At the start of the pandemic, I decided to buy a mini-trampoline or rebounder for cardio workouts. I hadn’t belonged to a gym for some time; my yoga studio ended up closing during the pandemic and I’m a big fan of Ally Hamilton’s Yogis Anonymous, which offers a variety of online classes from its base in California.
Oddly enough, I was inspired to buy the rebounder following director Lynn Shelton’s death in May 2020. I became a big fan of Shelton’s work while living in Seattle. It was fun to watch the city scenes in her movies, all filled with fabulous stories and interesting characters. She filmed “My Sister’s Sister” on Orcas Island in Washington state. The island is beautiful and I had spent time there during a few kayak trips and at a friend’s parents’ house, too.
In reading about Shelton, who died from an undiagnosed medical condition (and not COVID-19), I learned that she traveled with a rebounder, so that she could workout while on the road. It seemed like the perfect compact solution to doing cardio and something different, compared with jumping on a bike.
Right around the same time, a video of Goldie Hawn using a mini-trampoline went viral. She looked like she was having a good time, jumping around at age 74. Access Hollywood was among the outlets that shared the video. Their producers said it was proof that you don’t have to go outside to get your sweat on.
My big workout plans didn’t necessarily materialize in 2020, though I did use and like the rebounder. And I’ve been doing a better job using it of late, which makes me happy.
I have a rebounder made by Rebound Air, which I found after sifting through lots of online reviews. The company has been around since the 1970s and they have three models. Their highest-priced model is currently $429. I ordered the least expensive model, which was out of stock and the company said it would send the next-level model to me at the same price ($310). I wasn’t expecting that offer, and this model came with a free carrying case (in case I wanted to hit the road, like Shelton).
There are lots of free videos on YouTube that I’ve been using. The most recent classes I’ve tried are from Ripped with Ripkens, but I’ve also taken classes with BeFit, GymRa and Michelle Briehler, and would recommend all of these instructors and outlets. You can work up a nice sweat even with a 20-minute class, and many of the instructors incorporate interval training and core work.
Here’s to more rebounding for me in 2021.
Mary Guiden 