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Effective Rehab with bellicon: Jonas Junker’s Path Back to Professional Sports.
Injuries are often unavoidable in professional sports, but the road to recovery requires not only physical but also mental strength. Pro snowboarder Jonas Junker knows this journey all too well: Multiple severe injuries, including ACL tears and a complex ankle injury, repeatedly posed major challenges. But instead of giving up, he sought new rehabilitation methods. A crucial part of his recovery was training with the bellicon rebounder. This helped him regain balance and stability while rebuilding his body in a targeted way.
In this interview, Jonas shares his experiences with sports injury rehabilitation, the benefits of proprioceptive training, and how bellicon supported his comeback.
Over the years, Jonas endured multiple severe sports injuries, including three ACL tears and a complex ankle injury, which repeatedly forced him into long rehabilitation phases. Especially his third ACL tear was both mentally and physically challenging, as it required another surgery just a few years after the previous one.
To regain balance and stability after these injuries, Jonas incorporated a bellicon rebounder into his rehabilitation. bellicon training played a key role in rebuilding his muscles gently and improving proprioception.
Despite these setbacks, Jonas fought his way back to the international snowboarding scene. His rehab training with bellicon helped him return to the slopes faster and perform at a competitive level again. His inspiring journey of rehab training, injury prevention, and mental strength was documented in
"Rebuilding Resilience (DE)"
. His story demonstrates that the right training approach, including balance and stabilization exercises, can make a significant difference.
When did you start professional sports, and how long have you been an athlete?
My sports career didn’t start with snowboarding but with gymnastics. As a child, I was passionate about movement and athletic challenges. I tried snowboarding for the first time at around ten or eleven years old, but it was my elementary school teacher—an avid snowboarder—who truly sparked my passion. At thirteen, I focused more on improving my snowboarding skills and joined a snowboard club, which marked the beginning of my competitive journey. Today, I am a professional athlete pursuing ambitious goals in international competitions.
You have faced multiple injuries in recent years. Which ones were the most impactful, and how did they affect you?
I have suffered several severe injuries over the years. The most impactful were my ACL tears and a major foot injury. Some injuries were "manageable" because they occurred at the end of the season, giving me time for structured rehab. But there were also particularly tough moments, like my third ACL tear within just a few years. That was a point where I questioned whether I had the strength for yet another long rehabilitation process.
How did you cope with these setbacks, and what helped you mentally and physically return to peak performance?
Dealing with setbacks was just as mentally challenging as it was physically. My biggest support system was my environment: coaches, physiotherapists, family, and friends who stood by me. Working with a mental coach also helped me process my emotions and maintain a positive mindset. I learned to accept bad days and keep going. This mental strength was crucial in my return to professional sports.
How did you discover bellicon as part of your rehab?
I discovered bellicon through a random connection at a snowboarding event. A former physiotherapist introduced me to the concept and sent me a bellicon to try out. Since I was already familiar with trampoline training, I quickly recognized the potential of bellicon for my rehabilitation.
What exercises did you do with bellicon to support your recovery?
At first, I focused on single-leg standing positions, gentle bouncing, and controlled weight distribution on my injured joints. My physiotherapist was initially unfamiliar with bellicon but quickly recognized the benefits of its elastic, joint-friendly movement. Proprioceptive training was especially valuable in activating my deep muscles and improving stability.
One of the highlights of my training was 360° jumps, where I had to focus on precise landings. The challenge of landing in the exact same spot on the flexible mat enhanced my coordination and reaction time—essential skills for snowboarding, where body control and precision determine success.
How did training on the bellicon affect your balance and stability?
The bellicon training was a completely new experience compared to conventional rehabilitation measures. The gentle but challenging movements improved my balance and coordination in a natural way, while at the same time strengthening my deep muscles - crucial for stability and injury prevention.
What was particularly motivating was that I could feel my progress directly instead of doing monotonous strength exercises with rigid repetitions. Coordinative challenges such as one-legged jumps or juggling exercises made the training varied and challenged my concentration as well as my muscles. When jumping, I also experienced the feeling of “airtime” similar to what I feel when snowboarding—this was a mental boost that helped me regain confidence in my body and prepare for my return to the sport.
Did you continue training with bellicon after rehab? If so, what does your training look like today?
Even after my rehab, I continue using bellicon, especially for warming up before training sessions. Just five minutes are enough to optimally prepare my joints for exertion. Besides rehab, I have also used bellicon for fun warm-up variations, like incorporating ball games. Additionally, I’ve discovered its effectiveness for core stability exercises—though those can be quite intense!
Do you think bellicon training is beneficial for other professional athletes in rehab?
I am convinced that bellicon can be a great asset for other professional athletes in rehab. Especially for those who have gone through multiple injuries, it brings fresh impulses and offers a new approach to rehabilitation. The combination of gentle load, fun factor, and variable intensity makes it a valuable tool that goes beyond traditional rehab methods.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, both athletically and health-wise?
My goal for this season is to win the overall European Cup ranking and secure a wildcard for the World Cup. At the same time, I am prioritizing listening to my body and finding the right balance between exertion and recovery. Looking ahead, I have my sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where I aim to compete as a Slopestyle medal contender.
Do you have a message for anyone who is currently struggling with an injury and needs some inspiration?
My most important message to anyone struggling with an injury: Never give up hope. Dreams are not there by chance - they are goals that are achievable. With patience, the right environment and new, unconventional methods such as the bellicon, fresh momentum can be injected into everyday training. Stability, deep muscles and coordination are specifically improved - and everyone can find their own way back. The key is to take a small step forward every day and keep going.
Final Thoughts.
Jonas Junker’s impressive comeback highlights the importance of effective rehab after sports injuries. bellicon training helped him improve proprioception, stability, and muscle strength, allowing him to return to competitive sports faster. His journey proves that innovative training methods not only support physical recovery but also provide mental motivation. bellicon offers an effective and engaging solution not just for professional athletes but for anyone looking to recover from an injury.
