Here's a question: what do Goldie Hawn, your five-year-old and astronauts have in common?
Hmm, not sure. Great hair? Exciting lives? Cool costumes?
Wrong. They all love to bounce on trampolines.
For the first two, that makes sense. But astronauts? Nope. I've seen the movie Gravity.
Weightless people do not bounce - except perhaps off spaceship walls, slowly, to the soundtrack of an orchestral waltz.
That was 2001: a Space Odyssey. In real life astronauts certainly do bounce. When they're on Earth, it's their chosen exercise. And after joining the hordes of home fitness warriors discovering the delights of a mini trampoline during lockdown, I can see why.
True, you have emerged from confinement with a spring in your step. Tell me more.
Back in 1980, NASA scientists conducted a study of the fitness benefits of trampoline training.
They compared it with running on a treadmill - and being NASA, went to extraordinary lengths to ensure accuracy, even providing identical exercise wear for all participants.
The researchers concluded that "rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised" and that 10 minutes of vigorous bouncing burns more calories than 30 minutes of running.
Also in the news:
Jumping jack flash! Tell me more about the ups and downs of a bouncy workout.
Since that revelation, trampoline exercise has been used by NASA astronauts to build bone density and muscle mass, improve balance, coordination, motor skills and cardio fitness. There's a theory that bouncing helps your lymphatic system too.
Running v rebounding - what's the diff?
Aside from a better burn, bouncing is also a lower impact high-intensity workout. The trampoline absorbs the shock so there's less pressure on your joints, reducing your risk of soreness and injury.
So Goldie loves to jump. Who else?
Britney Spears, Kate Beckinsale. Eva Longoria takes her mini trampoline on her yacht (maybe doubles as a diving board). Madonna warms up on one before her shows. Tony Robbins uses one to bounce into a motivational mindset before he goes on stage.
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I want to bounce, but I'm not up for buying a trampoline - low ceilings!
Trampoline studios are springing up all over the country. You can take classes.
Looks like I'll be jump starting my exercise regime.
- Amy Cooper is a journalist who embraces wellness, but has also used kale to garnish a cocktail.
