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Trampoline vs. Mini Rebounder: How are they Different?

Imagine walking into a gym equipment store with the desire to buy a trampoline. Then you pick up what you think is one, and ask the sales rep “How much is this trampoline?” Instead of telling you the price, they tell you that it is a rebounder. And you’re like “A what?”…

Well, a lot of people have had similar experiences whereby they confused one of these products with the other. And truth be told, it is a mistake that can be easily forgiven due to how related and similar these products are.

Despite their similarities, trampolines are unique and different from rebounders in so many ways. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss these differences in detail.

Before we begin, you must understand that neither of these products is better than the other. They just have peculiar features that make them suitable for specific needs and functions.

What is a Rebounder?

We would have started the definition with what a trampoline is, but it is obvious that many folks have at least an idea of what trampolines are. You can click here to learn more about trampolines. Instead, it is rebounders that aren’t well known; which is why we are defining what they are.

A rebounder simply put is a mini trampoline. It is smaller than regular trampolines and is mostly used for weight loss or/and fitness activities. This is in contrast to regular trampolines that are used mostly for recreation.

As a result of their size, they are called mini trampolines. (Whoever coined the name must be really ingenious). They can also be called fitness trampolines because of their major function and use. (Can’t these names be a little less obvious?)

Anyhoo, due to their small size, you can use them indoors. They can also be installed easily, taken apart faster, and transported and stored more conveniently.

You cannot differentiate a trampoline from a rebounder by color or shape because they both come in all kinds of shapes and colors. Some are circular, rectangular, and you can even find some trapezoid-shaped ones.

So, how then are they different? Let’s find out below…

Differences between a Trampoline and a Rebounder

1. Bounce

Compared to regular trampolines, the bounce of rebounders is smaller. The bounce of these fitness products is usually 3 ½ feet. On the other hand, regular trampolines have a bounce range of 7 ½ to 16 feet and even more for those commercial trampolines.

The reason for the low bounce of rebounders is because they are mostly used indoors. Hence, you wouldn’t want to jump as high as 7 feet and end up head-first in your ceiling.

2. Weight support

Funny enough, despite their small size, these mini trampolines for home gym depending on the model or/and brand have weight support of about 400 pounds and the Bellicon can even handle more than that.

Whereas, the recreational products support just 100 pounds (small models), while the larger models will support up to 330 pounds. Only Magic Cage can boast of supporting more than 300 pounds.

weight support

3. Health Benefits

Both products offer health benefits which include enhancing your muscle coordination. These pieces of equipment are perfect for those having pains in their joints or back.

Fitness trampolines can be used to bounce, jog, or walk while you work out. Some of them are packaged and delivered with a simple workout video that has different exercise routines.

In contrast, as we have mentioned earlier, outdoor trampolines are for play and fun. In most cases, the additional accessories that make these products fun must be purchased separately.

Some of these accessories include tent attachments, bounce boards, and basketball sets. A good number of these recreational pieces of equipment are also packaged with safety nets that make them suitable for children’s use.

4. Price

The price tag of these types of equipment varies. As we all know, there are different manufacturers and models, hence, the price is never the same.

Generally, the fitness equipment cost has a minimum range of $30 to $200 while $700 is the high range. Meanwhile, the outdoor equipment ranges from $100 to $400 with the high range is $1000.

Trampoline Types

These amazing pieces of equipment are divided into two types which is a function of their function (We can also be ingenious with words…winks). Well, we have two main trampoline types which we briefly discuss below…

1. Recreational

As the name implies, they are for recreational purposes and are the ones found in your backyards. They come in different shapes which include oval, circle, rectangle, square, hexagon, and even octagon.

2. Competitive

Unlike the type just discussed, these are usually rectangle-shaped. Their main function is for sports activities. As a result, they are manufactured using strong cloth material and many strong coils are used to hold them together. All this is to ensure that they support the heavy weight that occurs during the jumps. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M461kw4_HKg to watch the amazing routine of the 2012 Trampoline Olympic Champion Dong Dong.

Rebounder Types

All men may be created equal but rebounders are not. These fitness products are also of two types which we discuss below…

1. Cheap

By cheap we do not mean the price, firmness, or softness. Instead, we are referring to the material that was used in making the unit.

Equipment of this kind is manufactured using low-quality fragile steel springs or bungee cords. Hence, when you jump on one, it sinks under your weight which is bad for your knees and back.

2. Quality

As you might have deduced, these are the opposite of cheap. These products are manufactured using high-quality steel springs or cords. Some of them are adjustable cords, or they are made from steel springs. The steel springs used in some rebounders are guaranteed to last for a minimum of two years. But more often than not, they tend to last throughout the equipment’s life.

Conclusion

With the similarities between both products, one can see why a person can easily mix them up. However, with proper knowledge like that which this article has supplied, a person can easily distinguish both.

Furthermore, with proper knowledge, you can easily choose which one of them to go for that fits your peculiar needs.

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About Jean Miles

Jean Miles – Author – Professional Health and Fitness Coach.
Encouraging and inspiring busy working people to take time out for themselves through fitness and general health and wellness.
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