Rebounding set to explode in the UK

Rebounding set to explode in the UK
One personal trainer on a mission to get the UK bouncing is Rebound UK's James Winfield. Six years ago James witnessed a rebounding class in New York gym and thought it was one of the few group exercise routines he had seen where everyone could go at their own pace and everyone could benefit. Never having been a big fan of group routines, he did some research for himself into the fitness benefits of rebounding – using small trampolines designed for individual fitness - and he ended up buying the exclusive distribution rights for UK and Europe of a leading brand of American rebounder.
James said: 'I had used rebounders previously only in injury rehabilitation as it is so low impact, but having looked at the research I realised it could be a great workout for people of all fitness levels – both individually and in groups.' James then went on to design educational packages for different markets: for studio instructors to use for teaching adults, for personal trainiers and phsiotherapists to use for conditioning and rehabilitation, and two children's programmes, one for 7-11 year olds which is games-based and fun and one for 12-18 year olds which is music based. In this way James aims to cover all his bases – and thanks to the stability bar which comes as standard with his rebounders, he is confident that the older generation can take part too.
Six years on from when he was inspired by that New York gym, James now concentrates on developing rebounding in schools. He says: 'I really see how effective it is at bringing an alternative to girls at key stage 3 and 4 who may not be keen at sports, but it's equally good to use for circuit training and fitness for the sportier children.'
While there lots of American research into the benefits of rebounding, there has been little research done in the UK, which is remarkable , he says, given how huge Rebound Therapy is in special schools across the UK. James says: 'People know from observation how effective it is at improving behaviour in these kids. That's why they use it – because it works. We've decided to do some research of our own with the kids in the schools in conjunction with the Youth Sports Trust. There needs to be some research done to show how effective rebounding is in so many settings.'
James is also working on two new compilation DVDs to go out with the rebounders he sells to the UK home market.
Assembly Guide FREE Next Working Day Delivery