Fitness Training
7 Brilliant Benefits of Trampolining
Fun and effective, it’s about time you incorporated this form of fitness into your routine.
Who would have thought that something we used to do as kids would take off as a fitness craze? Well, that’s exactly what has happened with trampolining over the past few years – it’s no longer reserved for a mini one in your back garden or for exhausting classes at the gym; it’s now turned into something that’s fun, social and super effective.
So just what are the benefits of bouncing on a trampoline for an hour or so? We turned to Cris Cabrera, regional head coach of Bounce, the UAE’s biggest indoor trampoline parks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
“Trampolining is a low-impact workout that tones muscles and improves coordination,” he tells us. “There are just countless health benefits of trampoline jumping and exercises.”
A five-time Spanish National Team trampolining champion, it’s safe to say Cris knows a thing or two about the maximum benefits you can gain from the sport.
1. IT’S GREAT CARDIO
“A study carried out by NASA found that 10 minutes of bouncing on a trampoline is a better cardiovascular workout than 33 minutes of running,” explains Cris. “Bouncing on a trampoline also stimulates the flow in a way that helps rid the body of toxins and waste.”
2. IT’S GOOD FOR COORDINATION
“Bouncing on a trampoline increases awareness of your body and a sense of balance and coordination. You learn to control the coordination of the arms and legs while bouncing and to adjust the position of your body accordingly,” he continues. “Improved coordination and fine motor skills can assist in other sports that require a lot of hand-eye and general coordination. Gymnasts and acrobats also use trampolines to improve their coordination in aerial skills and tumbles.”
3. IT CAN HELP YOU TONE UP
“Muscle tone and suppleness is improved and your body fat percentage is reduced by trampolining. Regular use of a trampoline can also help improve posture and general muscle health.”
4. YOUR BONES WILL GROW STRONGER
Trampolining
© Bounce UAE
Cris elaborates: “Trampolining can help reduce the risk of bone conditions such as brittle bone disease, fractures and osteoporosis. Placing the musculoskeletal system under repeated slight stress while you jump allows your bones to become stronger to cope with the pressure of rebound.
“Bone mineral condition is also improved at the same time. The trampoline pad absorbs the majority of the impact, so your bones and joints are protected while you exercise.”
5. FEELING STRESSED? GET BOUNCING
“Trampolining can help combat depression, anxiety and stress by increasing the amount of endorphins released by the brain. Regular rebounding sessions can help you relax, promote better sleeping patterns and give your more energy.
“Exercising on a trampoline increases the circulation of oxygen around your body, making you more alert and improving mental performance.”
6. FITNESS = IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH
“Bouncing on a trampoline regularly can help increase your body’s metabolic rate and its ability to burn calories more efficiently,” he says. “As a result of the increased G-force felt when exercising on a trampoline, your cells become stronger and this sort of exercise helps boost the activity of immune cells keeping the body’s natural defences high and reducing the chance of getting sick.”
7. AND FINALLY, IT’S A LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE
Surprisingly, although trampolining provides an intense workout for the muscles and bones, the trampoline actually absorbs 80% of the shock from the rebound.
“Unlike jogging or playing tennis, trampolining provides your body with an all-round workout while reducing the risk of injury to your joints, especially in your ankles and knees,” concludes Cris. “This is especially beneficial for people with less mobility or people undergoing rehabilitation.”