How to Use a Rebounder

Using a rebounder is a great way to shake up your usual exercise routine. Rebounding offers a low-impact workout that feels more like fun than work. A rebounder is very affordable (costing as low as $20). Some models are more expensive, as they come with handles for balance, rebounder workout DVDs, and other nifty extras. I’ve had my rebounder (a $20 one) for several years and it is still holding up well after regular use. A rebounder may take some getting used to, as its workout surface is bouncy. Here are tips on how to use a rebounder, especially if it’s your first time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a rebounder
• sneakers or bare feet

1. Do a safety check of your rebounder. Make sure that none of the legs of the rebounder are loose. Check for any loose bolts and screws, and tighten if necessary. Inspect the rebounder’s surface material for signs of tearing. Do not use a rebounder that has torn surface material. Instead, repair or replace the ripped material.

2. Position the rebounder near a wall or other solid surface if it does not come equipped with handles to hold on to for balance. For added safety, place your rebounder on a textured surface, such as a carpet. The rebounder has leg grips that help prevent accidental slips, but placing it on a no-slip surface will provide added protection against injury.

3. Put on a comfortable pair of sneakers. You may also choose to go barefoot, if that is more comfortable and the soles of your feet can handle the stress of bouncing. Do not wear socks while rebounding. Wearing socks increases your risk of slipping while using the rebounder.

4. Step onto the rebounder, planting your feet in the middle of the circular surface material. Hold on to the handles for balance (if necessary). Use a wall or other sturdy surface to steady yourself if the rebounder does not have handles to hold on to.

5. Do a gentle marching in place on the rebounder. Let your arms move naturally. Get a feel for how the rebounder material responds to your movement. Do this light marching in place for a few minutes, if you can manage. It is not uncommon for new rebounding exercisers to only last a minute or two during their first time on the rebounder. As with any new exercise, it takes time for the body to build up endurance.

6. Holding on to the wall or rebounder handles if you need support, gingerly step off of the rebounder. Do some light stretching and, if you feel up to it, exercise for a few more on the rebounder. And for future uses on the rebounder, you can increase that gentle marching in place into a jog for a livelier workout.

Tips & Warnings

• At the very least, gently stretch your lower leg muscles after using the rebounder. Your calf and shin muscles get quite a workout!
• Take it easy for your first few times using the rebounder. Your muscles need to get used to a particular exercise. Doing too much, too soon could cause an injury.

Resources

• How to Decide Which Home Gym Equipment to Buy

[britwebteam]

on 11/13/2009 Fun way to trim off this blasted beer belly!

I researched a few mini trampolines and found the Cellerciser rebounder at http://cellercise.com seems to have a good reputation. I will let you guys know how this thing works!

[StacyP]

on 11/10/2008 Jim and Squirrelymom, jumping is one use for a rebounder, but I used marching and jogging as examples because they're easier for a beginner to do. As leg muscles get used to the demands of a rebounder, there are a variety of fun exercises to do. I just may have to share my own rebounder routine in another article. :-)

[Limowreck]

on 11/9/2008 Great tips! This is a super exercise that really works to lose weight. *****

[krazigirl79]

on 11/8/2008 Great tips- thanks for the information!

[thesquirrelymom]

on 11/8/2008 I have to say, I really learned something new from you in this article. I always thought you were suppose to jump up and down on a rebounder like it was a trampoline and that was how you got the exercise. Thanks for the info!