Why Do NASA Use Trampolines for Their Astronauts?

So if you were wondering why do NASA use trampolines to train and assimilate their astronauts, the answer is simple -

"Rebound exercise is "the most efficient and most effective form of exercise yet devised by man…(because) it does not just strengthen the muscles, but it strengthens every single cell of the body, both muscle and non-muscle.

Bruce Fife

Jordan S. Rubin and Bernard Bulwer, weight loss experts stated the following in their book, Perfect Weight America:

"Jumping on a trampoline is one of the best and most complete anaerobic exercises you can do, since jumping strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments—and demands great energy.

The acceleration, deceleration, and gravity pull positively stress your bones, which results in higher bone density (167).

Higher bone density has been linked to stronger bones and a decreased incidence of fractures—a looming threat for returning astronauts.

Furthermore, Bruce Fife states that weight-bearing exercise, like rebounding on a trampoline, helps protect against osteoporosis later in life (131).

He goes on to state the following:

"Rebound exercise is "the most efficient and most effective form of exercise yet devised by man…(because) it does not just strengthen the muscles, but it strengthens every single cell of the body, both muscle and non-muscle.

It strengthens the bones, cartilage, joints, and every organ of the body. The liver, pancreas, kidneys, brain, etc are all subjected to the increased gravitational force of rebounding and will respond by growing stronger. In so doing, they build up increased resistance to disease. As a result, all of the systems and organs of the body function more efficiently"(131). Astronauts could allow encourage their bodies to recover from their time in space in an efficient and enjoyable way.

Frank Suarez, author of The Power of Your Metabolism, reiterates this information in a simpler way when he states,

"NASA uses trampolines to exercise the astronauts when they return from space missions because it helps them regain their balance and recuperate their muscles after a prolonged period of time being in space without gravity"(146).

NASA had noted that astronauts lost a considerable amount of their bone and muscle mass while in space and reported a compromise in balance. However, trampolines negated these effects---a crucial breakthrough in the development of space exploration.

Since this research was revealed, trampolines have been a staple in training for space exploration. The health benefits experienced by the NASA program and space explorers have been invaluable, and have led to even greater scientific breakthroughs. Whether users are bouncing under an open sky or playing among the stars, trampoline users can enjoy the endless benefits of rebounding exercise—in this galaxy and beyond.

"The external work output at equivalent levels of oxygen uptake were significantly greater while trampolining than running. The greatest difference was about 68%.

Now, if you had access to a gasoline that was 68% more efficient than the gasoline you are using in your automobile right now at the same price, wouldnt you take advantage of it?

Well, we dont have the gasoline, but it does appear that we do have the exercise"(Bhattacharya, McCutcheon, Shvartz, and Greenleaf 884).