Exercise is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Maybe the word exercise should be banished… and replaced with “moving”.

Whether we like it or not, moving is necessary to remain not only physically fit but also healthy. Joints like to be moved,

and muscles like to be worked and stretched. If we don’t move, our joints stiffen up and our muscles waste and become weak, and our ability to do things becomes more challenging. You can see this clearly in people’s posture when walking. You only need to compare the upright posture of a dancer to that of someone who sits in front of the computer all day. And I know the former is their profession, and they need to exercise all their joints through their full range of movement. But someone who sits in front of a computer all day is clearly not doing this if their posture is hunched forward.  

Exercise is one of the Bredesen 7 in The Bredesen Protocol to prevent and reverse cognitive decline.

How does “moving” improve brain health?

1. It increases blood flow to the brain, on a more consistent level, so that the brain can be supplied with enough key nutrients to function and repair.

2. It increases the production of BDNF – Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. This stimulates new brain cell production and helps maintain synaptic connections.

3. It helps detox the brain by stimulating glymphatic flow. This system of channels carries away waste products. 

4. It improves metabolic flexibility, allowing the brain to utilise both glucose and fats as necessary.  

Whatever form of moving you do - dancing, gardening, walking – it has a positive effect on the brain. 

I’ve always found it challenging to find an activity that I can do regularly, doesn’t take up too much time, doesn’t need expensive equipment, and I can do it in all weathers!

Then I discovered rebounding!

I love it!

It has so many benefits – health-wise and practicality. 

The repetitive jumping causes an acceleration and deceleration force throughout the body, in all the internal organs, right down to a cellular level. It is particularly effective at stimulating the lymphatic system, the system that drains the body of toxins and waste products. This has no active pump, unlike the vascular system. It, therefore, relies on the movement of the body to work. 

But rebounding also has other health benefits.

1. It improves muscle strength, including legs, core and pelvic floor.

2. It improves proprioception, balance and coordination.

3. It’s kind on the joints because it’s low impact.

4. It improves bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.

5. It’s a great form of aerobic exercise, increasing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2).

6. It improves digestion and bowel mobility.

7. It helps the body to detox by stimulating the lymphatic system.

15 mins is enough, on a daily basis, to reap the benefits. 

And it’s fun!