Trampolining puts a spring in our step
TRAMPOLINING HAS its origins in trapeze and aviation. The sport has been taught since the 1950s, but it was not until 1980 that a study by Nasa highlighted the benefits. It has come on leaps and bounds, to develop into an Olympic sport, as well as a recreational activity. Trampolining offers cardiovascular exercise, with low impact on the joints and, if you weigh 9½ stone (around 68kg), you can burn about 60 calories in ten minutes. Trampolining also benefits the lymphatic system. While the cardiovascular system has the heart to pump blood around, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. The movement of trampolining helps keep the lymphatic fluid flowing and the immune system functioning well. Trampolining also: improves balance and co-ordination increases core stability and strength helps build bone density increases spatial awareness
In 1992, following interest from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the British Trampoline Association, physiotherapist Eddy Anderson provided training courses to both organisations in the use and implementation of rebound therapy.
Bouncing gives us “free-time”, or “air-time” — time spent in zero gravity — which has a positive effect on the brain, neurotransmitters, endorphins and hormones. This can ease challenges associated with the mind’s wellbeing, such as chronic stress and depression.
Rebounding has benefits for those living with a variety of mental disabilities and illnesses. I have witnessed some of these while teaching, over the years. Three students stand out:
An older adult participant, who was able to complete a routine of mixed rebound and trampoline skill specifics in a sequence of 20 linked bounces. We rehearsed the routine with me standing on the floor beside the trampoline, in synchronised gestures, walking through the routine.
●A ten-year-old participant living with autism, who learned the skills by numerical ordering, which helped his understanding and processing. ●A 20-year-old participant who had the added challenge of not speak- ing English as his first language. He learned to perform an elementary routine, taught in mixed languages.
Trampolining and rebounding are accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities (with specialist equipment and coaching techniques available), making this a great sport, exercise and therapy on many levels. Subtle benefits also include an increase in patience, independence, confidence, trust, selfimage, resilience, determination and sense of achievement.
Finally, trampolining helps improve the effects of other exercise. One study found that those who rebounded for 30 seconds between weightlifting sets saw 25 per cent more improvement after 12 weeks than those who did not.
Trampolining classes are held at Flip Out Brent Cross, in north London, every Monday from 6pm. In a mixedability class for age five-plus, you are set to learn new moves, in a safe and fun environment. Call 020 8050 2391 to book a ten-week course, or book online at flipout.co.uk/brent-cross.
Sources: Delroy Austin (coach);
St Albans Day Service; Rebound Therapy; Cancer Tutor. As with all forms or exercise/sport, seek specialist advice regarding any contra-indications for your own health and safety