Personal Trainers Love These Trampolines For Working Out And Having Fun

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If you can’t remember the last time you jumped around on a trampoline, you may be thinking, Well, that’s adulthood, I guess. Fair, but it’s worth noting that adult trampolines are an actual thing, and they're more than just a fun pastime. They can actually give you a sweaty cardio workout. In fact, they've recently taken over the fitness world, so it's prime time to get your hands (or shall I say feet) on one right now.

In addition to all the bennies of sweating, working out on exercise trampolines also comes with other perks. "Some of the benefits of workout trampolines include improved balance, decreased fear of falling in daily activities, overall strength, cardiovascular endurance, and all-around fun," says Nikki Gnozzio, a certified personal trainer and founder of Junction Bodyworks.

So if you're looking for a creative way to get in some cardio that doesn't involve running on a treadmill or cycling on an exercise bike, hopping on an exercise trampoline may be exactly what your workout routine is missing. Besides, who doesn't love a little bit of nostalgia? Just ask Eva Longoria and Goldie Hawn, who are both fans of trampoline workouts. Ready to get jumping? Here are the 8 best exercise trampolines, according to fitness experts.

Mini Trampoline for Adults

If you've never owned a mini trampoline, you may be a bit hesitant to trust something so small and seemingly delicate. In general, you can rest easy knowing that these trampolines were designed for you to bounce on without a second thought. Still, investing in a product with a high max load can help with putting your mind at ease.

This one from Darchen can hold up to 450 pounds. Additionally, the tension of the bungees allow for a safe and quiet experience. The soft and supportive bounce back is also gentle on your joints.

Testers who worry about the max load are pleasantly surprised by how well the trampoline responds. However, users note that it's difficult to set up and may require some assistance. Those who purchased the version with the stability bar say that it makes them feel even more secure during workouts.

Rave Review: "I was hesitant to believe that bungee cords would hold 375 pounds, but I'm happily surprised. It's firm to step on and off, so I feel comfortable doing it alone. It bounces nicely, and I can grab the handle if I feel unsteady."

Starter Sweat Bundle

The Ness trampoline is virtually noiseless and has three adjustable cords that allow for various tension settings, so you can play around with mat firmness for a customized bounce. It's also a favorite of Aly Giampolo, co-founder of The Ness, a beat-based trampoline cardio and sculpt workout platform.

If you're a new member to the platform, you'll get the Starter Sweat Bundle with a free one-month subscription. The classes can be done on and off the trampoline, allowing people of all levels to get a sweat-generating workout. The length varies from 10 to 50 minutes, and it aims to activate your lymphatic system.

"While I definitely love a good bargain, sometimes I want to feel the drip of being an absolute queen," says Claudette Sariya, a certified personal trainer in NYC, who's also a fan of the Ness. "This trampoline is so stylish that it emanates 'red carpet,' 'glam,' and 'luxury' with every bounce."

The Ness doesn't feature reviews on their website, but it's a cult-favorite that's a must-have on any list of exercise trampolines.

Fitness Trampoline

Beginner jumpers will want a trampoline that's sturdy and supportive. This high-quality trampoline is made from steel for optimal strength and durability when jumping for short and long periods of time. To help with balance, you can utilize the adjustable handle bar, too. If you're not looking for the added support, you can buy this without the stability bar as well.

Many testers love this trampoline for how stable it is. A few also agree that it seems larger than the listed measurements, so it's worth keeping that in mind when thinking about placement and storage. On the flip side, users say this trampoline leaves plenty of room to bounce around safely.

Rave Review: "This is the tightest trampoline I've had in a long time—firm, quiet, and strong. I love the bungee cords. I just hope I can buy more if needed!"

Bungee Rebounder

This half-folding mini trampoline has 30 elastic bungees and includes a waterproof PVC pad to cover them. It also comes with a storage bag. If you're into following a programmed workout, purchasing this trampoline gives you access to a number of streamed online programs. Side note: If you need more support, a stability bar is available for purchase.

Testers love how easy this trampoline is to assemble. They also like that it effortlessly folds up, making storage a breeze. Users note that it's silent and a great option for beginners.

Rave Review: "I wanted to try rebounding, but also wanted high-quality equipment because safety and sturdiness were a priority. This is a seriously well-made piece of equipment that was super-easy to set up and is lots of fun to use."

Silent Fitness Mini Trampoline

Thanks to 30 extra-thick bungee cords, this mini trampoline promises to to be extra quiet when using it. It also has a heavy duty, tear-resistant mesh surface. Each leg of the trampoline has a rubber cap to improve stability and safety. Plus, at just $7o it's truly a steal.

Many testers agree that this trampoline is just the right size and does a good job at staying quiet during workouts. A few users call out that it can be a bit difficult to assemble, but once it's put together, it delivers on the quality. Testers also love how sturdy it is.

Rave Review: "Thank you. This is a great mini trampoline. Assembling is best with two people, and the directions and online video are helpful in assembly. Sturdy."

Indoor Mini Rebounder

Designed with six arched legs, this bungee trampoline is more stable and supportive than those made with springs. It has 36 elastic cords for stability and a 40-inch frame that's large enough to jump around without worrying about falling off.

It also comes with a special skirt covering the cords to protect your feet from getting caught. Purchasing the trampoline gives you access to a 30-day trial of JumpSport Fitness TV, a workout platform with fitness classes that incorporate rebounding.

"I'm an on-screen instructor for home fitness, and the fact that this trampoline comes with access to a full library of workouts is what sells it," says Sariya. "You can bounce around with direction and a guide from a qualified instructor in the comfort of your home."

Rave Review: "I was so excited when my home trampoline arrived! I have to admit I was a bit intimidated when I opened it. I was worried about putting it together, but the pictures and directions were great and I was able to put it together within an hour. It is very sturdy and doesn't make any noise at all while jumping on it!"

Foldable Mini Trampoline

A 2.0 version of the original product, this mini trampoline is made with a thick and sturdy steel base that was tested in 3,000 jump experiments. Designed with springs and a four-hole construct, you can easily fold this trampoline down without having to completely deconstruct it. It has 32 closed springs that are super easy to clean along with a waterproof mat.

"The handrail is a wonderful feature for an exercise trampoline because it can be incredibly supportive for folks who are working on balance," says Ashantis Jones, a certified personal trainer based in Chicago. "The fact that the handrail adjusts to four different heights means you're likely to find the perfect fit for your body." She adds that, overall, it's a great option for anyone looking for a low-impact workout.

Rave Review: "I love the bar to hang on to. I am older and my balance is not good. This is really nice to jog on by taking the shock off your feet—very satisfied."

Foldable Fitness Rebounder Trampoline

If you're looking for a trampoline the whole family can use, this one's a solid pick, as the handrail can be adjusted to five different height levels.

It can also fold down to a quarter of its original size, making it easy to store under your bed or in a car trunk if you want to travel with it. This trampoline is also designed with resistance bands that make for a challenging and fun upper body workout.

Jones appreciates this option for its max load of 450 pounds. "Our bodies will continue to change throughout our lives, so knowing you're getting a product that will likely be able to accommodate your body through those changes makes it a smart long-term investment for a piece of equipment for your home!" she says.

Jones notes that there are other key features, like the handrail and adjustability, which are great if you plan on sharing the trampoline with roommates or family members who have different needs.

Rave Review: "I was originally looking for a trampoline for my toddler, but then wanted to get something that would last longer and the whole family could have fun with. The hand bar makes it super easy and fun for my toddler to hang on. It is sturdy enough, so my husband can jump on it, too. It's also great for exercising."

How we chose the best exercise trampolines

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, and contributors Emily Shiffer and Casey Clark have been researching the most popular, top-rated exercise trampolines. Our team consulted five fitness experts, including Nikki Gnozzio, Sydney Sherman, Aly Giampolo, Claudette Sariya, and Ashantis Jones for the story.

Meet the Experts

• Nikki Gnozzio is a certified personal trainer and founder of Junction Bodyworks.

• Sydney Sherman is a NASM-certified personal trainer.

• Aly Giampolo is the co-founder of The Ness.

• Claudette Sariya is a certified personal trainer based in NYC.

• Ashantis Jones is a certified personal trainer based in Chicago.

Is jumping on a trampoline a good workout?

Not only is jumping on a trampoline a *great* workout as far as calorie burn and cardio endurance goes, but it’s also low-impact and easier on your joints. "It’s one of very few workouts that is high-intensity, while also being low-impact," says Giampolo. "This allows you to burn anywhere between 300-600 calories, depending on the duration, without putting strain on your joints," she explains. Looking for a trampoline workout to try? Here's one of Giampolo's 30-minute trampoline circuits.

What should I look for in an exercise trampoline?

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when looking for an exercise trampoline—mainly tension type, adjustability, maximum weight, sturdiness, and size.

Tension type

Tension is the tightness/level of resistance you’ll have on the trampoline as you jump. "Smaller exercise trampolines will be more resistant (have higher tension) because they sit closer to the ground, and you don’t want to be tapping the ground with each jump," says Sydney Sherman, a NASM-certified personal trainer. "They’re meant to absorb the shock as you land your jump, which is why they’re a great low-impact option for those of us with sensitive joints or coming back from an injury."

The most durable mini trampolines will create tension either using bungee cords, springs, or resistance bands. The type of trampoline you buy will depend on your preference. For example, springs are pretty loud, so if you're looking for something a little quieter, you might opt for bungee cords or resistance bands. Or if you want something that's easier on your joints, you might try bungee cords, since they allow for a smoother, less shock-impacting jump that springs or resistance bands.

Adjustability

Exercise trampolines have varying degrees of adjustability, especially when it comes to handle bars. "If your trampoline has a handle, you’ll want to make sure the height of the handle is adjustable for each user," says Gnozzio. "You’ll also want to make sure the legs are adjustable depending on the surface you’re on to make sure [the trampoline] doesn’t wobble."

Maximum weight and sturdiness

The maximum weight limit for an exercise trampoline with be different based on how it is constructed or the brand. Generally speaking, the weight limit for exercises trampolines varies from 250 to 450 pounds. You'll want to check each retailer to see what their weight limit is and to make sure that it's something compatible with how much you weigh.

The sturdiness of an exercise trampoline will also vary, but you'll want to make sure it has rubber grip covers for the legs, so that these keep it in place, and a handle bar that doesn't easily move for your safety and stability.

Size

Similar to adjustability and the weight limit, exercise trampolines are available in different sizes. "It’s important to consider the size of the space you have for your trampoline workout," says Gnozzio. You'll also want to make sure the rebounder fits in a space where you will be able to move your body freely. "A lot of trampoline workouts involve arm movements so you’ll want to have space around you, as well as above you for jumping," explains Gnozzio.

What’s the difference between a rebounder and a trampoline?

Rebounders and trampolines are essentially the same, but the main difference is what they are used for. "Rebounders are more typically what people are referring to when they talk about using a trampoline for fitness," says Gnozzio. "Usually, rebounders have less of a bounce than, say, a typical large outdoor trampoline."

Is jumping on a trampoline good for weight loss?

Jumping on a trampoline isn't going to magically make you lose weight. However, it can help you burn extra calories, which can potentially put you into a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss.

"Generally speaking, jumping on a trampoline can contribute to fat burn and muscle gain, resulting in weight loss," says Gnozzio. "That being said, like any exercise, it has to be accompanied by a proper diet to result in weight loss."

TL;DR: You likely won't lose weight by using a mini trampoline alone, but it can definitely be programmed into a well-rounded weight loss routine.

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