Whether you stopped going to the gym due to heavy workloads, moved your exercise indoors, or just want to have more home fitness options, mini trampolines or exercise trampoline is a great piece of equipment to bounce back into shape quickly & safely in a fun way, without hating it :).
Fitness trampolines (also called “rebounders”) are compact, portable, and relatively quiet, making them versatile for exercisers of all types. And for those with sensitive joints, rebounding is a great low-impact cardio workout.
For adults, jumping on a trampoline offers far more than mere entertainment. It really is a form of cardio, burning fat 50 percent faster than running, according to John Hines, bellicon USA’s communications director.
Rebounding can be an excellent full-body fitness session that builds muscle and increases cardiovascular fitness. Not to mention, jumping on a trampoline sparks a playful, childlike feeling that leaves you radiating with pure joy by the end of each session .
Rebounding on a trampoline also stimulates your thyroid gland, which in turn cleans itself and your lymphatic system of stored fat, which includes cellulite. So, if you’re looking to shift your cellulite, trampolining offers some real benefits!
In other words, if you swap running (or another strenuous form of cardio) with bouncing, you’ll see even better results. Plus, unlike many other workouts, it’s just plain fun—and when something is fun, you’re more likely to stick with it, so all in all a mini trampoline is well worth investing in.
What is rebounding?
Rebounding, which is the action of bouncing on a mini trampoline or rebounder, makes your body go through some interesting motions. To start, you experience acceleration as you shoot upward from the trampoline. This is then followed by a moment of weightlessness in mid-air. After that brief instant, you come back down to Earth at an increased g-force before hitting the trampoline and shooting back up again — only to repeat the process.
Rebounding has been around since the early days, but its’ recent popularity occurred in the 1980s. That’s when NASA conducted research on its benefits for their astronauts who were looking to maintain bone and muscle mass after time spent in outer space.
What are the health benefits of a mini trampoline workout?
In addition to offering an excellent low-impact, full-body workout while having fun, rebounding has been said to provide an array of benefits to the body such as:
It’s an Incredible Fat Burn that Get’s results… FAST!
Most importantly, rebounding helps you achieve great results quickly! It’s an incredible calorie burner, helping you shed fat and tone muscles in as little as 15 minutes a day. A 45 minute Rebound workout can burn upwards of 600 calories!
Constantly working against gravity, your body weight can become up to 3 times heavier than normal at the bottom of the bounce due to the increase in G-forces – sending your calorie burn through the roof!
Recently, in 2018, an study was done that had a group of overweight Italian women do a 12-week rebounding programme. At the end of the 12 weeks, there were ‘significant improvements’ seen in body composition – such as decreased waist circumferences and fat mass, and increased lean and muscular mass.
It’s a Natural Detox
Rebounding for only 15 minutes a day is more stimulating to the Lymphatic System than conventional exercise because of the G-Forces & pressure changes created while bouncing. The Lymphatic System is a network of tubes & lymph nodes that helps get rid of toxins in the body, fight bacteria & other infections and kill cancer cells.
In contrast to the circulatory system, which is pumped by the heart, the lymphatic system has no such pump and instead relies on physical activity.
When you jump on the trampoline, your lymph valves open at the top of the bounce when you are weightless. At the bottom of the bounce, when you push against the mat, your lymph valves close. This provides an excellent “pump” effect that moves and recycles the lymph several times during a rebounding session. Consequently, this free-flowing system drains away toxins efficiently.
Works the Entire Body
Trampoline workouts are a great way to get a full-body workout without putting too much pressure on your legs and feet. “Rebounding itself creates an increased g-force (gravitational lead) which positively affects every cell in our body, involving more than 400 muscles working at the same time,” says Jakub Novotny, master trainer at Jumping Fitness.
Oxygenates and Is Anti-Aging
As demonstrated by the NASA study, rebounding increases oxygen uptake about 68% more than running does due to the increase g-force. The relaxing of muscles leads to the relaxation and expansion of arteries, which in turn fills all the body’s organs with oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood. So this is great for anti-aging!
exercise on mini trampolines Is Joint-Friendly
The reduced amount of gravitational pull on your body while you rebound lessens the strain placed on your joints,” says certified personal trainer and owner of Excuse Free Fitness Caprice O’Bryant. “This makes it a low-impact workout because it decreases the shock on your joints by more than 85%.”
Novotny continues, sharing that many of his clients can’t run due to knee issues but do well with rebounder workouts. “On a trampoline, our feet land softly on a mat rather than pavement or ground, which makes rebounding very easy on our joints,” he concludes.
IT’S ADDICTIVELY FUN!
Rebounding has countless benefits, but one of the most significant ones is that it’s just plain fun! We have enough things in our lives that feel like a chore–we don’t need our workouts to be another one of them.
When you’re doing something creative and enjoyable, you’re much more likely to stick with it! Just watch the pure joy on a kid’s face when they jump on their bed–it’s the same feeling you get from rebounding, so we calling it impossible to not love this workout.
Who else loves to jump?
For years, celebrities all over the world have sworn by Rebounding. Some of its most notable fans include Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tony Robbins, Goldie Hawn, Miranda Kerr, Ronald Reagan, Nadia Sawalha & Dr Sara Kayat.
Tony Robbins uses one to bounce into a motivational mindset before he goes on stage. Madonna warms up on one before her shows. Actress Goldie Hawn also launched onto the Instagram scene showing her love for Rebounding with a video of her rebounding.
If you prefer something low-impact to burn fat while working we suggest the best under-desk treadmills to boost your brain and metabolism at the same time.
Ready to hop on the rebounder bandwagon? Here, we’ve rounded up the best mini trampolines on the market so that you can get bouncing ASAP…
10 best mini trampolines to buy now
1-Best Overall: JumpSport 350 Fitness Trampoline
With its durable, premium design and advanced safety features, JumpSport 350 Fitness Trampoline is perfectly suited for anyone looking to re-shape their body or simply stay active.
Made with wide netting, sturdy poles, and silver power-coated 39-inch frame with integrated skirt and arched legs, the JumpSport 350 offers unparalleled protection against accidents or injury. 40% reduction in impact compared to traditional rebounders.
And thanks to its adjustable resistance bungees, you can customize your workout according to your fitness level and goals – whether you’re trying to lose weight or just maintain your current level of health.
Pros
- Supportive with the right amount of bounce
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Not foldable
Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 4 inches | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Jump Zone: 32.5 inches | Foldable: No | Tension: Bungee | Adjustable cords: Yes
Price at time of publication: $329
2-Best overall for beginners: BCAN Foldable Mini Trampoline with Adjustable Foam Handle
If you’re looking for an easy, convenient way to get your daily dose of cardio and exercise, look no further than the BCAN mini trampoline. Featuring a foldable design with adjustable foam handles, this easy-to-use rebounder offers maximum portability and comfort.
New York Magazine and Runner's World also picked the BCAN Foldable Mini Trampoline. The trampoline is a best seller on Amazon, too, with nearly 5,000 five-star reviews[1][2].
Whether you’re buying a fitness trampoline for a kid or you just want an option with extra safety and stability for yourself, consider this trampoline with a handlebar. It has four levels of adjustments, from 32 inches to 40 inches, so you can easily set it to fit your height and activity type.
The adjustable knob makes it easy to move, and the padded foam top makes it even safer for kids and adults alike. All of these make it the perfect pick for beginners. Its high-strength springs are made with 3-mm.-thick stainless steel, so it’s built to last — and indeed, it can hold up to 330 pounds.
It’s an affordable choice and still has long-lasting durability and great overall performance.
Pros
- Foam-grip handlebar
- Easy to store
- Has foldable legs and handle bar
- Solid throughout entire workout
- Comes in various colors
Cons
- Reviewers note it can squeak
- Small jump zone
Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 8 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Jump Zone: 26 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Spring
Price at time of publication: $115
3-Best Budget: Stamina 36-Inch Folding Trampoline
With over 14000 rating reviews, the Stamina is the most-sold fitness trampoline by a long shot. The Stamina’s affordability is certainly one reason for its popularity: It’s the least expensive trampoline on this list.
But it’s still durable, compact, and easy to use, making it a good all-around starter trampoline. It has a sturdy steel frame, a heavy-duty rebounding surface that can support up to 250 pounds, and 30 resistance bands for a strong, supportive bounce — and a quieter workout than you’d get with metal springs.
Beginners and apartment dwellers will appreciate that, at 36 inches, it doesn’t take up much floor space, but it folds down so you can store it almost anywhere when you’re not using it, and it only weighs 14 pounds, so it’s easy to move. It’s widely available, too, and well-reviewed on every site where it’s sold — on both Amazon and Target, about 70 percent of reviewers give it a five-star rating.
Pros
· Affordable
· Quiet operation
· Lightweight
Cons
· Reviewers note folding is difficult and sometimes dangerous
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 8.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Frame size: 36 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Resistance bands| Adjustable cords: No
Price at time of publication: $59
4-Best Splurge: Bellicon Classic 44” Exercise Rebounder with Fold-up Legs
Looking for a high-quality, durable rebounder that delivers superior bounce performance? Look no further than the Bellicon Classic 44.
Crafted with top-quality, custom-made bungee cords, this trampoline delivers a smooth, energy-efficient bounce that’s perfect for anyone looking to get in shape.
Bellicon has their bungee cords made in Germany, and the cords take all the impact from the landing. It pauses for a moment, and then it recoils it back to the muscle. The more that can happen, the better, because your muscles have to work a little harder.
The adjustable resistance of the bungees ensures that you can customize your workout to match your fitness level and weight, while the foldable legs make it easy to store anywhere in your home.
And if you’re looking for even more customization options, Bellicon offers their Classic rebounder in three different sizes (39, 44, and 49 inches) and a variety of colors. So whether you want a classic black or rainbow design, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Pros
- Custom-made bungee cords for smooth, energy-efficient bounce
- Adjustable resistance to match your fitness level and weight
- Foldable legs make it easy to store anywhere in your home
- Highly durable steel frame construction with up to 440 lbs weight limit
Cons
- Pricey
Dimensions: 45x 45x 4 inches | Weight Capacity: 440 pounds | Jump Zone: 32 inches | Foldable: No | Tension: Bungee | Interchangeable cords: Yes
Price at time of publication: $799
5-Best high-capacity: FirstE 48-Inch Foldable Fitness Trampoline
With a max load of 440 pounds, FirstE 48-Inch is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly, high capacity trampoline. That’s largely due to the polypropylene material used to make the mat: PP is known for its high resistance and toughness.
The trampoline also has sturdy steel legs, an alloy steel frame, and closed steel springs, all of which only add to its strength and durability. This, combined with a large 48-inch surface and an included adjustable handrail, makes the trampoline great for adults doing high-intensity workouts or for kids who want to jump around on the trampoline together.
This trampoline’s versatility and high capacity has made it a top seller among our own readers and Amazon shoppers. It’s our fifth-most-sold trampoline, and it has nearly 2000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Completely silent
Cons
- Some users have noted that springs don’t offer much spring
Dimensions: 36.5 x 17 x 4.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 440 pounds | Framze Size: 48 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Spring
Price at time of publication: $99
6-Best quiet mini trampoline: ONETWOFIT 48″ Silent Mini Trampoline with Adjustable Handle Bar
If you live in an apartment or just want a quiet rebounding workout, springs may be a little too squeaky for you. And while a few other trampolines on this list are made with quieter resistance bands, this ONETWOFIT mini-trampoline is made with bungee cords to ensure a near-silent experience.
The bungee-rope design system with 42 thickened ropes which are 0.32″(8MM) of diameter provides joint-friendly suspension, reduces noise in maximum extent, affords more stability and elasticity, and gives you a great jumping experience.
In fact, the brand notes the cords are so strong, you may need two people to assemble the trampoline, as the cords can be difficult to tighten. But once assembled, reviewers agree the trampoline is in fact quiet and strong.
Many of the over 1,160 Amazon reviewers who have given the trampoline five stars note that it’s not the easiest trampoline to assemble, but once it’s built, it’s quiet to use and a great piece of equipment.
Pros
- Has a supportive handlebar
- Budget-friendly
- Supportive with the right amount of bounce
Cons
- Not foldable
- Hard to put
Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 46.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Jump Zone: 43 inches | Foldable: No | Tension: Bungee
Price at time of publication: $106
7-Best Spring-Style Excercise Trampoline: Wamkos Rebounder Mini Exercise Trampoline
The Wamkos 40″ Rebounder has a cushioned safety rim with a fun camouflage print and includes resistance bands to help kick your workout up a notch. This trampoline felt great to bounce on and was easy to transport, too.
Even if you are on the tall side, the 40-inch diameter should work out well, and the cushioned rim can provide some peace of mind if you decide to jump shoeless. Despite the small squeak we experienced when using this model, it remained our favorite spring-style trampolines.
A great feature of the Wamkos 40″ Rebounder is the locking latches that ensure it doesn’t accidentally fold up when moving it around. All in all, we think adults and children alike will find this to be a great product that will provide a good workout and will remain durable over many uses. It doesn’t come with a travel bag, but it can be easily folded and packed for park or picnic trips of any kind.
Pros
- Good for small spaces
- Comes with resistance bands
- Completely foldable design
- Cushioned and stylish safety pad covers springs
Cons
- Slightly squeaky springs
- Firm bounce
Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 9 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Jump Zone: 26 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Spring
Price at time of publication: $57
8-Best for Seniors: LeikeFitness Professional Gym Workout 50″ Fitness Trampoline
Its large jump zone and adjustable handlebar provide added security and support, making the LeikeFitness Trampoline the perfect pick for those of all ages—but especially for those who need a little more stability. As a huge plus, it’s more budget-friendly than many others on our list, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for overall value.
The trampoline has a lot of bounce in the center and greater tension toward the perimeter—which our tester appreciated for a more versatile workout. Plus, with a 330-pound weight capacity, the trampoline is relatively inclusive. Note that it’s not foldable and has a 50-inch diameter, so you will need a large or permanent space for this one.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Has a supportive handlebar
- Large jump zone
Cons
- Not foldable
Dimensions: 55 x 50 x 53 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Jump Zone: 42 inches | Foldable: No | Tension: Bungee
Price at time of publication: $109
9-Most Portable: FitBounce Pro USA Bungee Rebounder
We love this rebounder for its fantastic bounce, consistent comfort, and lightweight design. Not only can you fold up the legs, but the entire rebounder also folds in half and fits into a carry case for optimal storage and easy portability.
It’s compact enough for small spaces and durable for multiple uses per week. However, some users note that the legs shifted while performing ski jumps—earning the trampoline a 3 out of 5 in stability. But it remained sturdy and secure during all other movements
Pros
- Completely foldable design
- Comes with carry case
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Expensive for the quality
- Legs shifted during some exercises
Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 13 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Jump Zone: 26 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Bungee
Price at time of publication: $495
10-Best Full Body Workout Kit: MaXimus PRO Folding Rebounder
The MaXimus PRO Folding Rebounder came with high expectations. Included with the basic trampoline are a support bar, two different sets of exercise bands with varying resistances, and two one-pound sand weights. It also comes with a DVD with ten intro professional trampoline fitness classes and a free online three-month trial for access to hundreds of more classes.
The assembly is uncomplicated, and the design is portable in a custom carrying bag. The price of this product seems to be ideal for someone invested in (or interested in investing in) trampoline fitness.
We were surprised at how unstable the MaXimus PRO Folding Rebounder is. Instead of a screw-in base like most designs, the feet of the trampoline base pop into place, which made both the base and the supportive handle wobbly.
The springs are still half-exposed despite the rim covering and appear to be the perfect snag for long shoelaces. This product does come with a support handle, but the handle’s height isn’t adjustable. Some users not that it doesn’t offer a professional-level quality bounce ability as it claims.
Pros
- Resistance bands and weights included
- Includes DVD of beginner classes and more online
- Easy to assemble and store
- Foldable, and comes with a stylish carrying bag for transport
- Not super high-quality
Cons
- Safety concerns due to unstable base and support bar and exposed springs
- Heavy when all pieces are packed up (30+lbs)
- Expensive
- Not super high-quality
Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 45 inches| Weight Capacity: 310 pounds | Jump Zone: 28 inches | Foldable: Yes | Tension: Spring
Price at time of publication: $249
What to look For in mini Trampolines and Rebounders
Tension type: Bungees, bands, or springs
One of the critical elements to consider when purchasing a trampoline is the type of spring used. Usually, a trampoline’s surface is attached to its frame by several springs, which are responsible for the iconic bounce. Steel springs are solid and long-lasting but can be quite loud.
Additionally, metal springs that are too potent can pull the mat too tight—defeating the purpose of using a low-impact equipment like a trampoline in the first place.
Instead of using springs, some rebounders opt for bungee cords due to the smoother and quieter bounce they provide. Additionally, users may find that rebounders with bungee tension are easier on their joints, knees, and back in comparison to other types of rebounders.
Another option is resistance bands. They offer a similar stretch as Bungees but are thinner and not as durable.
Surface Material
When you are trampoline shopping, durability is key, especially because the surface material will be the first contact point. Most mats are made from artificial fibers like nylon or polyethylene, so it is essential to find a heavy weave for optimal strength and support that won’t bottom out.
Safety Pads
A ring-shaped safety pad that comes with most trampolines can make your trampoline workout both safer and more comfortable. This safety measure protects feet from the springs and spaces in between them.
Supportive Handlebars
Most exercise trampolines have either an arch-shaped or adjustable handlebar that can be removed. If you’re new to using a home trampoline, another stable surface like a wall will suffice for balance.
However, experts warns against solely relying on a handlebar as it can build bad habits such as incorrect posture. If safety is of concern the best thing you can do is take your time slowly getting acquainted with moving on an unstable surface before jumping in too deep too fast.
Portability
Some exercise trampolines only allow you to fold the legs in, while others are much more flexible and can be deconstructed and folded to a fraction of its original size.
Adjustability
Some trampolines come with adjustable bungee cords that make the jumping surface tighter or looser. If you’re able to customize the strength of the bungee, you can modify how difficult a workout is. The weaker the resistance of the bungee cord, the more intense the workout will be because your body needs to use more energy to stay balanced.
Size and jump surface
If you are tall, around five-foot-seven or five-foot-eight, you will need at least a 36-inch-diameter jumping surface. This way there is plenty of room to do different kinds of jumps like scissor jumps, shuffles and bring your legs front to back. If the mat isn’t wide enough then you won’t be able to do as many things on the tramploine.
Max weight
In order to get the most use out of your trampoline, you’ll want to make sure that it can support your weight. Ideally, you should purchase a trampoline with a capacity higher than your body weight.
Article resources:
- 8 Best Fitness Trampolines to Help Jump Into Your 2022 Fitness Goals. Runner’s World. https://www.runnersworld.com/training/g38802599/best-fitness-trampolines/
- The 5 Very Best Fitness Trampolines. New York Magazine. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-fitness-trampolines-for-rebound-exercise.html
