STUDIO 7:14
Wellness by Design
What NASA Learned from a Trampoline
Rebounding
Why gentle bouncing may be one of the kindest things you can do for your body.
It Looks Like Play
That's part of its magic. But rebounding — gentle bouncing on a mini-trampoline — has a serious scientific backstory, and it starts with NASA.
Chapter One
The astronaut problem
Astronauts returning from space come home weaker. Without gravity, bone and muscle decline, and NASA needed ways to help them rebuild safely. In 1980, NASA-affiliated researchers led by Dr. A. Bhattacharya published a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology comparing treadmill running to jumping on a trampoline.
They measured acceleration at the ankle, back, and forehead, alongside oxygen use and heart rate. Running produced higher acceleration at the ankle than at the back and forehead; trampoline jumping distributed acceleration more evenly across those sites.
At comparable oxygen uptake, trampoline jumping produced greater biomechanical stimulation. This points to a way to challenge the body with a different impact pattern from running.
Chapter Two
What happens inside your body
Your lymphatic system gets moving.
With compromised lymphatic function, and as we age, drainage can become less efficient. Lymphatic vessels have their own pumping contractions, supported by breathing and muscle movement. Gentle bouncing engages muscles and adds approachable movement to a sedentary day.
Every cell feels the load.
At the bottom of each bounce, your body briefly experiences more than normal gravity; at the top, almost none. That gentle, whole-body loading is a signal to bones and muscles to stay strong.
Your heart and lungs get moving.
The yielding mat cushions each landing, offering a lower-impact way to move.
Balance and coordination sharpen.
Every bounce challenges your stability in small, safe ways.
Your mood lifts.
Rhythmic movement is a reliable mood booster, and bouncing tends to make people smile. That matters when you're carrying something heavy.
You don't need to jump high. Even a gentle "health bounce," with your feet barely leaving the mat, creates the rhythm that gets fluid moving.
Chapter Three
Who it's designed for
Chronic Illness & Fatigue
People living with chronic illness or fatigue who need movement that meets them where they are.
Joint Pain
Anyone managing joint pain who finds running or high-impact exercise too much.
Metabolic Health
People working on metabolic health who want accessible daily cardio.
Stress & Mood
Those navigating stress, anxiety, or low mood who want a few minutes of joy built into their day.
Easing Back In
Anyone recovering and easing back into movement, with their doctor's okay.
Before Your Session
A note on safety
Start gently, especially if balance is a concern. Talk with your doctor first if you:
- are pregnant
- have pelvic-floor issues
- have had recent surgery
- have severe osteoporosis
- have uncontrolled blood pressure
- have a heart condition
Your Session at Studio 7:14
Every private sauna suite includes a lymphatic stimulation rebounder.
A few minutes of gentle bouncing before or after your sauna is a natural pairing — warm muscles, moving fluid, a clear head. Members may rebound up to once daily.
Rebounding is part of every membership. Give us a call to ask about it or to join.
(219) 809-2028Research Notes
Bhattacharya A, et al. Journal of Applied Physiology, 49(5): 881–887, 1980. Original study
Summary of the 1980 NASA rebounding study (Bhattacharya et al.). adamkempfitness.com
G-force findings: ankle vs. head on treadmill and trampoline. flaman.com
This article is for general education and wellness information only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Studio 7:14 is not a medical facility. Talk with your physician before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, managing a health condition, have an implanted device, or take prescription medication.