Rebounding moves sluggish lymph.
While the circulatory system carries nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to our cells, the lymphatic system is the body’s garbage disposal.
Its mesh-like network of tiny vessels transports lymph (fluid) from around the cells through the lymph nodes, where waste products are filtered out, unhealthy cells are trapped, and bacteria are destroyed. As it moves through the body, lymph also pulls fat out for transport to the liver. Protein and carbohydrates are left behind to travel via the bloodstream to nourish the body. To keep lymph moving, your body depends on the movement of your arms and legs—along with massage and deep breathing—since the lymphatic system has no pump (like the heart) of its own.
When the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, fluid accumulates around cells, which, in some cases, can result in up to fifteen pounds of excess weight. This fluid prevents nutrients from entering cells, depriving them of the nourishment they need. Stagnant fluid that accumulates in your legs can bind to fat cells that become swollen—resulting in cellulite and varicose veins.
So, what does this have to do with exercise?
A lot.
Without an internal pump to move lymph along, the system depends on your muscle movement. One of the best ways I’ve found to exercise the lymphatic system is the daily use of a rebounder or mini-trampoline. No matter where you live, you can exercise the lymphatics by bouncing on a rebounder for five to twenty minutes a day.
The mini-trampoline has proven to be one of the most efficient—yet least harmful— forms of exercise. A high level of cardiovascular fitness and toning results from regular bouncing every day. The low-impact rebounding acts to gently move waste materials in the lymph. In fact, the vertical motion of rebounding on a mini-trampoline or “rebounder” is the single best way to cleanse the lymphatic system because the up and down jumping motion parallels the way lymph nodes function, opening and closing vertically.
Your cells get a deep squeeze from all that bouncing, which helps move toxins out. No other exercise that I know of yields the dimple-dashing, cellulite-slashing benefits regular rebounding offers. It is virtually the “excuse-proof exercise” because it can be done anywhere year round.
Since rebounding is a form of cardio exercise, I always suggest that you start slowly. Bounce for only five minutes at a time—without your feet leaving the rebounder—then work up a little bit each day until you are jumping for twenty minutes. You will find that the light pressure on the thighs powerfully activates lymphatic drainage. Within two weeks, legs, buttocks, and ankles are better toned and fatty cellulite deposits begin to disappear.
The advantage of the mini-trampoline is its universality. It can be used by people of all ages, in all stages of life. Even physically-impaired individuals who cannot walk can sit on it or put their feet on it while someone else is bouncing and still receive lymphatic benefits. For a more strenuous workout, simply bounce faster and lower.
Of all the rebounders I have tried, I really like ReboundAIR—founded by Olympian and inventor, Al Carter—for the line’s quality, portability, and safety. Without a doubt, rebounding has made a major comeback from its heyday in the ’70s with more efficient and streamlined rebounders. Mine folds up so I can take it anywhere.
If you do the rebounding in a swimming pool or jumping up and down does that help the lymphatic system the same way as a trampoline
I think you would still get some benefit, though I’m not sure how it would compare to the usual method.
Can anyone recommend a good video routine for rebounding? Exercise videos help me to stay motivated because they usually include music and a routine that has variety to hit as many different muscle groups as possible.
HSN has an re bounder and many dvds to go along with it. You could possibly order the dvds separately. Hold your stomach and bladder in tight,
I follow Holly Anderson’s “Keep on Rebounding”. It is divided into 3 levels, preceeded by a warm-up.
Marie, my favorite rebounding dvd is FitPrime’s G-Force 2, available on Amazon. Great workout!
ReboundAIR also has workout videos but I don’t know how they compare to others.
Is there an alternative to using a rebounder? the cost of the ReboundAir is not within my budget right now.
Micro-Bouncing, frequency of short duration vs jumping. Vertical Motion comes in many forms – buoyancy is important. ReboundAir is a copy of Needak Soft-Bounce Rebounders.
Susan, I think jump roping may do the same thing — and both of these exercises give one a gravityless instant at the top, which I’ve heard is very beneficial for lymph flow, and excellent for deterring cancer and other imbalances. There’s also a cross-trainer/elliptical at the Y where I live, which has a setting like a softer stairstepper, with distinct up and down motions, but softer . .. giving very pleasant bounces.
Anne,
Thank you. I started doing some jumping jacks, but really don’t like them. I’ll give jumping rope a try. It’s at least more fun.
The goal is to move your lymphatic tissue, which can be accomplished by stretching, yoga, pilates, dancing, brisk walking, lymphatic massage, and dry brushing.
You don’t have to start out with an expensive one. I just bought a “like new” Urban rebounder on Craigslist complete with carrying case, stabilizer bar, and instructional DVD for $40. I hope I wear it out and need another one.
Lucky me. I already had a rebounder and have started using it. I feel great already!!
For those who can’t afford a rebounder, I’ve read that bouncing in a sitting position on an exercise ball will give similar benefits.
Also, check around for used rebounders. I’m sure like other exercise equipment, you can snatch them up for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
I am surprised to know the advantages of mini trampoline. Its amazing and now I am thinking to buy one for me also. I have very short time to take care of myself. So I think it’s a good match for my daily workout routine also.