding helps guard against cardiovascular disease and increases immunity; aids in digestion and improves balance; normalizes blood pressure, relieves sleep problems and lowers cholesterol levels.
  
  

Who Can Use a Rebounder

• Most people can do rebounder exercise from childhood to senior adulthood. Rebounding is simple to do and can be done at home. Those who are recovering from illnesses and injuries and who need a gentle way to exercise and rehabilitate the musculoskeletal system can use a rebounder.
  
  

How to Buy

• When shopping for your rebounder, look for one that offers a warranty that covers all parts for breakage or damage aside from normal wear and tear.
  
  Your rebounder should have sturdy, barrel-shaped springs, and a mat that is resistant to weather and to tearing and stretching.
  
  Before buying, try out different brands of rebounders. The bounce should be soft and not jarring to your joints, yet firm enough to give you a solid landing. Look closely at each type of rebounder to determine its level of stability and the quality of the frame, springs, mat and other components.