Rebounder vs Trampoline: What's the Difference?
A rebounder might look like a mini version of a trampoline, but while the two are similar in design, they serve very different purposes.
Which one is right for your lifestyle, health goals, and available space? We'll help you decide.
Here's what to know when comparing a rebounder vs trampoline, including the intended use, difference in size, space requirements, functionality, safety considerations, portability, storage, cost, and maintenance requirements.
Intended Use: Fitness vs Fun
The main difference between a rebounder and a traditional trampoline is the intended use. One is made for exercise and the other for recreation.
Rebounders Are Built for Exercise
Rebounders, by and large, are built for exercise. Since you only need to bounce in place to reap the benefits, they're much smaller than regular trampolines and can be placed indoors, like a treadmill, elliptical machine, walking pad, or vibration platform. They also sometimes have handles for increased stability.
A rebounder provides a way to get low-impact cardio while increasing muscle strength and supporting the lymphatic system—all in the comfort of your own home.1,2 They’re perfect for older adults—check out our blog to learn more about the benefits of rebounding for seniors.
Trampolines Are Built for Recreation
Traditional trampolines are built for recreation. While some adults use them for casual exercise or gymnastics training, the larger surfaces and outdoor setups are primarily used by children for playtime (though they definitely provide kids a way to get physical activity).
Rebounder vs Trampoline Size & Space Requirements
Rebounders and trampolines have vastly different sizes and space requirements as well.
Rebounders Fit Indoors
In most cases, a rebounder can fit indoors. Typically measuring 2 to 4 feet in diameter, the small footprint makes it a good option for apartments, home gyms, and rec rooms.
Trampolines Require Outdoor Space
Trampolines generally call for not just outdoor space but a large, flat area of grass. This makes them a better option for backyards (or indoor trampoline parks).
Spanning 5 to 10 or more feet, regular trampolines aren't portable. Whether you choose an above-ground or in-ground trampoline, it's meant to stay in place once assembled.
Bounce Type & Functionality
Another distinction is that rebounders and traditional trampolines are designed for different types of bounces and overall functionality. Here's what we mean.
Rebounders Have Controlled, Low-Height Bounce
Rebounders are lower to the ground, often with a tight bungee system for a more controlled bounce and better stability during fitness routines.3 And with this type of mini-trampoline, you're supposed to stay in the center of the jumping mat, whether you're actually catching air or just moving your legs up and down in a squatting motion.
Trampolines Offer High, Unrestricted Bounce
Trampolines are designed for higher, unrestricted bouncing. You can jump in place in the center, leap from side to side, run back and forth, do flips and somersaults, or perform other tricks.
Safety Considerations
Regular trampolines have a high risk of injury for both children and adults.4,5 Meanwhile, rebounding is generally a safe, low-risk exercise.
Rebounders Are Low to the Ground
The jumping mat on a rebounder sits low to the ground. Combined with a handlebar and anti-slip foot pads, this offers enhanced stability and a lowered chance of flying off the surface or losing your balance.3
Compared to other types of exercise, rebounding is also a safe, low-impact activity because it absorbs shock and reduces impact on the knees and other joints.6
Trampolines Require More Safety Features
There's a reason outdoor trampolines require netted enclosures and padded bumpers around the perimeter. These features can help jumpers from launching off the surface, falling over the edge, or getting pinched by the large metal springs. But the larger bounce surface still comes with an elevated risk of injury.4
Portability & Storage
Rebounders and trampolines also differ in terms of portability and storage.
Rebounders Are Easy to Move
Rebounders are not only small but also lightweight and often foldable. This portability makes them easy to tuck away when they're not in use, take on the go, or move from room to room as needed.
Trampolines Are Stationary
In most cases, large outdoor trampolines are stationary. They're meant to stay in one place and usually call for multi-person assembly. Depending on where you live, this could mean your trampoline is only used seasonally or that it develops rust or other environmental damage.
Cost & Maintenance
You'll also want to consider the cost and maintenance requirements of a rebounder vs trampoline.
Rebounders Are Budget-Friendly & Low-Maintenance
Reminders are a cost-effective way to get exercise year-round in the comfort of your own home. The JumpTrack models from Lifepro are accessibly priced and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Not only that, but they need minimal maintenance beyond wiping down the surface and occasionally tightening the hardware.
Trampolines Are a Bigger Investment
A backyard trampoline is usually a much bigger investment than a rebounder. Beyond a higher price range, you might need to buy safety accessories separately (like a net enclosure) and purchase replacement parts every few years.
Over time and with changing seasons, they can also become dirty or fill with dry leaves.
Why the Lifepro JumpTrack Rebounder Is the Smart Choice for At-Home Fitness
Is a trampoline or rebounder right for your health needs, available space, and fitness goals?
If you're shopping for your children and need something to encourage outdoor play, it might be best to invest in a traditional trampoline. But if you're in the market for space-saving exercise equipment and prefer a low-impact, indoor full body workout, a rebounder is the way to go.
Check out the Lifepro JumpTrack rebounder to see how it stands apart from other mini-trampolines. And if you're considering other indoor fitness equipment, see our guide to vibration plates vs rebounders.
Sources:
- Cureus. Rebound Exercises in Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11296216/
- Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. A study to assess the effectiveness of rebounding exercise on lymphedema: Shailendra Mehta. https://ijptr.net/a-study-to-assess-the-effectiveness-of-rebounding-exercise-on-lymphedema-shailendra-mehta/
- Cleveland Clinic. The Many Health Benefits of Exercising on a Trampoline. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/trampoline-workout-benefits
- Mayo Clinic. When it's kids versus trampolines, kids often lose. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/when-its-kids-vs-trampolines-kids-often-lose/mac-20431484
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Trampoline Park Injury Trends. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/1/e2023061659/196177/Trampoline-Park-Injury-Trends
- Journal of Physical Therapy Science. Does trampoline or hard surface jumping influence lower extremity alignment?. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5890218/
- Libyan Journal of Medicine. The effect of rebound exercise on cognition and balance of females with overweight and obesity. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19932820.2024.2438513?src=exp-la
- PLoS One. Effects of rebound exercises on balance and mobility of people with neurological disorders: A systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10553300/
