The Difference Between an Exercise Trampoline and a Recreational Trampoline

What exactly is the difference between an exercise trampoline and a recreational one? Technically nothing. Any trampoline can be used for exercise; and in fact, people actually do get a healthy amount of low-impact cardiovascular exercise when they use a recreational trampoline. However, generally when the term “exercise trampoline” is used by a manufacturer, it refers to a smaller trampoline, generally around three feet in diameter.

An exercise trampoline is often used in conjunction with a number of different low-impact, cardiovascular exercises. For instance, if a person is doing aerobics or jogging in place, that person can employ a trampoline to lessen the impact on the legs while also increasing the amount of calories she burns. This can be especially useful if a person is overweight and has a hard time jogging for long periods.

The most popular models of exercise trampoline are usually also the least expensive. For instance, InStride's 36 inch model sells for less than $25 on many Internet-based fitness stores; however, in the case of a trampoline, you may want to purchase it at a local sporting goods store, as shipping prices may be prohibitive.

If you're just starting a new exercise regimen, you may want to purchase a “no fills” trampoline, rather than spending a lot before you have made a commitment to your routine. Most exercise trampoline models can run you from between $120 and $2,500. But why spend that much before you know that you will continue to use it? No frills models can usually be identified by their names. If you search for “jogger” or “rebound” or “stamina” trampoline models, you will more than likely find a cheap enough model that fits all of your exercising needs.