I’ve tried a lot of different forms of exercise over the years. I was always a fan of step aerobics because it was fun and a good workout, but I started having knee issues. Two years ago, I tried my first mini trampoline (rebounding) class at Board30. I quickly realized a few things. 

It was different than what I thought – in a very good way. You don’t jump the same as a trampoline in your backyard – instead, you push down.  I was sore for days which means I worked muscles that don’t regularly get worked and the time flew by because I was having so much fun.

Fast forward two years later and I’ve toned stubborn areas of my legs that never responded to other forms of exercise. And it’s not just my legs – it’s a full body workout. There are very few exercises that can stimulate every part of your body, as rebounding does. 

Most of the bounce classes involve sculpting intervals so I also see a change in my upper body, core and posture. Bouncers reap many hidden benefits just by jumping around and having fun. Here’s a few I learned:

1. Jumping requires the use of multiple muscles so the force of the jump puts all your muscles into action simultaneously. 
2. As we get older, our bones become weakened. Data shows regular bouncing can help improve bone density. 
3. You may feel off balance at first, but regular bouncing can improve balance, coordination and motor skills, and actually reduce your risk of falling. 
4. You get killer cardio which is vital to overall heart health. 
5. It’s a great exercise for stress relief because jumping causes you to tense and release your muscles with every jump, releasing endorphins at the same time.
6. It’s good for boosting immunity and fighting infections. I read that if you rebound for 10 minutes, the elevation in white cells stays active for an hour and then gets carried out by your lymphatic system and spread around the body to rid of germs.  
7. Unlike running, rebounding is less strenuous on your knees and that’s a problem for many people. Bouncing on a mini trampoline can help you recover from spine, joints and muscle misalignment. 
8. Bouncing is an excellent way to combat bloating and boost your metabolism.
9. I have to admit I didn’t know this, but I read online that when you put pressure on your body with some g-force, your optic nerves get stimulated and bouncing helps your eye lens stimulation and promotes better eyesight.  
10. Not that any of us are going to space anytime soon, but fun fact to share. NASA recommends rebounding exercises to their returned astronauts to reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Jumping on a mini trampoline can change this effect because the reason for developing osteoporosis in those astronauts was zero gravity. So, it’s NASA approved. 

I’ll stop at 10 but there are countless benefits to bouncing on a mini trampoline, and there are nearly zero side effects. I urge you to give it a try – I’m so glad I did. It’s changed the way I work out. Each instructor at Board30PV has her own flair she brings to the workouts so you may want to rotate until you find your favorite classes (and music). Then you’ll have the tough decision of picking just one, but you’ll never be disappointed.