You know, I’ve been writing for years in the pages of our Swanson catalogs, so when the idea came to write my own blog I thought: sure, how hard could it be? I always have ideas bouncing around in my head, but I failed to realize just how difficult it can be to capture one of them and write about it.
This occurred just the other day—writer’s block in the worst way. So I did what I often do when I need to clear my mind: I exercised. OK, I didn’t just exercise, I rebounded. And while I was bouncing around (much like the ideas in my head), I realized I was actually participating in a perfect topic.
Simply put, rebounding is therapeutic movement on a mini-trampoline. But it’s not just any exercise—it’s cellular exercise. I’ve been doing it for about 20 years, since I read a book by the founder of the rebounding for health concept, Albert Carter.
Carter is a world-class gymnast who founded an internationally renowned trampoline team back in the 1970s. His book The Miracles of Rebound Exercise sold over a million copies and literally created the industry for home-based rebounding, which is as strong today as ever.
Since Al Carter began researching the biophysical benefits of exercising with a trampoline, many others have followed suit and we now have more than adequate scientific proof that the practice does, in fact, confer unique and profound benefits.
When you rebound, you are harnessing the power of natural forces. At the top of the bounce you experience a moment of weightlessness, while at the bottom of the bounce you experience an accelerated gravitational force. And when I say you I mean every cell in your body—that’s the rebounding difference.
Rebounding actually stimulates the lymphatic system and can improve the flow of interstitial fluids between cells. This is why it’s often referred to as a “cellular exercise.” It’s low-impact, so it’s much better on the joints than other forms of exercise. Plus, there’s a wide array of techniques that can be employed for specific needs like strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance.
I rebound every day. Sometimes only for 10 minutes; sometimes for 20 minutes or more. I highly recommend it for young and old alike. For more information on rebounding, check out the company Al Carter founded, called ReboundAIR™. It’s a great jumping off point (pun intended!) for all things rebound related. The link I’ve embedded here will take you to a surprising list of rebound benefits.
