A gal on one of my egroups asked for information about rebounding because she had been able to get a cheap mini-trampoline and wanted to know more about what to do. I thought you all would appreciate knowing more about rebounding too, so here is my response to her. 
We bought a Needak Rebounder a couple years ago. Although I am not as consistent as I wish I was on bouncing, I do love it. It is easy and has many health benefits even if you just bounce lightly (even if you don't have your feet leave the mat!).
When you say you got a cheap trampoline, you have me a little concerned. All mini trampolines are not created equal. I'm not an expert on this, but I would say that if you find bouncing to be uncomfortable, then it's probably not worth having. However, assuming you're feeling good when you bounce, that's great!
Bouncing is wonderful for stimulating your lymphatic system. This system is directly related to your overall immunity strength. Even if you just do what is called a "health bounce" (which means just lightly bouncing without your feet leaving the mat) it helps with this and will be a blessing to your health. Plus (Listen up ladies!) all those cottage cheese-y cellulite spots on your body are from a sluggish lymphatic system, so you can help those not-so-pretty areas improve by bouncing!!
All of your body cells are stimulated by bouncing. If you have a hard time with bladder control, bouncing is actually the very best thing you can do to strengthen those muscles! Start slow, go to the bathroom first, wear a pad if you need to, and get bouncing. Things will get better with consistent bouncing!
I have the DVD Carol's Health Bounce and I think most people would appreciate it. Carol is a woman maybe in her late 40s/early 50s that does a nice job of leading the routine. The music seems to be original to the video, and of course it does have a beat to make bouncing more fun, but it's not really rock or any sort of popular music.
I will tell you that the easiest time I have bouncing is just to health bounce with some bursts of higher bouncing while I watch a movie. It's easier for me to just bounce and not think about it. Sometimes I can bounce for 45 minutes or more this way.
Bouncing is better for your body in just about every way, than walking or running! It's a wonderful, low-impact way to stay in shape. It also stimulates brain development, so is wonderful for children too. We keep our rebounder set up in our family room so it's always convenient for a quick bounce session when anyone wants to.
One great idea that is easy and especially wonderful for your health is to simply bounce for five minutes every hour. Do one minute of the health bounce, 3 minutes of higher bouncing, and then one minute of health bouncing at the end. This jumps your lymphatic system into gear all day long, and is even what is recommended to very ill people such as those with cancer.
If you or someone you care for is too ill to bounce, you could have them sit on the edge of the bounce mat and someone can stand on the mat behind them and gently bounce. Even that much bouncing gets the lymph nodes opening and closing and flushing out your system in such a good way!
If anyone is thinking of buying a new rebounder, I would highly recommend the Needak Rebounder, or I've also heard that ReboundAir is comparable. We bought ours with some Christmas gift money one year from someone on Ebay. We got a set that included the brand new rebounder, a book about rebounding, plus the DVD. Both have been very helpful.
Happy bouncing!
~Erica
How does jumping on a full-sized backyard trampoline compare to bouncing on a rebounder as far as health benefits?
I would say that the benefits are probably very similar. The bouncing is so good for you, however you can get it. Just be careful with the big trampoline to not overdo it and hurt your back and neck.