Is bouncing the secret to a slim, young body? Expert reveals 8 reasons to jump on the bandwagon

WANT to shed some weight and roll back the years? Most of us are keen to look and feel younger.

But rather than shelling out a fortune on creams, cosmetics and treatments, bouncing on a trampoline could be a cheaper (and more enjoyable!) alternative.

Boucing or jumping has a number of health benefitsShutterstock

ShutterstockMini trampolines or rebounders can be used for home workouts, too[/caption]

And, you don’t need a huge trampoline in the back garden to see and feel the benefits. 

Bouncing on a mini trampoline – also known as rebouding – can be done in the comfort of home (rebounders sell for as litte as £50 on Amazon), or, there are now bouncing and jumping classes all over the country.

It surged in popularity over the Covid pandemic, as people looked for fun ways to exercise with minimal equipment.

You can even practise bouncing on a bed or a Bosu ball (aka, the Swiss ball cut in half).

It’s not just weight and youthfulness that benefit from a good bounce.

Kimberlee Perry is the Founder of BounceFitBody; she says that there are several benefits to this low-impact activity.

1. Anti-ageing 

Keen to retain your youth, or as much of it as you can? Well, bouncing could help.

“Continuous jumping drains the body’s lymphatic system of toxins, including dead cells,” says Kimberlee.

The lymphatic system is a web of vessels in the body that pass through lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are mainly in the neck, armpits and groin.

The lymphatic system helps protect us from infection and disease because the nodes filter harmful substances in the body. 

Lymphatic massage both of the face and body is hailed for it’s ability to debloat the belly, define the face and promote antiageing.

Kimberlee says that the magic of bouncing lies in its ability to promote optimal circulation through the lymphatic system and blood vesels, “allowing your body to rejuvenate from within”.

“But also, our classes induce natural perspiration – sweat; nature’s own elixir, cleanses your pores, and leaves you with a radiant fresh-face,” she says. 

2. Improve your balance

We can lose balance as we age, which can lead to an increased risk of falls. Plus, a lack of balance can make everyday activities – even walking -that much harder.

So, it’s best to try and counteract this and keep including exercises that can help maintain good balance.

“Rebounding workouts require multiple skills to be performed at the same time – bouncing, balancing on an unstable surface, maintaining the body’s position and anticipating the next action,” says Kimberlee.

3. Boost your bones

According to Kimberlee, jumping on a trampoline encourages the formation of osteoblasts – cells which form bone tissue and can stimulate bone growth.

“This helps to restore bone density and assists in the prevention of osteoporosis as we get older.”

Indeed studies have suggested jumping can help the bones.

A year study of men with low bone density, aged 44 years on average, found that jump-based classes three times a week significantly improved bones in six months.

This may also be relevant to women, though, as, during menopause, bones weaken as oestrogen declines. 

4. Save your knees

If running makes your knees hurt, then switching to a low-impact bouncing workout could help.

“The soft surface of the trampoline absorbs a whopping 87 per cent of the impact, leading to a decrease in the incidence of injury or exercise pain,” says Kimberlee.

It means you CAN work up a sweat without needing to punish your body.

5. Work your heart

Our heart needs to stay strong so it can keep pumping blood and nutrients around our body. A strong heart also means a lower risk of heart disease.

Kimberlee says: “The simple effort of jumping means oxygen is pumped around the body more efficiently. 

“This lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and more importantly decreases the risk of coronary heart disease. Bouncing strengthens the heart, lungs, and respiratory system.”

In time, you’ll notice yourself getting fitter; even walking up the stairs becomes easier.

6. De-stress

Need a stress relief that isn’t comfort food?

“When you jump on a trampoline, your brain releases feel-good hormones,” explains Kimberlee.

Endorphins, dopamine and serotonin all work together to make you feel great.

7. Stay young, mentally

Kimberlee says: “Jumping keeps us young because it’s reminiscent of youth and originally known as a pastime that’s fun, originally first felt as kids playing on one.”

Finding movement you enjoy is the key to sticking to something and also being happy as you exercise.

“Not taking yourself too seriously is also the key to keeping jumping light-heartedly and carefree.”

8. Lose weight

With all that jumping around, it’s more than likely you will lose weight.

For every 10 minutes of bouncing, you can burn up to 100 calories, which is pretty impressive for something fun.

With each bounce, you activate over 400 muscles in your body. 

Activating our muscles is important whatever age we are as it helps to keep our joints mobile and allows us to move comfortably throughout life.

“Due to the addition of gravity and g-force, when we accelerate and decelerate on the vertical plane, jumping on a trampoline is three times more effective than the same floor-based moves so exercising more effectively is the key,” says Kimberlee.