Quick Answer: Which Rebounder Should You Get?
We've been bouncing on the same JumpSport since 2010, and we've compared the big names along the way. Here's the short version:
- Best value (our pick): JumpSport. Quiet elastic cords, a smooth bounce and sturdy no-tip legs, for a lot less than a bellicon. The JumpSport 250 is a great place to start.
- Best premium pick: bellicon. The softest, deepest bounce of the three, and you can order it with cords matched to your weight. It's also the most expensive.
- Best for a firmer bounce and travel: Cellerciser. It uses metal springs, so it feels firmer and makes a little more noise, but it folds up small enough to take with you.
Whatever you choose, skip the bargain-bin rebounders. More on why below.
Why Choose a Rebounder?
A rebounder is a small, sturdy trampoline built for exercise, not for flips in the backyard. We wanted something for home that was:
- Easy on the joints but still a real aerobic workout
- Good for the heart and the lymph system
- Quiet, so we could use it while watching TV
- Small and easy to store
- Portable, so we could take it outside
- Safe and simple to use
- Fun, because if it isn't, we won't stick with it
A good rebounder checks every one of those boxes. Here's how we got there.
Why a Gym Membership Didn't Work for Us
Before buying anything, we signed up at a gym for a year to see what we'd actually use. The pool and the elliptical were our favorites.
But like a lot of people, we went all the time at first, then a little less, then hardly at all. Between work, family and the holidays, getting to the gym just didn't happen. So we started looking for something we could use at home.
Elliptical vs Rebounder
Our first thought was a home elliptical. It's low impact, fairly quiet, and you can adjust the speed and resistance. But for us it had some real drawbacks:
- It's huge. We just didn't have a good place to put one.
- It didn't get my heart rate up much. Jumping jacks get my heart going faster and higher than the elliptical ever did.
- It bothered my wife's joints. Too much time on it affected her shoulders and knees, and we wanted something we could both use.
- It didn't do much for the abs. It works a lot of muscles, but my core never felt it.
- It isn't great with kids around. On some models, the moving arms can clip someone walking by. I've seen it almost happen at the gym.
A rebounder solved almost all of that.
Benefits of a Rebounder
It gets your lymph moving
The lymphatic system is like the garbage collector for your body's cells. It runs alongside your blood vessels, but it doesn't have a pump the way your blood has the heart. Lymph moves when you move, and one-way valves keep it flowing in the right direction.
The gentle up-and-down motion of bouncing is an easy, low-impact way to keep it moving. We really notice the difference, especially in our sinuses.
It's a real cardio workout
Bouncing doesn't feel like hard work, but it is. A study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise found that a mini-trampoline workout burned calories at about the same rate as running 6 mph on flat ground.
And unlike jumping jacks on a hard floor, a good rebounder soaks up much of the shock when you land, so your joints take less of a beating.
It's quiet and easy to fit into your day
There's no motor and no power cord. You're the power! A rebounder with elastic cords is nearly silent, so you can bounce during a TV show or an audiobook. (Spring rebounders are louder, as you'll hear in the videos below.)
It's easy to store and move
Many rebounders have legs that fold or screw off, and some fold in half or even in thirds. You can slide one under a bed, stand it on its side in a closet, or carry it out to the backyard for some fresh air. Some folks take theirs to the park or the beach.
That also means you don't need a dedicated exercise room. Bring it out when you want to use it, then put it away.
It's gentle when you need it to be
Many rebounding coaches suggest spending your first week on the "health bounce," a gentle bounce where your feet never leave the mat. It's low impact, it gets your lymph moving, and it lets your body get used to the motion. If the joints in your feet are sensitive (from arthritis, for example), supportive shoes can help.
Downsides to Know About
- Pronation. Pronation is how your weight rolls across your feet when you land. A poorly made rebounder with a saggy, uneven mat can make pronation problems worse. A quality rebounder with a firm, even bounce helps your feet land the way they should.
- Falling off. It's very possible to fall off if you go wild with cheerleader jumps, so skip those. If balance is a concern, look for a model with a stabilizing handle bar you can hold on to.
- Ceiling height. Check before you buy, especially for a basement. Taller jumpers get closer to the ceiling than you'd expect.
What to Look For When Choosing a Rebounder
The right rebounder depends on your weight, your joints and your budget. These are the things that matter most:
- Elastic cords or metal springs. Cords (JumpSport, bellicon) are quieter and give a softer, smoother bounce. Springs (Cellerciser) feel firmer and make some noise.
- Weight rating. Pick one rated comfortably above your weight. JumpSport's 39-inch models are rated from 250 to 300 pounds, and bellicon lets you choose cords for your weight.
- Adjustable firmness. Some models let you change the bounce. The JumpSport 350, for example, adjusts from soft to firm.
- Size. Most rebounders are around 39 or 40 inches across. A 44-inch model gives you more room for wider moves, and it's worth it if you're tall.
- Stable legs. Look for legs that don't wobble or tip. JumpSport's arched legs are designed to resist tipping.
- Storage. Decide whether you need it to fold, or if standing it on its side is enough.
- Replaceable cords and a good warranty. Cords wear out eventually. Being able to replace them is a big reason ours is still going strong.
Why You Should Avoid Cheap Rebounders
If there's one thing we'd tell a friend, it's this: don't buy the cheapest rebounder you can find.
Bargain rebounders cut corners on the frame, the springs and the mat. The result is a harsh, jarring bounce. If you hit a hard stop at the bottom of every bounce, you might as well be jumping on concrete with your shoes off! The whole point of a rebounder is to soak up that shock.
A cheap rebounder can be especially hard on your knees, back and ankles. If you're young, you might get away with it for a while, but as we get older, good support matters more and more.
You can get hurt on any exercise equipment, so use common sense. But a well-made rebounder is built for years of comfortable use, and that's worth paying for.
JumpSport vs bellicon vs Cellerciser
There are lots of rebounder brands out there, but these three are the ones we keep coming back to. They're well built and well reviewed, and each one does something a little different.
| JumpSport | bellicon | Cellerciser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | Elastic cords, smooth | Bungee rings, softest and deepest | Metal springs, firmer |
| Noise | Nearly silent | Nearly silent | Some spring noise |
| Sizes | 39" and 44" | 39", 44" and 49" | Half Fold and Tri-Fold models |
| Storage | Stands on its side; the 550f folds in half | Screw-in or folding legs | Folds in half or in thirds |
| Price | Mid-range | Premium | Upper mid-range |
| Best for | Best overall value | Sensitive joints, custom fit | Firm bounce, travel |
The videos below show the differences in bounce and noise better than we can describe them.
bellicon vs JumpSport [Video]
The bellicon is the Porsche of rebounders. It uses bungee rings instead of springs, so the bounce is quiet and soft.
But it isn't the only quiet option. The JumpSport uses elastic cords too, and as you'll see in the JumpSport video further down, its bounce is smooth and quiet.
The biggest difference? The JumpSport costs a lot less.
Plenty of people rave about their bellicon, though. If you want the premium option, you can find it on Amazon, or read our full bellicon review first.
Browse bellicon Rebounders on Amazon
Soft cords aren't the only way to go, either. Lots of people love the Cellerciser, metal springs and all.
bellicon vs Cellerciser [Video]
David Wolfe tries the bellicon and then the Cellerciser:
For a closer look, see our Cellerciser vs bellicon video comparison.
Cellerciser in Action [Video]
In this video, David Hall runs his "Ultimate Balance Challenge" in front of an audience. He makes the case that rebounding does more for strength and balance than just jumping (or shaking) in place.
Here's another Cellerciser video. Skip to the end to see the parts, how it folds up, and some of the exercises he uses. It's pretty cool.
Want to know more? Read our Cellerciser Half Fold review or try these Cellerciser workouts.
JumpSport Review [Video]
YouTube user roundlady owns several rebounders, and the JumpSport is one of her favorites. She has lymphatic cancer and uses rebounding as a gentle, regular form of exercise.
All three of these are great rebounders. What you don't want is a cheap one that can hurt you.
Which JumpSport Model Should You Get?
JumpSport makes several models, and the numbers can be confusing. Here's how the most popular ones compare, based on JumpSport's current Amazon listings:
- JumpSport 250: 39 inches, soft bounce, rated for 250 pounds. The best value for most people. (You'll also see the 220 and 230 on the same Amazon listing.)
- JumpSport 350: 39 inches, adjustable from soft to firm, rated for 275 pounds. This is the model we own.
- JumpSport 350 PRO: 39 inches, adjustable from firm to extra firm, rated for 300 pounds. Built for heavy daily use, families and studios.
- JumpSport 550f: 44 inches, folds in half, rated for 300 pounds. Great if you want more room or need to fold it away.
The 39-inch models store upright on their side, which takes up surprisingly little floor space.
The 250 now comes with 60 days of access to JumpSport Fitness TV, with cardio, core and strength workouts built around the rebounder. It's a nice way to get started if you're not sure what to do once you're on it.
Our JumpSport, 15+ Years Later
We went with the JumpSport, and we've never regretted it.
We still use our 350 because it's so easy to just step on and start bouncing. After more than a decade, we replaced the elastic cords, and it felt brand new. Love it!
It's been a great sinus reliever for us, and it seems to help us bounce back from colds faster too. Most of all, it passed the will-we-actually-keep-using-it test, which is more than we can say for that gym membership.
Why we chose the JumpSport:
- Softer on the joints
- Very quiet
- Adjustable bounce
- Sturdy, no-tip legs
- Much less expensive than a bellicon
- A lot of fun
Rebounder FAQ
How long should I bounce each day?
If you're new, start with 5 to 10 minutes of gentle bouncing and build up from there. A few short sessions spread through the day add up.
Do I need to wear shoes?
Many people bounce barefoot. If your feet or ankles are sensitive, supportive athletic shoes can make it more comfortable. Plain socks can be slippery on the mat, so skip those.
Is a rebounder the same as a mini-trampoline?
Pretty much. "Rebounder" usually means a mini-trampoline built for exercise, with a sturdier frame and a smoother bounce than a toy trampoline.
How much ceiling height do I need?
Add the height of the mat, your own height and how high you plan to jump. Most rooms have plenty of space, but low basement ceilings can be tight, so measure first.
Are rebounders good for older adults?
Many older adults love rebounding because it's low impact. Start with the health bounce, consider a handle bar for balance, and check with your doctor first if you have balance, joint or heart concerns.
Where to Buy
JumpSport: The JumpSport 250 has over 1,100 ratings on Amazon and a 4.7 out of 5 star average. It's the one we'd recommend to most people.
See the JumpSport 250 on Amazon
If you'll bounce hard every day or share it with the whole family, the JumpSport 350 PRO is built for it.
See the JumpSport 350 PRO on Amazon
bellicon: You can buy bellicon rebounders on Amazon or from bellicon-usa.com, where you pick the size, legs and cord strength. They're premium rebounders, and the price climbs quickly as you add options.
Cellerciser: The Cellerciser is sold through cellerciser.com. Our Cellerciser review can help you decide between the Half Fold and the Tri-Fold.
Release your inner T-i-g-g-e-r and BOUNCE! :)
