Selecting the Ideal Rebounder

Price point, aside from durable materials and construction, is a common denominator when selecting exercise equipment. Knock off "toy" rebounders are readily available market wide. If you are truly rebounding for health, selecting a high quality mini trampoline that will enable you to "jump the extra mile" in comfort and that meets high quality manufacturing standards is paramount. Needak® Mfg. of O'Neill, Nebraska is the only USA-based manufacturer of "Soft-Bounce™" rebounders. Since its inception in 1990, Needak® prides itself in setting the gold standard as the premiere mini trampoline manufacturer in the industry maintaining quality control from design to finished product.12

Needak®'s "Soft-Bounce™" rebounder weighs 25 pounds and includes three main components: A mat, a set of springs, and a frame. A tightly woven stretch and UV resistant "Permatron®" matting is mounted on a 40-inch diameter heavy gauge steel round shaped platform that provides the framework needed to support a Soft-Bounce™ comfortable jump.  This unique design (as opposed to square or octagon shape) provides uniform stress upon all components--mat, springs, and frame. Needak®'s barrel shape springs absorb an estimated 85% impact per bounce. This feature is in stark contrast to low end, imported, mini trampolines constructed with shorter springs that are significantly more rigid. Obviously age, and wear and tear, will eventually cause any metal spring to succumb to breakage. However, choosing durable materials at the outset provides for longer active life before spring replacement becomes necessary.13

Needak®'s hinge design is virtually indestructible and includes spring-loaded legs which complement their "half-fold" system (carrying bag included) that provides for easy portability (to hotels, in a trailer, or in a car trunk) or storage (in a closet or under a bed). An optional stabilizing bar can be secured to the trampoline frame for seniors and those with injuries or health issues that require additional support.

On initial inspection, one might conclude that aerobic resistive rebounding restricts the exerciser to bouncing in place. However, resistive rebounding instructor, author, and lecturer, Linda Brooks quickly enlightens us on rebounding's diverse applications including strength training and toning the abdomen. Needak® offers a wealth of videos and books including Linda Brook's library of rebounding techniques and health benefits for a diverse audience. These learning aids even address issues involving degenerative illnesses and cancer.14

For further information, contact Needak® Mfg. directly at 1-800-232-5762 or 402-336-4083 or view their website (www.needakrebounders.com).

Additionally, Olympic fitness trainers Dr. & Mrs. H. Sneider (owners of Sneider's Fitness Center in Pasadena, CA) illustrate a comprehensive fitness program in their book  "Olympic Trainer". The Sneiders encourage using sand bag weights for building upper arm strength and endurance.15

Rebounding is no stranger to the greater health community. Exercise personality Joanie Greggains notes the importance of rebounding as an effective way to stimulate the lymph system in her upcoming book "The Fat Flush Fitness Plan" (McGraw-Hill) due out next January. Greggains' exercise compendium complements Ann Louise Gittleman's (PhD, CNS) popular "Fat Flush Plan," which advocates  rebounding as part of her regimen for maintaining health and a svelte physique.

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