Lipedema is a condition that affects many women, around 10% to be exact, causing the accumulation of fat in the legs and sometimes arms. Managing this condition can be challenging and knowing how to exercise with Lipedema can make things even more difficult. Thankfully, there’s a fun and effective solution that you might not have considered – rebounding. In this blog post, I’ll explore the benefits of rebounding for Lipedema and how it can help improve your overall well-being. bellicon kindly reached out to me and offered to send me one of their rebounders to try post Lipedema liposuction surgery, and I’ll be sharing all the details. But firstly…
What is Rebounding?
Rebounding put simply is bouncing on a mini-trampoline, a low-impact exercise that offers numerous benefits for those dealing with Lipedema. Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating rebounding into your routine:
1. Improved Lymphatic Drainage
One of the primary benefits of rebounding for Lipedema is its positive impact on lymphatic drainage. Lipedema is often associated with impaired lymphatic function, leading to fluid retention and inflammation. Rebounding stimulates the lymphatic system, helping it remove excess fluid and toxins from the affected areas. This can lead to reduced swelling and discomfort.
2. Gentle on Joints
Traditional high-impact exercises can be hard on your joints, making them unsuitable for women with Lipedema. Rebounding, on the other hand, is a low-impact activity that reduces stress on your knees and ankles. This means you can exercise regularly without exacerbating joint pain or discomfort.
3. Enhanced Circulation
Rebounding promotes better blood circulation throughout your body. Improved circulation can help distribute oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to your Lipedema-affected areas, potentially reducing the severity of your symptoms.
4. Fun and Convenient
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore! Rebounding is fun and can be done in the comfort of your home. You can put on some music and bounce away, making it a fun addition to your daily routine. It’s also an easy way to get in some exercise for busy mums and other women who struggle to get to the gym.
5. Increased Flexibility
Regular rebounding can also improve your flexibility and range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial for women with Lipedema, as it may help with mobility and carrying out daily activities.
6. Stress Reduction
Stress can worsen the symptoms of Lipedema. Rebounding can act as a stress-reliever, helping you relax and unwind. The rhythmic bouncing motion can have a calming effect on your mind and body.
7. Weight Management
While rebounding alone may not lead to significant weight loss, it can complement a balanced diet and other forms of exercise. Losing Lipedema fat can be extremely difficult, however maintaining a healthy weight overall can help manage Lipedema symptoms more effectively.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re considering rebounding for Lipedema, here are some tips to get you started:
- Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable and confident.
- Use a stable mini-trampoline with a handlebar for added safety if needed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes if you suffer from foot issues.
- Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have other medical conditions.
What is bellicon?
bellicon is a renowned brand specialising in high-quality mini trampolines, also known as rebounders. These trampolines are designed for both fitness and therapeutic use, offering a unique low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on the joints yet highly effective for cardiovascular health, muscle strengthening, balance improvement, and lymphatic flow.
bellicon trampolines stand out due to their innovative design, which includes highly elastic bungee cords instead of traditional metal springs, providing a smoother, quieter bouncing experience. This design not only enhances safety and comfort but also maximises the health benefits of rebounding.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, bellicon’s products have become a popular choice for individuals looking to add a fun and efficient workout to their routine, as well as for professionals seeking tools for rehabilitation and fitness training.
bellicon for Lipedema
My Experience with bellicon for Lipedema
bellicon kindly sent me one of their rebounders to try, which is perfect timing as I’m currently four months post op after my Lipedema liposuction surgery. The first thing that stood out to me was the array of options when picking out your rebounder. Not only can you choose features like the colour of your bungee cords, but you can configure your product down to the size, strength and the type of legs on the trampoline – bellicon really does cater to everyone.
I expected to feel a bit apprehensive when I first started using the bellicon rebounder, thinking I’d be worried about falling off, but that wasn’t the case at all. I used to trampoline as a child, but that was 20 years ago! What shocked me the most was how gentle rebounding felt on my legs and joints. I didn’t want to overdo it as I’m technically still in recovery, but I genuinely feel like I could use my bellicon all day.
There are some other surprising benefits I’ve noticed too – I’ve got more energy. Even just five minutes of jumping in-between work calls or making a coffee seems to give me a boost. Also, my swelling appears to be under control and I feel as though rebounding uses muscles that I don’t use regularly during my workouts at the gym.
I’ll be monitoring the long term benefits like weight loss over the coming months, I’ll make sure I share my progress on here and my Instagram page lipedema_and_me. So far, I’m absolutely loving incorporating rebounding for Lipedema into my routine. I’m trying to have a bounce whenever I have a spare few minutes. Over the next couple of months, I want to start full workout routines using the bellicon+ training platform and using inspiration from rebounding influencers online. I can’t wait to see what my rebounding journey looks like and more benefits to my post surgery Lipedema body.
bellicon+
On top of the incredible health benefits and quality of their products, bellicon also offer their bellicon+ training platform. Exercising at home can feel lonely compared to training at the gym with a buddy, but the bellicon+ platform allows you to feel part of a team trying to better their health. You get 45 days of access when purchasing a bellicon rebounder and can access more than 700 videos varying in difficulty. Luckily for us lippy ladies, there is a video series solely for lymph activation! After the initial 45 days, you can choose between the yearly or monthly subscription (£99 for the year or £12.90 monthly)… which works out much cheaper than a gym membership.
Conclusion
Rebounding is a fantastic way to manage Lipedema symptoms while enjoying a fun and low-impact exercise routine. It can help improve lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, and enhance overall well-being. Remember to start slowly and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. With regular rebounding, you can take a positive step towards managing your Lipedema and leading a healthier, more active life. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to bellicon for sending me their rebounder, I love it so far. If you’d like to take a look at bellicon’s fantastic range of high-quality rebounders, click here.
Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan. Also, this blog contains some affiliate links to products. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links. I only ever link to products that I use and recommend for the management of Lipedema symptoms. Thank you for your support.