Jumping on a trampoline may seem like it’s for kids, but this form of exercise is much more beneficial than you may realize. This is a look at rebounding which may be a new thing to you. The concept is very simple and it presents an alternative to regular cardio. If you’re tired of using a regular treadmill, bike, elliptical, or rower, a rebounder is a great way to switch things up, and get some added health benefits, too.
You can jump on a regular trampoline and get the benefits, but that may not be practical for everyone. They are huge, take up a lot of room, and can be expensive. They are also not necessarily designed for health and fitness. A rebounder is the best option. A rebounder looks like a small trampoline and is intended for just one person. It has some give to it but is not excessively bouncy. It’s the bouncing motion and keeping control of your body position, that makes rebounding so effective.
What are the benefits of Rebounding?
NASA has actually done some of the best research when it comes to the benefits of rebounding. This is because astronauts in space are limited to their exercise options while in zero gravity. They need some form of movement to avoid muscle wastage and to keep healthy.
There are several benefits to rebounding. The first is that it helps mobility. The jumping motion allows more muscle use and requires control of your body due to the unstable surface. This will help you when you get to more stable ground as you’ve been able to use those muscles and smaller stabilizer muscles. Rebounding can help improve your posture, works your core, helps your walking stride, and even combats osteoporosis. This is a form of exercise that can strengthen the muscles and bones but there’s no impact because of the bounce. Rebounding also helps with balance.
Another big health benefit of rebounding is lymphatic system health. The lymphatic system pumps through the body and acts as a backup for the vascular system. It’s important because it supports the immune system, and helps to recycle old red blood cells. The lymphatic system also moves fat around the body so it can be used as energy, and to make hormones. But the lymphatic system needs a pump to do this. It doesn’t have the heart which pumps the vascular system, but it can be pumped by movement such as bouncing, or rebounding.
Best Rebounder
Pleny Indoor Mini Fitness Trampoline With Handle
Best for Support
This mini trampoline by Pleny is perfect if you are older or have mobility issues. It can be used as a regular rebounder but also features a handle that will give you added support. This will allow you to get the rebounding motion to provide those great health benefits–but keep you safe while you’re using it. The handle is also adjustable so it can accommodate various heights.
This is a very durable rebounder made with high tension springs and a very tight jump mat. This allows it to hold up to 150kg. This is a great home rebounder that can be used by kids, adults, and seniors. If you’re brand new to rebounding, this is a great option to start with.
Pros
- Only weighs 11kg
- Able to hold up to 150kg
- The handle has strengthened locking bolts
Cons
- Smaller than other models
- Can take up to 20 minutes to assemble
Happy Jump Fitness Trampoline With Handle
Best Outdoor Option
This is a unique rebounder that allows for some more intense bouncing. The handle on this unit is out in front like a bike handle. This gives you more room to move around on the surface. You will be able to bounce in different directions while keeping your upper body stable. This rebounder is higher off the ground which will give more resistance and bounce. But it is still designed with safety in mind.
The spring cords are fully covered and any gaps are taken away so there is no risk of your foot going through the sides. This is a great option if you want to use it outside as it is weather resistant. It also is extremely stable no matter what surface you put it on. It has an arched leg structure which makes the base even wider to create more stability.
Pros
- Can be used indoors and out
- Can hold up to 250 pounds
- Uses elastic bungee cord instead of steel springs
Cons
- Might be too engaging and bouncy for seniors and those with low mobility
Fit Bounce Pro Ii Bungee Rebounder
Best For Travel
The Fit Bounce Pro II is another rebounder that uses bungees instead of metal springs. This rebounder is strong but very stable–and quiet. It uses a patented bungee system that has 60 strong connectors which is twice as many as other choices. This makes the entire rebounder perfectly tensioned and allows it to hold up to 350 pounds.
It doesn’t come with a handlebar, but one can be purchased if needed so keep that in mind if you’re looking for more stability. The legs also fold in so it can be stored away easily or taken on the road with you. The legs then lock in with a metal locking bolt for added safety. This is a great option if you travel but want to be able to exercise wherever you go.
Pros
- Smooth and quiet
- No assembly required
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Doesn’t have a protective cover around the sides
- No handlebar
Mxl Maximus Life Gym Rebounder
Best Performance
The MXL is the choice you want if you are very fit and athletic and want a rebounder that can hold up to higher intensities. This is a smaller option, but it’s meant for performance. This is the same type of rebounder that you would find in gyms and fitness clubs–but can be used in your home. It is much stiffer and more robust than other rebounders so it’s the choice for professional athletes and people of high levels of fitness.
Even though it is small, it can still hold up to 150kgs while only weighing 12 kg. This is for serious training as the MXL also comes with resistance bands for added strengthening and toning.
Pros
- Strong, robust, and well built
- Easily transportable
- No assembly required
Cons
- Could be too advanced for some people
- No handlebars
Maximus Pro Folding Rebounder Fitness Trampoline
Best Overall
The Maximus Pro is your ultimate rebounder. It has all the features and performance you need no matter what level of fitness you’re at. It features a handlebar so you’ve got the stability if you need it. It also is larger than other rebounders giving you more room to exercise. The Maximus Pro is also very safe and stable. It has 32 calibrated giant springs which are covered with a protective lining. It has a wide base of support with rubber feet for even better stability. You’ll be able to exercise as hard as you like knowing you are properly secured.
The Maximus Pro does this with those 32 springs that are designed to give the most resilient and proper bounce. This will give you the correct ankle and foot support as you move. It also comes with a free DVD which gives you different rebounding workouts you can follow. You also get some resistance bands and sand weights so you can have a full-body workout anytime you like.
Pros
- Holds up to 310 pounds
- Foldable for easy transport and storage
- Only weighs 14.6 kg
- Comes ready assembled
Cons
- Enter Cons Here ….
Important Things to Consider When Buying a Rebounder
The first thing to decide is how much support you need when rebounding. A handle is always going to be a good option if you are worried about support. From there, you need to decide how big a rebounder you want. The smaller the bouncing surface, the more in control you have to be to make sure you are landing directly on the mat. This doesn’t give you a lot of options to move around or try different styles of jumping inflatable football soccer dart board. If you are more athletic, you may want a larger rebounder which will allow you to move around more–but small models can also be effective.
If you are not worried about moving around on it, and just want a simple up and down type of bounce, you can get by with a smaller option. If you want to be able to move the rebounder around–or take it anywhere you go–you should look into a folding option. These can easily be put into your car boot or backseat.
Safety Tips & Conclusion
Safety is paramount when using a rebounder. It may be more paramount than any other form of cardio. If you are older or have limited mobility, you can still enjoy a rebounder, but you want to make sure you have some type of support structure for you to hold on to. You can buy a version with an option or use something supportive you have at home. This balance is and support is critical to keep you safe.
It’s also helpful to start slow and gradually build up the bouncing intensity. If you’re hesitant, you want to start out by not jumping off of the mat. You can still get the bouncing motion–and benefits–by bouncing with your feet still touching the mat. As you get more comfortable, you can extend upward a bit more each time. It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and to stop if you feel dizzy or disoriented. It’s always a good idea to discuss with your doctor before undertaking a new form of exercise.
You may also feel a little unstable when you’ve finished and step off, so keep that in mind. But a rebounder is a great way to not only get exercise but to get some health benefits that don’t often come with other forms of fitness. They are fun to use, safe on the joints, and can give you a good workout in as little as 10-20 minutes.