Trampoline Rebounding - Is It Safe For Seniors?

Prior to the pandemic, I was teaching rebounding in a small rural community. At 40 years old, I was typically the oldest person in my rebounding classes. I tried inviting people of all ages, but there seemed to be a consensus that rebounding was only for "young" people. It was actually quite frustrating for me! Exasperated by the all the excuses as to why an older person could not rebound, I reached out to my grandma Helen for help. She was 86 at the time. I asked her to participate in a 10 minute video for my YouTube channel. By now, the pandemic was in full swing and I was creating digital content for my local community. I figured a video showing my grandma rebounding would get my community members on board.

I was wrong. It did not get my local community on board. Instead, it got the whole world on board!! That 10 minute video of my sweet grandmother has gained the interest of seniors everywhere. It is currently the 3rd most popular video on my YouTube channel with over 100,000 views. I receive emails on a regular basis from across the globe thanking my grandmother. I have learned a lot as an instructor along the way. Here are a few of my thoughts, tips and tricks for seniors who are new to rebounding.

Tip #1 Start Slow - Rebounding is harder than it looks. Begin with only a minute or two and see how you feel. Pay attention to your body and notice any discomfort including soreness, joint aches or dizziness. If you experience pain, consult your physician.

Tip #2 Keep Your Feet Connected - Your feet do not have to leave the surface of the trampoline mat to receive the benefits of rebounding. Try a rebounder walk workout. Fun and easy on your joints! Earth & Owl's most popular trampoline walk workout is here: Walk Workout for Seniors

Tip #3 Use Good Form - It is critical that everyone, regardless of age, use proper alignment while rebounding. Engage your core and position yourself in an athletic ready position with knees slightly bent. Watch my form tutorial here: Form Tutorial 

Tip #4 Stretch - Many of the common complaints from seniors when they first begin can be solved with regular stretching, especially in the feet, ankles and calf muscles. Always warm up before and cool down after rebounding! See my blog post Foot & Ankle Pain and Burning Calves During Rebounding

Tip #5 Use A Handlebar - Not every senior needs a handlebar, but having it is peace of mind. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

Tip #6 Incorporate Core Strengthening Exercises - Rebounding alone is a great core strengthening exercise, but it may be necessary to include additional exercises into your routine. One of my favorites for seniors is "sit to stand". Sit on the edge of your rebounder and try to stand without using your arms to assist you. If this comes easily to you, try incorporating some light hand weights. Here is a great 3 minute sit to stand workout to get your core strong for rebounding: Core Workout for Seniors 

Tip #7 Have Fun - Rebounding can help us experience joy. For some, it is reminiscent of childhood. Play some music you enjoy and move to the rhythm. Grandma Helen says it makes her feel young again! 

Check out this interview and rebounding testimonial with Grandma Helen! Helen Testimonial