We all know that one of the main factors of keeping good health is getting consistent exercise. However, we live in a world of information overload, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the most effective workout routines. With thousands of different styles and techniques, the average person can easily get lost in all of the possibilities. If you are searching for an exercise that is fun, effective and literally works every single cell and organ of your body, then consider rebounding.
A rebounder is basically a mini trampoline that is typically used for working out. It’s surprising that rebounders aren’t more popular. Studies have shown than exercising on a mini trampoline has even more health benefits than standard cardio, like running or cycling. This is due in part to your body working against the forces of gravity in a accelerating and decelerating motion. By challenging the force of gravity, you can achieve a a rhythmical vibration on a cellular level and as a result, your body becomes stronger.
On this page, we’ll go over how to choose the best rebounder, and the most important things you should consider before making the investment. Let’s jump right in.
How to Choose the Perfect Rebounder
Let’s now move onto how to actually choose the right rebounder. If you search for one on Amazon, you’ll notice quite a few models being sold. Not all mini exercise trampolines are not created equal and you are easily going to find them in the thirty dollar range at your big box store and up to a thousand-plus dollars for a high-end model. So what are some things you want to look for in a quality rebounder? Here’s what to look for:
How Big Is It?
In comparison a standard backyard trampoline, rebounders are a lot smaller. They’ll typically range from roughly 3-4 feet in diameter, or 38 to 50 inches. Keep in mind, the actual bouncing area (mat) is often smaller than the advertised size. For instance, the Bellicon 39 inch trampoline offers a 27 inch jumping surface, and the 44 inch rebounder offers 32 inches of space.
Which size rebounder you should choose will depend on a number of factors. If you intend to take your rebounder with you (travel, work, school etc) then we recommend a smaller diameter since it will be more portable. If you don’t plan on traveling with your rebounder, then go for a larger diameter for a more comfortable, spacious workout. This is especially important if you are tall. You certainly don’t want to feel concerned about lack of space while you’re jumping, as this may impact your landing and rhythm. Also, if you’re a heavier person, you may want to purchase a trampoline with higher resistance levels and longer legs to prevent yourself from bottoming out while landing.
What is the Level of Comfort?
With higher end rebounders, you are able to jump barefoot without your feet getting torn up. However, with some of the cheaper models, you’ll need to wear shoes. If you are fine with wearing shoes while jumping, you can get away with a less expensive model. However, if this is something you want to do whenever you feel like it (ie, late at night in your home), the go for a comfier one.
How Much Bounce Does It Have?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that rebounders with more bounce are better quality. Really, it depends on what you intend to use it for. Rebounders without much bounce are actually better for workouts geared towards helping your lymphatic system. Vigorous bouncing isn’t necessary for adequate lymphatic drainage and since you don’t tire as quickly, you can bounce for longer periods. If the main purpose is for cardio, then a lot of bounce is good.
Is the Frame High Quality?
It’s important to buy a rebounder with a frame made from high quality materials. If you purchase a rebounder with a crappy frame, it will gradually deteriorate, and each bounce you do will be slightly off-course. You also want the legs of the trampoline to be sturdy. In some rebounder models, the legs will budge out a little bit, which provides a wider base of support so the unit does not feel like it’s going to tip as easily.
What Type of Springs Does It Have?
All rebounders possess a shock absorption system, which is made up of metal springs or bungee cords. Bungee cords tend to be quieter than spring systems, however, some high-quality spring systems are relatively quiet as well. The advantages of a quiet trampoline are self-explanatory – you can use it at anytime of the day without interrupting anyone, even if they are sleeping in the room next to you. The main advantages of metal spring rebounders is that they are usually more affordable and have a firmer bounce, which allows you to effectively jog on the trampoline by mimicking a hard surface (without the wear and tear on your joints).
How Much Does It Cost?
Quality and price will always have some correlation whenever an honest product is being sold. If you research prices online, you’ll soon realize that there is a very wide price range out there; some mini trampolines cost under $100, and some of the higher-end models cost upwards of $600. Some may balk at such high prices, but keep in mind these trampolines are exercise equipment, not toys. Rebounding can provide incredible health benefits while having a positive impact on the quality of your life. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you view this as a personal, long-term investment. When you think long-term, most will consider investing in a higher-quality product rather than a cheaper one. Yes, it’s going to set you back a few hundred dollars, but it will last for many years.
How Long Is The Warranty Period?
Before making an investment of this kind, make sure you’re aware of the warranty period. The more durable the trampoline, the longer the warranty is likely to be. Longer warranty periods are never a bad thing. This means you can always return it if anything goes wrong.
Does It Fold?
Some mini trampolines will fold up for travel or easy storage, whereas others won’t. If you’re planning on taking your rebounder with you or are tight on space, buy one that folds. Keep in mind that some rebounders are easier to unfold and lock into place than others, so consider this before you make your final decision.
Conclusion
The best general advice we can give is to just look at the reviews. Most mini trampolines made by reputable companies will have a number of helpful reviews on their product page. This provides a higher level of transparency coming from ordinary people who are actively using the product for the same exact purposes as you.
