Live 5 Investigates: Blogger claims he beat cancer by jumping on a trampoline
CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A man says he beat cancer by bouncing! When most people think of a trampoline you picture kids bouncing around just for the fun of it.
Now, adults are joining in on the fun but doing what's called Rebounding which claims you can bounce your way to better health and rid your body of toxins.
Chris Wark, 36, jumps with a purpose three times a day for 20 minutes. Chris has made it a regular part of his life for the past 10 years.
It's called Rebounding, and it's a health and fitness trend done with a mini trampoline.Wark started Rebounding in 2003 at the age of 26 after a Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis.
"I was like I will do whatever I need to do to get well, and this looks helpful so I will buy one," Wark said.
Wark says after plenty of research he even decided to take the drastic approach and forgo chemo and radiation after his surgery. Instead, Wark made a complete overhaul of his diet, eating only fresh organic produce and jumping to better health.
Wark says he says he started to feel better within weeks.
"When you bounce up and down on a trampoline you are moving every cell of your body because of the increased gravitational load or G forces on your body when you jump,"Wark said.
Wark feels rebounding made a huge difference in his cancer diagnosis because it was low impact and did not promote stress on his body. One key area of the body Wark says Rebounding also works is the lymphatic system and muscles ridding the body of toxins.
"This is your bodies detoxification system, it's where most of your metabolic waste from your body has to flow in order to get from your kidneys to your liver," Wark said.
Fitness instructor Laura Sullivan, who teaches a similar form of exercise called Sky Aerobics, agrees.
"On top of waking up your lymphatic system, you are also sweating, and everybody walks off completely drenched so you're cleaning your body out," Sullivan said.
On the other hand, Dr. Sara Giordano who is an MUSC hematology and oncology assistant professor says no studies have proven the benefits that Rebounding touts. Dr. Giordano says exercise in general is especially important for a person fighting caner.
"At the end of the day it's important to listen to your body and be as active as possible," Giordano said.
Dr. Giordano also cautions those deciding to not take the traditional route when it comes to treating and fighting cancer with chemotherapy and radiation.
"We have no evidence that we can forgo the standard and just follow a strict organic lifestyle and exercise," Giordano said
Wark says he's living proof that Rebounding and a clean diet can trump traditional treatment.
"I'm not just a fluke. There are a lot of people out there doing the exact same thing I did to heal their bodies," Wark said.
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