The Big Bounce
August 24, 2026
Hello Friend!
Have you heard about rebounding workouts? Basically you jump on a teeny trampoline to create a cardio workout. The good news is, rebounding provides a low impact exercise option that works your heart and helps lymphatic function (weird but true). The bad news is that, well, just like any other get healthy routine you have to practice and stay consistent. After hearing my sister rave about her rebounder success I decided to give it a try and get my own trampoline.
So because I wasn't sure it I'd like it, I bought a cheapy, cheapy one, not very wide and really just the basics. But I figured what the heck, you're just using it to jump, right? Anyway, I had Jon put it together for me on Saturday and I watched a couple of YouTube videos on how to rebound correctly. Apparently it's NOT like jumping on a regular trampoline. Instead of using your toes to launch up, you keep your heels flat and jump enough to push down into the trampoline. Okay, I can do that.
I set it up in the basement and enthusiastically hopped on to get started. In my mind I was thinking of my four year old grandsons who recently showed off their Bounce House prowess at a local festival. Those little guys ran from bounce space to bounce space and didn't stop bouncing. According to their moms, the boys were capable of jumping for literally hours no matter what the temperature, as long as they could hop out for a quick slug of water now and then. It was pretty impressive. And of course they had so much fun! I watched them bounce and giggle and fall and bounce...
And so I began. Little bounces at first, to practice my balance. I realized pretty quickly that I had to work on an even bounce, and that keeping my balance would require some focus. I'd watched a few workout videos and those gals were hopping from one foot to another, marching, waving their arms around. Of course they made it look easy, but just like everything it takes time to figure out. Okay, no problem. I could practice.
I took a quick look at my watch as I got started. After a few tries my jumps evened out and I began to feel more confident. I found a good rhythm. Nothing fancy, but I was doing it! And then I started to feel it. I often do a little strength training and low key cardio videos, but this was different. I was suddenly huffing and puffing and definitely feeling it in my core. What a great workout!
But as the seconds ticked by I realized I'd have to take a break and tackle this in small bits at first. I stopped bouncing and stepped off to catch my breath, checking my watch to see how long I'd been working. Wait, what?? All of this heavy breathing and I'd only been bouncing for FIVE MINUTES?? Good grief. This was going to be more of a project than I thought. But geez, if my little sister can do it, so can I. Nothing like a little sibling rivalry to force yourself into shape. Ha! And I'm guessing I'm gonna be sore tomorrow. Sigh. Wish me luck!
