If you hate going to the gym or exercising in public, a portable piece of equipment called a rebounder might be perfect for you. Rebounders are mini trampolines and they may include a frame like the ones shown here (pictures taken from walmart.com). Some rebounders include exercise DVDs with routines for various fitness levels.
Rebounders are available without the supports, but for those who are just starting a fitness routine, holding on to the bars can reduce the bounce as well as help with balance.
Jogging on a rebounder gives an excellent aerobic workout with less stress on joints than jogging on a hard surface. This makes it an ideal workout tool for seniors or anyone who has had knee or hip replacements. (Be sure to check with your doctor to see if rebounding is suitable for you if you have any kind of medical condition, including joint replacements.)
Aerobic workouts of any kind are great for the cardiovascular system. However, rebounding has the added benefit of also being great for the lymphatic system. Unlike the cardiovascular system which has the heart to pump blood throughout the arteries, veins and capillaries, the lymphatic system relies on movement to propel lymph fluids throughout the body. Rhythmic bouncing can increase lymph flow up to 15 times. This is important because lymph fluid contains toxins, bacteria, viruses, etc. that need to be eliminated on a regular basis for optimum health.
For people with disabilities, the lymphatic benefits of rebounding can be obtained by sitting on the rebounder and bouncing from that position or even having another person do the bouncing while the disabled person sits on the rebounder.
Whatever your level of health, rebounding can help you move it up a notch!
If you have questions about senior fitness you would like to see addressed in this column, please email Tys with your question. Suitable questions will be addressed in future articles.
Comments