Benefits of Rebounders vs Walking

For many, walking is an excellent form of exercise since it is considered a low-impact exercise. Being low impact means that it is easy on the body’s joints and is less likely to cause injury to someone who is just beginning their exercise journey. Recently, another form of low-impact exercise has been discovered and proves to be more effective than walking. This exercise is called rebounding and is done by bouncing (or rebounding) on a mini trampoline, which is also known as a rebounder. Today, we will review the benefits of using a rebounder versus the more traditional form of low impact exercise, walking.

The Cost Factor

While walking may seem like a cheaper exercise option when comparing it to rebounding, that assumption is not entirely accurate. Walking can incur more cost when you consider the following expenses:

Walking Gear

It is imperative that a good pair of tennis shoes be worn when walking. As many outdoor surfaces are uneven, it is very helpful to have a pair of tennis shoes that offer proper support so that injury is avoided. The more you walk, your soles will begin to wear, and purchasing new tennis shoes more frequently may become necessary. Many also opt to buy comfortable clothing for exercise, which is an added expense. Other variable expenses include a gym membership or treadmill since weather and the time of day you want to exercise are factors to consider. Additionally, if you want to increase the difficulty of walking, purchasing ankle, wrist, or free weights, will be needed.

Rebounder Gear

When using a rebounder, it is not necessary to wear tennis shoes. In fact, many choose to exercise barefoot. If tennis shoes are desired, they will not become worn as quickly as walking shoes, since the rebounder’s surface is flexible and soft. Since rebounding can be done in the comfort of your own home, the added expense of a gym membership and new exercise clothing can be avoided. Additional equipment to enhance the difficulty of the exercise is also not needed since the rebounder offers a variety of exercises that range from beginner to advanced levels. Essentially, the only item you will need to purchase is the rebounder itself. If you’re looking for an affordable option, take a look at our review of the Ativafit 40″ folding rebounder.

The Effectiveness Factor

Walking offers many health benefits and is an excellent choice for anyone recovering from an injury or is a beginner, but rebounders offer those same benefits, and more, regarding the effectiveness of the exercise.

Walking Effectiveness

Since walking is low impact, it is a great starter exercise and can be achieved by almost any fitness level. Walking is considered a lower body exercise since it focuses mostly on the leg and lower abdominal muscles. There are very few modifications that can be added to walking to make it more challenging; therefore, it takes quite a bit of time exercising (walking) to be effective. Most doctors and fitness experts advise a minimum of thirty minutes of walking five times per week (at a moderate level) to be considered effective.

Rebounder Effectiveness

Rebounding, like walking, is considered a low impact (see mini-trampoline exercises for seniors), starter exercise as well. It has been recommended as a great form of exercise for all age groups from young toddlers to those young at heart. Because it is easily modified, beginners find it easy to use, as well as more advanced fitness levels looking for a more challenging exercise regime. Rebounders offer numerous types of conditioning options so it can be modified to be more than just a lower body exercise. Since it can be a complete body exercise, it burns more calories than walking. Additionally, it has been shown that just 20 minutes of rebounding is as effective as a thirty-minute jog.

The Internal Impact

Exercise in any form offers internal benefits to many of the body’s operating systems. While brisk walking can provide aerobic exercise, rebounding offers additional health benefits that you do no achieve from walking alone.

Walking Impact

When you walk at a brisk pace, walking is a great cardiovascular exercise. If you are looking to strengthen your heart, improve your immune system and even lower your blood pressure, walking can be beneficial. It also helps to prevent weight gain, strengthen bones and boost energy levels.

Rebounder Impact

Rebounders offer all of the same benefits of walking and more (see benefits of jogging on a rebounder for more). The body uses the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system) to process out toxins, harmful and dead cells, and waste. It also removes excess fluid from the body. Rebounding, almost instantaneously, stimulates the lymphatic system in multiple ways (see how exercise trampolines help lymph nodes), such as gravitational pull/pressure and through the movement of the entire body, to make the lymphatic system operate very efficiently. Walking minimally stimulates the lymphatic system since it relies solely on the lower body to move lymph through the lymphatic system while walking.

Final Words

If you’re looking for an exercise routine that offers more benefits than walking, rebounders are a wise investment. Beyond the health benefits rebounders offer, they are often a less costly option when it comes to exercising. While walking is effective, the additional benefits to the body’s operating system that rebounding offers help make it more advantageous to obtaining a healthy lifestyle.