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Fitness trampolines (or rebounders, as they’re also known) are designed for at-home workouts that burn calories and put a smile on your face. As a health writer who’s tested various trends over the years, I was particularly keen to find the best fitness trampoline to add variety to my current running-based routine. In particular, I wanted to know if they could provide the same sweaty benefits as a 5K, with less of my typical knee pain.
What do they do for you, exactly? The benefits of fitness trampolines range from improved heart health to better balance, according to Diana Van Heerden, Head of Fitness at London’s Frame workout studios, which hosts regular Rebounding classes. "Fitness trampolines provide really effective cardiovascular exercise and strengthen your lower body muscles at the same time," she says. "A trampoline also forces you to engage your core, helping improve your balance and coordination, while strengthening your pelvic floor muscles as an added bonus."
There's more advice from Diana on how to use rebounders at the bottom of this feature, below my reviews. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best fitness trampolines in 2023? At a glance
- Best overallBellicon
- Best value fitness trampolineBoogie Bounce
- Best exercise trampolineBounce
- Best rebounder Fit Bounce Pro II
- Best budget fitness trampolineOpti
What to look for in a fitness trampoline
There are a few things to look out for when choosing which fitness trampoline to buy, Diana says. “A good quality rebounder will have a mat that’s thick, but not so tight that you can’t jump on it. These days, most are made with material bungees, as opposed to regular metal springs – which I would avoid, as they can hurt to accidentally step on.” Diana also advises checking the size of your space before ordering one, as they can be quite large – although the best rebounders for home use are usually foldable for storage.
How I tested the best fitness trampolines
I tested the Bellicon, Opti and Boogie Bounce trampolines at home, using workout videos of around 20 minutes each from their respective training platforms (a Youtube video for the Opti). I attended a 45-minute ((Bounce)) class near me in order to try out its own trampoline. For the Fit Bounce Pro, I enlisted Sarah Weston, who teaches her own PopJump Wimbledon rebounder classes using the trampoline, to share her thoughts.
For each of the fitness trampolines I was looking for quality of construction, usable size and weight, ease of storage (some fold, some don't) and extras including workout guides. If you're working on your fitness, by the way, you might want to read our guides to the best fitness trackers, the best running shoes, the best gym leggings, the best water bottles, the best exercise bikes and the best protein powders next.
Best fitness trampolines
1. Bellicon
£578, Bellicon
Best overall, 10/10
We like: Super stylish design and fully customisable to your needs
We don’t like: Considerably more expensive than its counterparts
- 35cm height, 112cm diameter (100cm and 125cm frames also available), 13kg weight
- Max user weight 200kg
- Foldable version is £80 extra
- Added extras: 30-day training platform free trial
When the Bellicon arrived at my front door, I initially worried how I was going to get it through. While super slim (with legs folded in, it measures a mere 8cm across), I was testing a larger model than the others on my list and it made for quite a sight.
Nevertheless, once inside, the ease at which I was able to set it up greatly outweighed any initial doubts. Uncomplicated compared to some of the other trampolines with their various nuts and bolts to screw on, the Bellicon slipped straight out of the box legs already attached. All it took was folding them out again and it was ready to go (note: these folding legs are an £80-worth added extra).
What initially struck me was how good it looked. With a matt black base and stainless steel legs, the perimeter was adorned with bright, multicoloured bungees that brightened up my living room.
I put it to work with a dance cardio video from Bellicon’s own extensive online training platform (a 30-day trial membership to which is included with your purchase, then costs £89 a year or £9.90 monthly). I found the larger size to be very accommodating to my size 9 feet and made it easy for a beginner like me to get to grips with bouncing up and down without worrying about falling off.
The mat itself felt strong enough to have my legs definitely putting in work as I pushed down hard with every jump. The resistance was calibrated exactly to my weight and fitness goals during the ordering process and having chosen ‘Boost fitness’ as my aim, the bungees definitely felt strong.
All in all, the customisability is what really sets the Bellicon apart. From the colour of the mat and bungees, to the resistance, size and add-ons (you can choose a handle if you’re worried about feeling unsteady), you can build it however you want. However, the price of all these can definitely add up.
£578
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2. Boogie Bounce
£119, Boogie Bounce
Best value fitness trampoline, 8/10
We like: All the accessories you might want are included
We don’t like: Not the most stylish
- 27cm height, 120cm diameter (frame), 9.2kg weight
- Max user weight 127kg
- Foldable
- Added extras: T-bar handle, gripper socks, carry bag, spare parts, workout DVD
The Boogie Bounce took a little longer to set up, as the legs needed to be attached. That said, no screwdriver was necessary - with a bit of leg-twisting and a hard yank to unfold the mat, it was up in a few minutes. A little smaller than the Bellicon, it fitted really nicely in my living room, but the overall look was somewhat less chic.
One of the best things I thought about the Boogie Bounce were the accessories that came in the box. Along with grippy socks and a workout DVD (for lack of the appropriate disc drive, I used the app instead), the trampoline comes with a t-bar handle, which I definitely needed for the first few minutes at least. Bonus points for the height adjustability as my 6’4” boyfriend gave it a go and managed to use it comfortably, too.
The Boogie Bounce’s portability definitely stood out for me. It feels relatively light and the way it folds in on itself makes it compact to take around, plus it comes with its own carry case. I’m not sure where I’d be taking a trampoline with me, but it’s good to know the option is available.
The mat itself was sturdy and secure. The bungees felt quite strong with not loads of give when I bounced, but I quickly got used to it and it made for a good workout as your feet really have to push down hard. It’s good to know that if you need any extra workout tips, you can always attend one of their many classes across the country.
£119
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Price at
Boogie Bounce
3. ((Bounce))
£150, ((Bounce))
Best exercise trampoline, 8/10
We like: Easy to fold away and store
We don’t like: Slightly smaller than others
- 27cm height, 101cm diameter (frame), 12kg weight
- Max user weight 125kg
- Foldable
- Added extras: None
Speaking of classes, I got to attend a ((Bounce)) class near me in order to try out their own offering. One thing that really sunk in here was the camaraderie of the trampolining community. Our teacher Melissa, someone who had attended classes regularly until deciding to teach it herself, told me how she’d made some of her best friends in that room.
The trampoline itself felt sturdy and had a mat strength similar to the Boogie Bounce - I felt I really had to dig my feet in hard to get a good bounce out of it, which translated to a good burn in my calves and glutes by the end of the workout.
The ((Bounce)) trampoline was really easy to put away after class was over. The legs fold inward quickly and with minimal effort, leaving it a good size to hide away in the corner or a sizeable cupboard at home.
Its manoeuvrability is one way in which its relatively smaller size of the ((Bounce)) was a bonus. Otherwise, there were times where I personally felt like my feet could have done with a little more room to work with, as I nearly fell off at times. That said, I’m sure I would be more in control once I’d had a bit more practice.
£150
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Price at
((Bounce))
4. Fit Bounce Pro II
£336, Rebound Fitness
Best rebounder trampoline, 9/10
We like: Its sturdiness and very quiet bounce
We don’t like: Not as stylish as others of its price range
- 33cm height, 99cm diameter (frame), 9.9kg weight
- Max user weight 150kg
- Foldable
- Added extras: Lifetime access to online workouts, DVD, carry bag, ‘bounce counter’
Rebound fitness instructor Sarah Weston uses the Fit Bounce Pro II. She says: “I absolutely love it. The bungee tension provides the perfect bounce, the mat is non-slip and I like the fact it’s slightly higher off the floor.
“It comes fully assembled and is very easy to store or travel with, as it folds in half. The spring-loaded legs collapse and it has a sturdy carry bag with handles.99cm is the standard size, but it does come in an XL which allows for a higher maximum user weight.
“Fit Bounce is a UK-based company and as a result, they provide excellent customer service, with spare parts available on request. It feels a very robust product compared to others I’ve used in the past. All in all, it’s the best I’ve used and it provides me with an efficient, all over body workout.”
£336
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Price at
Rebound Fitness
5. Opti
£40, Argos
Best budget fitness trampoline, 7/10
We like: A great budget option
We don’t like: Doesn’t fold away
- 22cm height, 91.5cm diameter (frame), 5.5kg weight
- Max user weight 100kg
- Not foldable
- Added extras: None
I wasn’t expecting to feel such a big difference when trying the Opti compared to the higher-priced trampolines, but it definitely felt like something was missing as I started to bounce. Owing to the fact it uses springs instead of the others’ cord bungees, the bottom of the bounce feels a little flat.
This is particularly obvious when bouncing straight down hard into the mat like many of the workout videos ask you to do - I found it much more difficult to do this on the Opti. There is also a slight squeaking sound, which isn’t present on the other models.
All that said, the Opti does do the job and if budget is a constraint, it’s not a bad option at all. It is simple to set up by just screwing the legs in (no screwdriver necessary), but isn’t able to fold up afterwards. The mat has no loud branding on it and the cover around the edge means feet or clothing can’t get caught in the springs. This might make it a good option if you’re planning to let any children give it a go.
£40
Buy now
Price at
Argos
FAQ
What’s the difference between a trampoline and a fitness trampoline?
Unlike the children’s variety, fitness trampolines are designed to live inside the house. “They are generally quite small in diameter and they come with short legs that attach to the bottom of the mat,” says Diana Van Heerden. “You should be able to carry them, but foldable models tend to be much lighter than others. You can set them up in your living room or elsewhere. Just make sure it’s on a non-slip surface to keep it safe. Most come with rubber caps on the bottom for this purpose.”
How do you exercise on a trampoline?
There are plenty of videos of classes to try on YouTube. Meanwhile, Diana’s Frame Workout Studios offer on-demand classes of their own via their website. She recommends building up the length of your sessions by five minutes at a time, up to 45 minutes.
"I would start with a basic bounce, with your feet hip-width apart and knees soft, pushing your toes down into the mat,” Diana says. “After this, I’d recommend some static squats, to learn how to distribute your weight on the trampoline. You can try some jacks, where you’re jumping your feet out and in, as well as heel digs with your toes flexed and heels in contact with the mat. Once you’re more experienced, I’d add in some tuck jumps, too.”
How many calories does a trampoline burn?
“The number of calories you can burn with a fitness trampoline depends on a variety of factors such as your weight, your muscle mass and your metabolism,” Diana says. “So while I can’t tell you a set number, you’ll burn the same calories in a 30-minute trampoline session as in a 30-minute run.”
FAQs
The best fitness trampolines of 2023 for home exercise, tried and tested on the bounce? ›
It just depends on how much room you have and how much of a bounce you want. If you are limited on space, the 40-inch is great and it is a slightly firmer bounce than the 48 since the bungees are stretched less. The 48-inch is great if you'd like extra jumping space and more of a slightly softer bounce.
Is 40 or 48 rebounder better? ›It just depends on how much room you have and how much of a bounce you want. If you are limited on space, the 40-inch is great and it is a slightly firmer bounce than the 48 since the bungees are stretched less. The 48-inch is great if you'd like extra jumping space and more of a slightly softer bounce.
Can a 70 year old use a rebounder? ›Mini trampolines, or rebounders, have become increasingly popular over the years, especially with seniors. The low-impact exercises are easy to perform and provide numerous benefits for overall well-being.
What is the difference between a rebounder and a fitness trampoline? ›Both fitness trampolines and rebounders have benefits and drawbacks. Rebounders are smaller and more portable. But, they may offer fewer customization options and space than fitness trampolines. On the other hand, fitness trampolines are bigger and provide more flexibility for exercises and customizing choices.
Does rebounding help lose belly fat? ›Rebounding helps improve insulin sensitivity, heart health, and body composition while decreasing blood pressure and blood fat. These benefits prevent you from increasing belly fat, which can boost your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
What is the downside of rebounding? ›Rebounding can be bad news for people who have been diagnosed with pinched nerves, osteoporosis or sciatica. The sudden forces that allow us to rebound are strong and therefore strain our spines by "compressing" it—in other words joints will stretch over time while pressure increases on discs.
Is rebounding for 10 minutes a day enough? ›How Long Should I Rebound? Once you're past the beginner's stage into rebounding, we'd recommend a 10 minute exercise twice every day. According to NASA, a 20-minute rebounding session can be as effective as a 30-minute jog.
Should you wear shoes on a rebounder? ›Should I wear trainers when using the Rebounder? Bungee models – These rebounders are springless and can be used barefoot (we recommend our grip socks for comfort) or with cross trainers. All spring based Rebounders should be used wearing trainers – preferably cross trainers with a stiff midsole.
Does rebounding help with blood circulation? ›Frequent rebounding increases circulation of blood flow, which can greatly reduce the pressure that your veins have to endure and eliminate the inflammation and the pain that comes with varicose veins.
Do you need the bar on rebounder trampoline? ›Traditional High Energy Rebounding classes performed at a high tempo (132BPM+) are best performed without the use of a handle bar for several reasons. Use of a stability bar in these classes is restricting and will have an adverse effect on posture and will limit core activation.
Are exercise trampolines safe for seniors? ›
TRAMPOLINE EXERCISE IS BETTER FOR SENIORS THAN WALKING
According to the findings of a University of Utah study on this subject, exercising on a mini-trampoline reduces the impact pressure on the feet and legs by 83%.
How often should you rebound? There's no set guideline for the number of days to incorporate rebounding into your routine. A 2018 study showed that participants who exercised on mini-trampolines for as few as three days a week saw big benefits, like increased running speed.
What happens to your body when you start rebounding? ›Rebounding motions not only stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps flush out toxins and fight disease, but improve balance and coordination. “It enhances motor skills and provides a mental release, and can help relieve symptoms of anxiety,” she says.
What is 10 minutes of rebounding equal to? ›A NASA study found that 10 minutes of jumping on a trampoline is the equivalent of a 30 minute run. The fact is exercising on a trampoline take less time than running.
What does NASA say about rebounding? ›NASA discovered that rebounding: Can work the entire body without applying excess pressure to the legs and feet. Increases oxygen uptake about 68% more than running does due to the increase g-force. Benefits the body on a cellular level at a greater rate than other methods of exercising.
Is rebounding bad for your bladder? ›High impact trampolining exercises have been shown to increase the incidence of pelvic floor problems in female athletes. Women with increased risk of pelvic floor problems may need to avoid rebounder exercises or modify them according to their individual level of risk.
Does rebounding raise blood pressure? ›Rebounding reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels by shortening the time at which blood pressure remains abnormal.
Is rebounding bad for knees? ›Easy on the joints. Rebounding has much less impact on joints and soft tissues than other exercises. Fun and portable. Rebounding can be done anywhere you are and it is fun.
What size rebounder is best? ›If you're in a small apartment, you may want something on the smaller end, under 40 inches. If you have more space or plan to do higher-intensity workouts with more movement, you can look at trampolines in the 48-inch category.
Is rebounding as good as walking? ›The resistance component - just add weights
Michele Olson, professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama, said rebounding is a low-to-moderate intensity form of cardio exercise that burns calories similar to brisk walking.
What is the difference between a rebounder and a mini trampoline? ›
Mini trampolines could be used for recreational purposes, like standard jumping all the way up to tricking.In contrast, rebounders are almost solely for fitness purposes. They are made from bungee cords and their bounce is less high than a regular or mini trampoline.
Is rebounding safe for seniors? ›One of the primary concerns about rebounding — and for good reason — is whether or not it's safe for seniors. They may have concerns about maintaining balance or causing injury to joints. The good news is, rebounding is a very safe and low-impact exercise.
Is rebounding good for your lungs? ›Rebounding stimulates your heart, lungs, and bones resulting in a fun exercise that can help halt or at least significantly slow this aging process and keep your body feeling younger.
Does rebounding make you look younger? ›“Bouncing [on a rebounder] helps calm your nervous system and reduce cortisol levels,” says Roxburgh. “When cortisol levels are too high, collagen production goes down and delays the natural healing process which helps you look and feel younger and more radiant,” she adds.
Why is rebounding good for seniors? ›Having a rebounder at home will help to boost your sense of balance. Rebounding will help mature adults be more stable and coordinated. These traits do come in handy in everyday life, as they can help prevent falls. With improved stability and coordination, exercising becomes easier as well.
Is rebounding bad for varicose veins? ›That's because, jumping (also called rebounding) on the trampoline can help reduce the pooling blood associated with varicose veins. It can also boost your circulation, and help you build stronger, healthier veins.
What exercises clear the lymphatic system? ›Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help.
Who is the number one rebounder? ›1. Wilt Chamberlain (1936 - 1999) Wilt Chamberlain generated many big numbers during his career, but none more impressive than the 23,924 rebounds he had from 1959-1973. Nearly half a century after his retirement, "The Big Dipper" still holds 21 different records involving rebounds.
Are there 2 kinds of rebounding? ›There are two types of rebounds: offensive and defensive. An offensive rebound is when offensive players regain possession of the ball after a missed shot. In contrast, defensive rebounds occur when defensive players gain possession of the ball after an offensive player misses the shot.
Do I need a handle on a rebounder? ›The handle bar allows for increased stability and opens up a workout to new possibilities! It gives everyone, no matter what age, ability or fitness, the confidence to bounce. Here are 5 examples of how handles on your exercise can help when you thought rebounding might not be for you.
Which is better spring rebounder or bungee rebounder? ›
Bungees make for a deeper more absorbing bounce that is safer for your joints, a rebounder made with bungees is more effective in flushing the lymphatic system and they are more durable! Finally, the best part about bungee trampolines are that they tend be quieter and more reliable than spring ones.
Who should not jump on a trampoline? ›Children age 5 and under should not be permitted on a trampoline. Provide adult supervision and adult spotters around the edge of the trampoline. Never allow more than 1 person to jump at a time.
What are the disadvantages of trampoline exercise? ›- increases risk of burns, cuts, and scrapes.
- increases risk of injuries, including fractures and concussions.
- may promote stunted growth in children.
- only one person can jump at a time.
- requires constant adult supervision.
Trampoline rebounding is considered as a low-impact exercise, which does not cause any damage to the spine. Trampoline rebounding provides several benefits such as improving the flexibility of the back.
Does rebounding help lower blood pressure? ›Rebounding helps your muscles contract, resulting in the rhythmic compression of veins and arteries. This helps move fluids more effectively through the body and back to the heart, helping to lower peripheral blood pressure.
Does rebounding build bone density? ›Improves Bone Density and Builds Muscle Mass
Rebounding helps prevent those losses by restoring your bone density and muscle mass! This type of exercise is fun and a really effective way to build up that essential bone density that will protect your health as you age.
Unlike high impact exercises like running, rebounding is the best exercise for lower back pain. Not only can it relieve your back pain it can also strengthen your back muscles.
Does rebounding cause sagging? ›Myth: Too much bouncing is the cause of breast sag. Hey, if you love running, jumping on the trampoline with your kids, or killin' it at your Zumba class, go for it! The ligaments and connective tissue that support the breasts is going to break down as the body changes with age, weight, and hormones.
Why do you take your shoes off on a trampoline? ›Not only is it dangerous to wear shoes on a trampoline, but they can damage the Mat. If you wear heavy-duty shoes or trainers designed for wearing on the street, this can cause the jumping mat to wear out prematurely due to increased friction.
Does rebounding tone your stomach? ›With every jump, you flex and release those muscles, which results in your abs becoming more toned and defined. Reports have shown that rebounding on a trampoline provides a more efficient and effective abdominal workout that doesn't cause your body the same amount of strain or impact as sit-ups or crunches.
Is rebounding good for over 50? ›
The advantages of rebounding exercises can be huge for seniors' physical and mental health. Here are a few benefits of rebounder senior fitness: Improves balance and confidence: Trampoline exercises help seniors become more stable and coordinated, which will help them avoid falls.
Is 20 minutes of rebounding enough? ›Rebounding: The Youth-Boosting Workout
One of the best things about rebounding—aside from the fact that it makes you feel like a kid again, so you're more likely to actually keep doing it—is that it is so efficient that you really only need 15 to 20 minutes to get a good, seriously beneficial workout in.
Trampolining works a whole load of body muscles and when you combine rebounding with other strengthening exercises, like weights, the effect is even better. We all know that rebounding gives you a good cardio workout, but it will also strengthen and tone muscles.
Is a rebounder better than a treadmill? ›"Trampolines are great exercise for people of all ages. They are an ideal way to work the big muscle tissue - in fact much better than a treadmill for burning calories." Trampolines are fun and they work your quads and glutes.
What is the difference between rebounding and jumping on trampoline? ›Rebounding is different than jumping on a trampoline. The goal is not to bounce up, but to bounce down into the mat. You need less height while using a rebounder as the goal is to stay low to the surface.
What is the standard size rebounder? ›What is the standard size trampoline? 10ft trampolines are considered small/medium and 12ft trampolines are considered medium/large. These are some of the most common sizes of trampolines. These sizes would suit most families without taking up too much space in your backyard.
Does a rebounder burn 50% more fat than running? ›Cardio. Recent studies have confirmed that bouncing on a rebounder is significantly superior to running for reaching target heart rates, increasing cardio strength and engaging muscles, and that it also reduces fat 50% faster.
Are rebounders good for seniors? ›Improve Balance
Having a rebounder at home will help to boost your sense of balance. Rebounding will help mature adults be more stable and coordinated. These traits do come in handy in everyday life, as they can help prevent falls. With improved stability and coordination, exercising becomes easier as well.
A rubber mat is the ideal addition to this type of workout session. Place the trampoline over the top of the rubber roll to guard against damage to the subfloor. Rubber, even at thin measurements, provides the desired level of protection.
Which is better spring or bungee rebounder? ›Bungees make for a deeper more absorbing bounce that is safer for your joints, a rebounder made with bungees is more effective in flushing the lymphatic system and they are more durable! Finally, the best part about bungee trampolines are that they tend be quieter and more reliable than spring ones.
Are rebounders worth the money? ›
As someone who is an avid cyclist and runner, a rebounder makes perfect sense as a low impact alternative for warming up and cooling down and for cross-training. Rebounders are also a ton of fun and since they are low impact, recovery after a rebounder workout is usually faster.
Should I wear shoes while rebounding? ›Should I wear trainers when using the Rebounder? Bungee models – These rebounders are springless and can be used barefoot (we recommend our grip socks for comfort) or with cross trainers. All spring based Rebounders should be used wearing trainers – preferably cross trainers with a stiff midsole.
Is rebounding good for arthritis? ›Rebounding efficiently stimulates and helps lymphatic drainage which has anti-inflammatory effects on your body. Arthritis Management. This type of exercise helps lubricate the joints and reduce the pain and stiffness that comes along with this disease.