Jess Hammer and Riah Adams of Top Shelf Bounce, a popular online platform that teaches rebounding, the low-impact exercise program performed on a mini-trampoline, say they have yet to meet someone who has tried it and isn't hooked.
Hammer and Adams started rebounding six years ago. Adams taught bounce classes at a Pilates studio, blending her hip-hop background with her energy. Hammer shied from the exercise though, calling it too “dancey.” When she finally tried it, Hammer immediately loved the runner’s high it gave her. Within weeks, she noticed her body becoming stronger and more toned. It wasn’t just the physical perks that hooked her, it also boosted her mood and left her sweaty–the reward of a hard workout. Even 10 minutes of rebounding helped Hammer and Adams feel happier, stronger and ready to conquer the day.
Popular in the ‘80s, rebounding is enjoying an enthusiastic resurgence. A study published by NASA found it to be 68 percent more effective than jogging. Rebounding is awesome for digestion, “lymphatic drainage, blood circulation, oxygenation, bone building, and assisting with muscle tone,” according to Dr. Dian Griesel, author of TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition. It’s one of the few activities that will exercise every cell in your body by utilizing gravity and trigger a thorough lymph cleansing, she adds.
At first, Hammer and Adams were just two moms carving out time for early morning workouts before the kids were up. But when Hammer’s daughters expressed their love for rebounding, the friends wondered if others would enjoy participating too. So, they started filming workouts.
In less than a year, they’ve gained over 134,00 followers on their Instagram account @TopShelfBounce. They’ve also expanded to YouTube and Facebook. Hammer says the response has been wild, and from the start, people just “vibed” with it. These fitness gurus have a mission to help their followers find joy in fitness through quick, effective and upbeat workouts and challenges.
Rebounding isn’t just for moms. Amanda Grimm, a certified personal trainer and We Run Coach, says it’s a great workout for everyone, including beginners, those recovering from injury, and keen athletes who want to focus on coordination, balance and body awareness.
But not everyone is ready to “jump in.” Hammer and Adams often receive comments on social media from skeptical people who think rebounding looks fun but worry about peeing their pants. Good news, though. Rebounding also strengthens the pelvic floor over time. Thanks to the “low-impact, up-and-down motion,” Hammer says, “it activates deep core muscles, including those supporting the pelvic area. This repeated motion helps tone and engage the pelvic floor, improving strength and stability.”
Some people also feel nervous trying to keep up with Top Shelf Bounce workouts. The bouncers assure newcomers it’s all about finding their unique rhythm. Adams tells clients to think back to when they were kids, jumping on the trampoline for fun—it’s about embracing that silly energy again.
Head to Top Shelf Bounce’s YouTube channel to find workouts designed for beginners through experienced rebounders. They also have a 30-day challenge that allows their followers to go at their own pace and build on skills. On their Instagram, you can click on their profile link to find gear recommendations, including mini-trampolines. Adams also teaches in-person rebounding classes at PowerCore Plus in Mesa three days a week.
Hammer and Adams say many people benefit from their programs, including cancer survivors, thanks to the lymph cleansing that drains toxins and protects against infection.
“It’s honestly what keeps us going—knowing we’re making a little difference out there, one ‘bounce’ at a time!” Hammer adds.
These two East Valley residents and best friends feel fortunate to do what they love while spreading their passion for rebounding to the world. They can’t imagine their life without it.
The bouncers assure newcomers it’s all about finding their unique rhythm. Adams tells clients to think back to when they were kids, jumping on the trampoline for fun—it’s about embracing that silly energy again.