It is easy to find trampolines and rebounders at any sporting goods store. Both types of bouncers are similar in style and composition and are made of the same or similar materials, but they have different features that set the two apart.
Most people call rebounders mini trampolines because that’s exactly what they look like.
And the truth is, rebounders are designed to do just that. These devices look and mimic trampolines in terms of function. The main difference is in the way they are used.
Trampoline Vs Rebounder: Size
The main difference between these two types of equipment is size. A trampoline can be the size of a backyard or even larger and still be safe to use (provided it meets certain safety standards).
A rebounder, on the other hand, can only fit in an area about the size of a single bed. This makes it far less versatile than its big brother, but it does make it easier to store when not in use.
Trampoline Vs Rebounder: Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is another important consideration when deciding between a trampoline and a rebounder.
Trampolines are designed to hold more weight than rebounders, although there are some very high quality bouncers that can hold up to 250 pounds.
Most rebounders can hold about half that weight. Trampolines tend to be more durable than bouncers, but that doesn’t mean that every bouncer will break easily. Some of them are so strong that they can even survive high winds and heavy rain.
Trampoline Vs Rebounder: Price
The biggest difference between these two products is the cost. The cost of a trampoline is much lower than that of a trampoline. The average price of a single rebounder is $80-$150, while the average price of a single trampoline is about $300-$400.
The cost depends on how big the trampoline is and how much material it is made of, among other factors. In addition to affecting cost, size will affect the space requirements of each device.
Trampoline Vs Rebounder: Safety
Trampolines are often seen as more dangerous than rebounders, although they are much safer now than they used to be. Trampolines are designed to bounce back into place after use, while rebounders use ropes similar to bungee cords to bounce them back. While the ropes on the rebounder may increase the height of the bounce, they also help prevent injuries because the user can control their movement and speed.
Rebounders have been designed with safety in mind since day one, making them safer than many other forms of fitness available today. A rebounding machine is much more stable than a trampoline because it uses slingshot-like ropes rather than springs to restore its original shape.
Trampoline Vs Rebounder: Function
Trampolines can be used for exercise, and they’re very popular among gymnasts and cheerleaders. Multiple people can also jump on a traditional trampoline for fun with a partner or as part of group activities.
But this isn’t the case with a rebounder.
The rebounder is meant for:
- Single users.
- Exercise.
Only one person can fit on a rebounder, and these devices do not have the same bounce as a trampoline. Instead, a rebounder is close to the ground, which allows for added safety in case a person loses balance during exercise.
A lower-to-the-ground design boosts overall stability, too.
Trampolines are often offered in larger sizes: 10’, 12’, 14’, 15,’ and so on. Smaller trampolines are available for younger children, too, but these are still different from a rebounder.
The traditional rebounder will have a radius of 4-feet or less.
The Goal of a Rebounder
Rebounders do allow people to jump and bounce, and this is the action that allows a person to reap the benefits of a rebounder (more on that soon). But a rebounder will not be used to perform gravity-defying jumps and tricks.
A rebounder is meant for light jumping and bouncing, which offers a slew of health benefits to the jumper.
Rebounding Benefits:
- Drain the lymphatic system.
- Improve lung function.
- Low-impact exercise.
- Cardiovascular conditioning.
- Muscle conditioning.
Jumping on a rebounder has been shown to help a person drain their lymphatic system while also boosting lung capacity and function.
The key difference in the benefits experienced from a rebounder is how a person chooses to use their rebounder.
A good example is a person jumping in place, or using resistance bands and working their hips on the rebounder. These moves will provide a muscle-strengthening and toning workout with little cardiovascular benefits.
Another person may perform jumping jacks or run in place while on the rebounder, which will increase the person’s cardiovascular health. The rigorous exercise will force more oxygen into the lungs and boost a person’s heart rate, too.
Ultimately, it’s how a person chooses to use a rebounder that determines which benefits are received.
Accessory Differences
A trampoline can have a lot of accessories added, such as an enclosure, basketball hoop and ladder. Rebounders will not have these accessories – they’re too small. The accessories available for a rebounder will be exercise-related.
Rebounder accessories may include:
- Stabilization bars.
- Replacement parts.
- PlyoFit accessories.
- Workout DVDs.
- Weight kits and packages.
Conclusion
These are the main differences between a trampoline and a rebounder. While both are great fun, adults mainly use rebounders, and they can be found in fitness classes and gyms – unlike trampolines.
In the end, it comes down to personal choice. For example, the advantage of a rebounder is that you can take it anywhere and don’t have to follow certain schedules or routines. On the other hand, a trampoline lasts longer and takes up slightly less space. All in all, it’s best to consider your workout space as well as your personal preferences before choosing between the two.