The power of rebounding: why it’s my favourite exercise

Think rebounding is just a fun activity for kids? Think again! This phenomenal form of exercise is ideal for building muscle, losing weight and boosting the lymphatic system. Here’s why I’m such a fan…

As a qualified personal trainer and self-confessed fitness junkie, I can honestly say that I’ve tried almost every form of exercise there is. From Crossfit-style, HIIT workouts to yoga, Pilates and more traditional sports such as running, swimming and cycling, I’ve done them all, and have discovered that each one has their own pros and cons. However, in my opinion, nothing can compare or come close to the endless benefits of rebounding (also known as jumping on a mini trampoline).

I really believe that rebounding is one of the most effective, enjoyable and time-efficient ways to get fit, tone up and lose weight. I can’t help but smile when I bounce on a rebounder, and that’s one of the main reasons why I love it so much – it’s kind to my body, gets my heart rate up and makes me feel so good!

Rebounding also has a few surprising benefits: 

• It helps to combat cellulite 
• It's been proven to boost the immune system and aid in lymph drainage and detoxification 
• It helps to build a stronger pelvic floor and reduce the risk of prolapse
• It shows promise in helping to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. 
• It helps to reduce sugar cravings 
• It promotes relaxation and helps to relieve symptoms of insomnia. 

ALSO SEE: Why rebounding is the best immune-boosting exercise 

It's my go-to postpartum exercise

When I reached the 6-week ‘all clear’ mark after Bella was born, rebounding was my primary form of exercise. At the time, Bella wasn’t sleeping through the night, so I was tired and feeling worn out. I wanted to exercise but didn’t have the time to run for hours or do a strength training routine every day. Plus, I was finding it hard to run with the extra 5-7kg I’d picked up from pregnancy and needed to do something that was low impact and easy on my joints.

My weekly rebounding sessions played such a crucial role in rebuilding strength in my abdomen and pelvic floor muscles, which are typically so weak after birth. In fact, I loved it so much I took my rebounder with on holiday to our house in the Midlands.

I found the time to jump every day, even if I just managed to squeeze in a 10-minute session while Bella sat playing next to me – and the results were astounding!

How it helped me get back in shape 

After each session, my core and deep abdominal muscles felt so stiff! Much more so than after completing a series of specific abdominal exercises. And with every bounce, I could feel the muscles in my body working and engaging just where I wanted them to.

I carried on attending classes in Johannesburg and the weight just fell off without having to follow a strict diet or rigid exercise regime. And that’s what I love most about rebounding. It’s fun, time efficient and you see results fast. My skin, hair and nails looked better too – thanks to the detoxing effects of rebounding.

ALSO SEE: More about my postpartum weight loss journey 

Try my online classes  

After searching high and low online for a few rebounding videos to follow, I realised there was very little available and saw a gap in the market to develop my own series of at-home rebounding classes for busy moms like myself. 

If you’re looking to take your exercise to the next level and just feel great, have a look at the online classes I have available, including my new BOUNTI live classes.

Each workout is specially deisgned to target all your major muscle groups including your glutes, quads, core, calves, hamstrings, upper and lower back, shoulders, triceps, biceps etc. In other words, it's a full-body workout and there's no stone left unturned!

My live classes (that you can follow on YouTube Live or come to my Parkhurst studio) are around 55 minutes, but my downloadable classes range from
5 minutes to 55 minutes, so there's always a way to find the time to exercise.