This is where I was last year, and it was frustrating. I was bored with running, and some issues with my knees and shin splints kept me from upping my game with it. I felt like it was no longer doing anything for my body because I wasn’t challenging myself or using any new muscles. This is when I discovered rebounders. Rebounders are mini-trampolines made for adult use that are a surprisingly versatile and fun tool to use for working out. Let’s go over some of the essential information you need to know about mini trampolines, and then I’ll review 7 of the best mini trampolines that are the top rated the market today.
Why should you use a mini trampoline?
There are a lot of health benefits to using an exercise trampoline. In fact, NASA has done research to show that this form of exercise can be more than twice as effective as running on a treadmill. While rebounding and mini trampolines have been around for a long time, it did not gain popularity until the 1980s when NASA began performing its studies on the benefits of rebounding. They wanted to find a healthy way for astronauts to recover the loss of 15% of bone and muscle mass after going into space. NASA found that the acceleration and deceleration of jumping on a mini-trampoline provide the body with benefits on a cellular level and at an increased rate than more familiar forms of exercise such as running.
How does a mini trampoline exercise work?
While a lot of exercises focus on specific muscles or to increase heart function, rebounding on a mini trampoline is different as it uses the forces of acceleration and deceleration to work on every cell in your body in a special way. A lot of things happen in your body when you exercise on a mini trampoline. For example, it begins with an acceleration action as you jump up, followed by a very quick weightless moment when you reach your peak. Your deceleration is then at an increased G-force, which leads to the impact when you land on your personal trampoline. Repeating this action uses an increased G-force, making each cell in the body respond to the movements you are making. The jumping motion benefits the lymphatic system because this system runs vertically in the body. Studies have even shown that the increased G-force during this exercise helps increase lymphocyte activity. This important system in the body carries immune cells throughout the body and helps increase the function of the immune system. Because of this, rebounding is suggested to help detoxify the body and boost the immune system. Because mini trampoline exercise affects every cell in the body, it can also increase the energy in cells and help improve mitochondrial function. One of the most noteworthy benefits of rebounding is its effect on the skeletal system. Just like astronauts lose bone mass while they are in space due to the decreased need for strong bones in a zero gravity environment, doing weight-bearing exercises helps increase bone mass. Mini trampline exercise routines are effective in doing this because it increases the amount of weight that is supported by the skeletal system due to the increased G-force of jumping.
Here’s how to start rebounding.
Starting a rebounder trampoline exercise routine is about as simple as jumping on your fitness trampoline each day. You can start by rebounding for 15 minutes every day and slowly work your way up to more time. Or you can break up this 15 minutes into several smaller interval groups. Rebounding is a gentle activity, but it’s best to start slowly. Just put your feet on the trampoline and gently jump without lifting your feet very high off the trampoline. With time, you can work up to jumping higher with your feet leaving the rebounder. You have to find what works best for you. I prefer to jump for a few minutes in the morning before showering and then do a longer workout later in the day. Find what works best for your schedule and try stick to the routine. You’ll find it’s one of the easiest exercises to develop a habit around because it’s so fun.
Here’s how to choose the best mini trampoline.
Bounce Do you want to have a firm bounce, a soft bounce, or a rebounder that offers a self-adjusting bounce that you can change? This will depend on if your focus is on your lymphatic system that requires Health Bounce springs or you want a firm bounce. It is important to know what your goals are for using your mini trampoline to determine what type of bounce you want it to have. Inversion Some rebounders will invert your ankle while some won’t. It is important to decide if you want to wear shoes while you are bouncing, or if you want to be able to land anywhere on the mat without having to think about your foot position. Noise Some mini trampolines are noisy no matter what you do. Some even get noisier due to the constant wobbling motion if they are cheaply made. Some bungees start to make noise after you get them wet with sweat, and some begin to fray if they sit for a long time in a humid place. Additionally, some springs use a soft metal that doesn’t make as much noise as others, while some are just noisy from the start. The more expensive springs that use high-quality metals usually make the least amount of noise and remain quiet when they are oiled. Comfort Some rebounders feel plush, while some are much less comfortable. If you want to be comfortable or you just want to get the health benefits from rebounding, both can be accomplished. Frame Some frames are more stable than others. However, this wobble may be good for some people who want some of the tension released from the trampoline. When a rebounder has more folds, it is better at keeping the jump in the center. If you have a non-folding mini trampoline and the frame is not high-quality, it can warp and become too unstable to use. Springs Some rebounders have springs that often have to be changed, and some springs last for a very long time. Depending on your bounce preference and your weight, you will have to decide the kind of spring that is right for you. Some people prefer high bounces with a slower deceleration and some prefer a faster deceleration. Test out a few types of springs to find your preference. Mat Some mats fray quickly, while others are made from Permatron, which will not fray. Some mats are even up to 4-ply, which allows the user to have more comfort and less sag in the mat. The mat you choose will make a difference in your bounce. Storage How easily do you want to be able to store your mini trampoline? Some are very hard to open and can actually be dangerous to do so. Others open very gently so they can easily be stored away and taken out when you are ready to exercise. Price The better quality your rebounder is, the less you will have to spend on replacing springs. If you invest in good springs that use the full coils in each spring and are appropriate for your weight, it is probably best to spend a bit more money up front to save money in the long-run.
Here are 7 of the Best Mini Trampolines
Now that we have done an overview of the rebounder trampoline, let’s look at seven of the best rebounder trampolines in detail. After reading this section, you will have a better idea of which mini trampoline might be right for you.
1. Stamina 36-Inch Folding Trampoline
The Stamina 36-inch folding fitness trampoline is a great tool to use to exercise at home or in your office to increase your heart health, muscle strength, weight loss, and help improve your circulation. The folding design of this rebounder helps to save space when it is not in use. It has six detachable legs that can be taken off to further decrease the amount of space it takes up in storage. It has a rugged frame that is made of steel and a safety pad to ensure the user’s stability. Its 30-band tension resistance allows it to be durable and stable.
PROS
Easy to assemble The bounce is a good balance between stiff and flexible Has strong bands instead of strings
CONS
The cover is difficult to put on This trampoline is smaller than others Not recommended for people over 200 pounds
2. Stamina 38-Inch Intone Plus Rebounder
This rebounder trampoline has resistance tubes and an electronic monitor to help build heart health and tone the muscles in your legs, abdomen, and back. It also allows the user to have more energy, an increased metabolism, and feel and look fit. It has a larger rebounding surface to add stability and exercise options for the user. It also has resistance tubes that allow the user to focus on increasing your strength in your upper body.
PROS
Easy to assemble Has a blue outline that keeps the bouncer in the middle of the trampoline Easy to store and takes up little space
CONS
Wears out more quickly Not great if you want to jump often It would be easier to store if the legs folded
3. JumpSport 220 Fitness Mini Trampoline
This mini trampoline comes almost completely assembled. You can start bouncing the same day you buy this product by just attaching the legs. This rebounder comes with a strong frame, which provides a safe exercise platform for the user. It is built extra strong for excellent personal training. This product comes with a warranty, which lets the user jump confidently without fear of breaking your personal trampoline. Additionally, the frame on this mini trampoline is sealed and protected with a double coat of black finish to make it durable. The smooth bounce that people get from this rebounder helps the user feel buoyant and weightless.
PROS
30 EnduroLast cords to help extend the life of this product Very reliable product Patented No-Tip arched leg design
CONS
Fabric connector does not last as long as others Some people find the bounce to be too firm A bit expensive
4. MaXimus Pro Quarter Folding Rebounder Mini Trampoline
This mini trampoline is one of the most robust and efficient fitness trampolines on the market today. Its unique design allows the user to fold it in half and into quarters for easy storage. It also comes with a storage bag that makes it easy to transport. It has a stabilization handlebar that fits on easily and adds extra support for the user. Its high-quality large shape spring system means it has a low impact and gives a resilient bounce, unlike other trampolines. The package comes with a compilation DVD with several workouts for people of all fitness levels. This mini trampoline is often used by professionals due to its strong design and versatility, which provides a great cardio and strength workout. This rebounder engages the core muscles so your abdominal muscles get an automatic workout.
PROS
Very sturdy and well-made Has a high weight limit of 286 pounds Its hinge-folding design makes it easy to store away
CONS
Is a bit heavy and hard to move Loud, squeaky springs Takes two people to fold up
5. Half Fold CELLERCISER® Mini Trampoline Rebounder
This mini trampoline is designed for safety and durability. It is also made to last a long time. This rebounder has a triple-tiered tapered spring design, which is more effective than the typical stainless steel that is used. The springs have a special formulation to help users experience a superior quality of bounce, no matter what their weight is because the spring adjusts to the user’s weight. While typical barrel springs may be too firm for a light person and too soft for a heavy person, these springs are great for a wide variety of body weights.
PROS
Great for anyone up to 300 pounds No assembly required Easily breaks down for storage
CONS
A bit noisy Has a firm rebound A bit noisy
6. Needak Soft-Bounce Non-Folding Rebounder
This is a non-folding soft-bounce rebounder that has springs that absorb about 85% of the user’s bounce. This might be the right rebounder for you if you have joint or lower back pain. This mini trampoline has 36 unique soft-bounce springs and its frame is 40 inches in diameter. This style is often used in gyms and health clubs due to its versatility among users. The legs on this rebounder fold in for easy storage under a bed or in a large closet.
PROS
The frame comes with a lifetime warranty Has an optional stability bar Very durable
CONS
Expensive compared to other rebounders Can become noisy Spring cover tends to come off of the frame
7. Upper Bounce Mini Foldable Rebounder Fitness Trampoline with Adjustable Handrail
This mini trampoline is great for a low-impact exercise routine. It has a sturdy handrail that is foam-padded for comfort. The handrail is also adjustable in height so this rebounder can be used by people of all heights. The springs on this rebounder connect as a set, which allows the trampoline to give some extra bounce. This rebounder has a 6-leg base frame for added stability. The poles slide easily into the frame legs so it is very easy to assemble once it is delivered and it includes heavy duty welding for durability.
PROS
Can be assembled in 5 minutes Supports up to 200 pounds Has 5 height options for the handrail
CONS
A bit wobbly Has to be taken apart to be folded up It would benefit from having a foam protector for the bottom edge of the frame underneath the mat
Final Thoughts
The JumpSport 220 Fitness Mini Trampoline is the clear winner of this roundup. It is more sturdy than other options and is durable so it will last a long time. This mini trampoline also isn’t as loud as some of the others, so if you want to watch television or a movie while you are jumping, the noise will not be distracting. This mini trampoline comes from a trusted brand that is widely used by professionals, so the company is one that can be trusted. Here is a picture of this trampoline in use. Don’t waste your money on cheap rebounder that will break within a few weeks. Instead, try out the JumpSport 220 to get the best mini trampoline experience.
