Is it worth it? Rebounding

What is it? Hopping on a miniature trampoline. Not to be confused with the other sort of rebounding, where you embark upon a succession of ill-advised sexual misadventures with unsuitable partners immediately after the collapse of a long-term relationship.

How much does it cost? Some gyms have classes, but if you want a high-quality home rebounder like those sold by Rebound UK, expect to pay upwards of £100.

What does it promise? An astonishingly low-impact cardio workout that improves circulation and increases lymph flow by 15 to 30 times. A Nasa study in 1980 claimed that it offers a workout that’s up to 68% more efficient than running.

What’s it actually like? First, it’s important to remember that rebounding isn’t the same as trampolining – the aim isn’t to ping yourself into the air, and the only thing you’d get from an attempted somersault is a shattered spine. Instead, think of a rebounder as a springy platform for aerobics – a typical workout (you can get DVDs, or search YouTube) can include anything from star jumps to boxercise to on-the-spot sprints. Claims of efficiency seem slightly far-fetched, though – I can still burn more calories on a run than on a rebounder – and, while springing around is a ridiculous amount of fun, I’ve been told that from the floor below it sounds as if I’m trying to shake the fittings loose.

Best and worst bit You’re jumping about on a trampoline. The whole thing’s the best bit. That said, some of the boxercise routines did cause a minor flare-up of an old 2007 Wii elbow injury.

Is it worth it? If your downstairs neighbours are saints, be my guest.

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