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Rebounding to Vitality: Brent Atwater’s Inspiring Journey at 78
By Leaps and Rebounds | Jan 31, 2026
At 78, Brent Atwater found renewed vitality and hope through rebounding after facing osteoporosis and other health issues. Discover her inspiring journey and how this low-impact exercise can transform lives
This episode of the Bounce with Us podcast features Brent Atwater, a vibrant 78-year-old who found renewed strength and hope through rebounding. After facing significant health challenges, including high-fracture osteoporosis and heart issues, Brent shares how this low-impact exercise became a lifeline, helping her regain physical and emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Rebounding offers a safe and effective way for seniors and those with health concerns to exercise.
- It can improve physical health, including bone density, muscle tone, balance, and circulation.
- Rebounding also provides significant mental and emotional benefits, boosting confidence and reducing fear.
- Leaps & Rebounds rebounders are designed with safety features like stability bars and adjustable bungee tensions.
- It’s never too late to start moving and reclaim your vitality.
A New Lease on Life Through Rebounding
Brent Atwater, at 78 years old, is a testament to the power of movement, especially when traditional exercise seems out of reach. Diagnosed with high-fracture osteoporosis, she was told she couldn’t do much. “Don’t do anything,” was the advice she received. This left her feeling scared and vulnerable, not wanting to be a “puny senior” who might fall and fade away from life. But Brent had a different vision for herself, inspired by her own mother who lived to 107 and remained vital.
She discovered rebounding, a form of exercise on a mini-trampoline, and it opened up a “whole world” for her. It allowed her to stay active, keep her body toned, and maintain a sense of security and uprightness. For Brent, rebounding isn’t just about physical health; it’s about reclaiming her presence and her ability to engage with life.
From Artist to Advocate: Brent’s Inspiring Background
Brent’s journey is as colorful as her past. She started as an artist, then became a professional model in New York and Atlanta. Later, she transitioned into home decor design for luxury and mass-market retailers worldwide. However, a profound personal tragedy struck when her fiancé was killed in a car accident. This loss left her world shattered, and she stopped everything, spending years on the sofa.
During this difficult time, she became a grief counselor, focusing on how to rebuild a life after it feels stripped away. She realized the immense importance of helping others avoid the pain she experienced. This led her to dedicate her life to supporting people, addressing both their emotional and physical well-being, understanding how deeply intertwined they are.
Overcoming Fear and Medical Advice
Brent’s story highlights a common challenge: the fear instilled by medical advice. When doctors say “you shouldn’t do something,” it often translates to “you can’t do it” in a person’s mind. This can lead to people shutting down and not seeking solutions. Brent, however, approaches this differently. She believes in continuous learning and researching, actively looking for ways to overcome limitations.
“When a doctor says shouldn’t, you hear can’t,” Brent explains. “And so, I think that a lot of people shut down and don’t look for solutions.” She contrasts this with her own approach: “I’m always researching, learning.” This mindset is key to finding ways around perceived restrictions.
Mark, the podcast host, notes that for many, especially those who have exercised on the floor, the rigidity and hardness can create a negative body memory. Stepping onto a rebounder, however, often brings an immediate sense of enjoyment and youthfulness. The stability bar on Leaps & Rebounds rebounders plays a significant role in overcoming this fear, providing a sense of support and safety.
The Safety and Adaptability of Rebounders
Leaps & Rebounds rebounders are designed with safety and adaptability in mind, especially for seniors and those in recovery. Brent highlights the importance of the stability bar, which offers crucial support and reduces the fear of falling. She recalls her initial hesitation, even with the bar, but found it gave her the confidence to try bouncing.
Another key feature is the adjustable bungee system. Brent explains that there are different support levels, and she uses the tightest setting for maximum support due to her physical condition. This customization is vital, as not everyone needs the same level of resistance. “No, no, no, no, girlfriend. You need to go. They got a bunch of different levels on that,” she advises, emphasizing that there’s a solution for different needs.
Brent also appreciates the 48-inch rebounder size, which accommodates larger feet, and the safety fringe around the mat, preventing feet from slipping through. She shares a story of friends who have injured themselves on other rebounders, making her feel even more secure with the Leaps & Rebounds design.
Movement for Mind and Body
Rebounding offers a dynamic workout that stimulates the central nervous system, engaging stabilizer muscles and improving proprioception (spatial awareness). Even a “baby bounce” can be a beneficial exercise. For those who feel uncoordinated, simply holding the stability bar and taking one hand off can activate different parts of the body.
Beyond the physical, rebounding has significant mental health benefits. It releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the body, which can combat depression and improve mood. Brent emphasizes that it’s not a competitive activity; it’s about personal progress and feeling accomplished. “It’s about you. It’s about what you can do, not a competitive thing,” she states.
Rebounding also helps build muscle density, improves posture, and can even help reverse conditions like kyphosis by strengthening the muscles that support the spine. Brent’s physical therapist advised her that strong muscles are what support her spine, especially with osteoporosis, preventing further breakdown.
Education and Community Support
Leaps & Rebounds is committed to supporting its community through education. Starting in December, they will host weekly educational webinars. These sessions will cover topics like improving balance, understanding how the body moves, and providing practical techniques and tools. Brent sees these webinars as a “phenomenal” resource, especially for those new to rebounding or facing health challenges.
“I think that forum will be the greatest thing ever for, and I’m going to say this, for seniors out, y’all get the name, get the number, find out where the link is because he can answer your questions,” Brent urges. The company also has a YouTube channel with workouts, assembly instructions, and safety tips, including specific videos for seniors.
The Future is Vitality and Helping Others
Brent’s future goals are clear: to continue living with vitality and helping others. She finds that helping people lifts her own spirits, especially on days when she might be feeling unwell. “If I’m having a day where if I my body’s hurting then I’ll call somebody else because it lifts me up to help somebody else,” she shares.
Her message is one of hope and resilience. It’s never too late to start moving, to find joy, and to reclaim your life. Rebounding, with its safety features and adaptability, offers a path forward for many who thought exercise was no longer an option. As Brent puts it, “There is hope. And there’s no reason to give up.”