A trampoline might be your answer to glowing skin. Yes — really. Sweating for your complexion is a surefire way to improve circulation, enhance detoxification, and naturally achieve a dewy complexion.
Rebounding, a low-impact workout that involves jumping on a mini-trampoline (also called a rebounder) with bungee springs, stands out amongst other workouts for its overall effect on the body. According to a NASA study, rebounding is 50 percent more effective than running sans the high-impact of hitting your feet on the pavement.
And it has as many skin benefits as it does health and fitness benefits — it is twice the fun, too. With studios such as LEKFIT or DEFINE body & mind and cult-favorite workouts like Tracy Anderson Method turning the spotlight on trampoline workouts, the art of rebounding has taken over the wellness world as it touches both beauty and health.
Here is how investing in an at-home rebounder can get you one step closer to a gorgeous, healthy, glowing complexion head-to-toe:
Blood Flow: “Rebounding exercises increase blood flow,” explains Mitchell Kline, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. “This can lead to healthier skin as the blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all organs in the body, including the skin,” he adds. In addition to delivering nutrients and oxygen, improved circulation also “leads to more rapid cell repair and revitalization,” says Lauren Roxburgh, body alignment and fascia specialist and author of “The Power Source: The Hidden Key to Ignite Your Core, Empower Your Body, Release Stress, and Realign Your Life.” “This helps rejuvenate your connective tissues, blood and skin.”
Collagen Production: Incorporating a rebounder workout into your fitness regimen can also promote a more youthful appearance as it is believed to improve collagen production — or, at least prevent it from reducing significantly, thanks to its ability to reduce cortisol levels. “Bouncing [on a rebounder] helps calm your nervous system and reduce cortisol levels,” says Roxburgh. “When cortisol levels are too high, collagen production goes down and delays the natural healing process which helps you look and feel younger and more radiant,” she adds.
Fascia, the connective tissue under the skin that connects the muscles and is mostly made up of collagen, also benefits from rebounding exercises as the workout “helps build elasticity in the connective tissues,” adds Roxburgh.
Cellulite and Wrinkle Reduction: “Rebounding exercises stimulate the muscles and can improve circulation,” notes Kline. “When muscles get stronger, they stretch the skin more and give the skin a tighter appearance [leading to] fewer wrinkles [and] improving the look of cellulite because of the skin tightening and enlargement of the muscles,” he adds.
Lymphatic Drainage: Draining the lymph system is necessary for skincare — it is how the body rids itself of toxins. And a healthier, detoxed body equals healthier, detoxed skin. Thanks to the jumping motion, rebounding can “aid the flow of fluids through the lymphatic and connective tissue systems,” says Roxburgh. This helps improve the body’s cleansing efforts.
Once you are ready to jump it out on a rebounder, consider the trampoline type. For both safety reasons and to reap the skin benefits of rebounding, Roxburgh says to invest in a trampoline made with bungees instead of springs, such as a Bellicon.
“Bungees are the best choice and worth every penny,” she remarks. “The reality is that spring rebounders are harsher on your joints, especially the neck. The bounce benefits are reduced on springs because the shorter suspension of the stiff springs offers less elasticity,” she adds. “And, even though springs may be less expensive, they are lower quality and the bungees are worth the investment.”
If a Bellicon is not within your budget, there are some more affordable options with bungees. The JumpSport 220 Fitness Trampoline is an excellent choice. It is not as high-end as the Bellicon but it is durable and allows for a smooth bounce, better elasticity, and lengthened suspension.
Ready to get jumping? Here are our favorite bras for rebounding classes:
