Hello, 2012.  A new year and new goals. For many, this includes new fitness and exercise goals.  Now, in the dead of winter, the thought of getting up and getting out to start a new exercise routine can be, shall we say, a bit challenging. I am so grateful that exercise and fitness have long been a part of my daily routine.  A year ago, my Christmas gift to myself was this Needak Rebounder you see above.  A rebounder is a mini-trampoline. When I lived in NYC, my gym had these, so I used them often.  When I moved to Houston, I thought it was time to have one at home, since I had the space for it.

Rebounding is a fun exercise (and we do tend to stick to what is fun!) that is super gentle on your muscles, bones and joints. It is known as “Cellular Exercise” because it cleanses the body, strengthens your cells and organs and reduces aches and pains.

I had never heard of Rebounding before I really got into nutrition, health and wellness a few years back. It is the one exercise that is cited in almost all books these topics as being the most beneficial for one’s health. A few of the many benefits are:

• it circulates more oxygen to the tissues
• enhances digestion and elimination
• helps balance blood pressure
• improves balance and coordination
• trims and tones your muscles
• promotes better sleep and relaxation

Since so many are into detox this time of year—a main benefit of rebounding is its detoxification effects.  The body has two circulatory systems: one for blood and other for lymph, which is a colorless fluid that bathes every cell.  The heart circulates  blood and lymph is circulated by exercise. Rebounding literally squeezes waste matter from our cells  as we bounce.  It supports the lymphatic system by circulating lymphatic fluids more efficiently  and cleansing the lymph system.

Anyone can rebound.  Young, old, and even sick because it is so gentle.  It is often recommended for inactive seniors (invigorates them) and hyperactive children (calms them down). A beginner can start out for 5-10 min and work your way up to 30 min or longer. You can perform traditional exercises, such as jumping jacks, or I do alot of dance cardio while rebounding.

NASA says that exercise on a rebounder is “the most effective and efficient exercise yet devised by man.”  It is an excellent,  non-impact, aerobic exercise gained by bouncing on a mini-trampoline.  NASA found that a 150 lb individual spending one-hour on a rebounder will burn more calories than the same person jogging for an hour and that it is 68% more efficient than jogging. (NASA, Journal of Applied Physiology 49(5): 881-887).

I do at least 30 minutes every day.  It is so easy to just hop on in the comfort of your own home…especially this time of year when the thought of getting up and out in the cold to exercise is not so appealing.  I set up a space heater in front of it (to really work up a sweat!) and either turn on some music or catch up on my Morning Joe!  You can find many  rebounding DVDs or YouTube videos for ideas on changing it up.

One last note… I did alot of research on different brands and styles and am uber happy with the Needak.  Highly recommended.

Happy New Year, everyone and here is to getting your bounce on!  xo