Fall Rebound: Bounce Back into Your Fitness Routine on a Trampoline

September always has that bittersweet, end-of-summer feeling, but it’s also the perfect time to hit the reset button. After the dog days of summer, The Corner Studio’s new Rebounder class is just the thing to put that bounce back in your step.

Rebound Burn, taught by Cara Cooley, is a 60-minute high-intensity cardio class using a mini trampoline called a Rebounder. The 80s throwback cross-training workout combines moderate-to-vigorously intense cardio with core-focused strength training. “It’s fun and effective,” says Cara. It’s also safe for everyone (who likes to have fun), thanks to its low impact, taking pressure off the joints without sacrificing intensity.

“Eighty percent of impact is absorbed by the mat,” says Cara. Supporting this “cushioned bounce” is a net surface (the mat) fastened with thick bungee cords, rather than metal springs like the trampolines you used to jump on as a kid. The fundamental movement is different, too. Instead of jumping up, you want to jump down, keeping the weight in your heels and using your abdominals to bend your knees, like a proper squat.

For the queen of rhythm, the trampoline is a natural new vehicle for the same beat-based movement Cara teaches in her Cardio Dance, Move, and Sculpt classes. “Some people are just scared to dance,” Cara says. She loves the Rebounder workout because it plays up more basic movements while still fostering that freedom to let the music take you. “You’re safe in your own little space, so that feels very approachable.”

In between all that bouncing, Cara incorporates strength training with light weights for a dynamic arm series, plank variations, and floor work, flipping the trampoline on its side and using it as a stability bar for outer thigh and glute exercises. “There’s nothing better than sculpting when your heart rate is up,” says Cara.

Students will bounce some more then end class with an “ab finisher” on the trampoline. Don’t worry—you get to lie down for this one!

Described to be as beneficial as jogging, Rebounder has some unique health benefits of its own. Aside from promoting weight loss and allowing for HIIT moves without the impact, the specific bouncing action stimulates the lymphatic system, increasing circulation and helping to release toxins from the body. (Think: glowing skin!) Rebounder not only works your core, back, hamstrings, glutes, and inner thighs, but also supports pelvic floor maintenance. (Mamas, where you at.) Exercises performed to a beat on the trampoline improve balance, stability, memory, and coordination. We’ll call that anti-aging.

Jump for joy with Cara on Mondays at 5:15pm and Sundays at 9:00am. Book on The Corner Studio app.

See You at The Corner!