Trampoline for gymnastics vs regular trampoline
What is the difference between a trampoline for gymnastics and a regular trampoline? The two can be relatively interchangeable. However, if a trampoline is just for fun then it might be lacking in some of the professional features.
Trampolines that have been designed specifically for gymnastics tend to just have room for one person, like all of the options on our list, they are good choices for those who want to exercise at home. They can provide an alternative to going to the gym, for instance.
A regular trampoline might be bought purely for fun, they tend to be a bit bigger, and can have multiple kids on them to jump around, they may be higher and require some more safety features such as netting around them. The bounce is likely to be less even, as it probably doesn’t matter as much if people are just looking for a bounce for a bit of fun, compared to if they are actually looking to train and work out.
One of the great things about trampolines for gymnastics, or at least the ones we’ve featured on our list, is the fact that it can be so easy to store and transport them, compared to having one huge trampoline in your yard. Not everyone has space for a big trampoline, but a mini gymnastics trampoline is definitely far more of a realistic option for people looking to get started with this type of exercise.
A regular trampoline won’t mean you can’t do any form of exercise, but it is generally easier if you buy a specific model designed with gymnastics in mind. It may also be much more likely to come with added extras, some of which we’ve featured in the list of considerations below…
Features to consider while buying the best trampoline for gymnastics
What are the key features to think about when buying the best trampoline for your home gymnastics? This might be a bit different for everyone as people are looking to find their own way to exercise, and because people have different budgets and come in different shapes and sizes. Which features should you think about?
Shape
All of the trampolines on our list of the very best are circular. If you are looking for a rectangle trampoline for gymnastics then you might find some options, but they have more bounce. Keep in mind that this might impact your workout, and for certain types of balance and strength training you may aim to do on the trampoline, this simply isn’t the best option.
Circular trampolines are a good choice for people who are using them on their own, rather than getting a model that is square or rectangular, that can be harder to control!
You don’t want to send your kids flying all over the room either.
Size
Measuring the size of the trampoline is important, and working out an area within your home or yard where you plan to keep the trampoline. If you don’t do this then you might find that you run out of room. Just like if you were buying a pool table, you need to make sure there’s some space either side.
These trampolines are only designed to be used by one person. The maximum size we’ve reviewed here in our guide is the LEAPS & REBOUNDS 40 inch model of trampoline. The smallest model is just 36 inches so it is worth thinking about this before you make a purchase. Clear some space in your home or in the backyard ready for your workouts.
The trampolines we’ve mentioned are relatively small, one-person designs but there are some bigger backyard solutions. However, these tend to make it a bit tougher to exercise and they certainly aren’t the kind that are portable or can be used indoors for a workout. These bigger choices tend to just be for jumping around and having some fun.
Height
You might think height is the same as size, and that you just have to make sure you have room for the trampoline, but you need to make sure you have plenty of headroom. If not, this is an accident waiting to happen.
The best thing to do is measure yourself, add this to the height of your trampoline and then add another 60-80cm on top of this to make sure you have headroom in your home. If you don’t have space, you can potentially buy a slightly shorter model of trampoline, but you can also improve your options by using a room with a higher ceiling, such as in the garage, or you can just do your exercise outside.
It’s vital to measure beforehand, don’t risk a concussion by jumping on a trampoline when you don’t have the headroom, the taller you are, the more of an issue this is likely to become, too.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity has very usefully been calculated on each of the trampolines on this list. Every trampoline for gymnastics on this list is also worked out based on one person, they are not designed to have multiple people on them. Even if you can get a couple of kids on the trampoline, it may be dangerous to do so.
This is a simple thing to work out though, just weigh yourself before you get on the trampoline. If you need a larger capacity, go for something like the MaXimus HIIT Bounce PRO. This has a capacity of people who weigh up to 330lbs. It isn’t just overweight people who need bigger weight capacities, as those who have a lot of muscle, such as heavyweight boxers, might also find that there are some benefits to using a gymnastics trampoline, even if just to work on their balance.
Legs
How many legs does the trampoline have? Most of the models out there have either four or six legs, but the more legs, the more stability is usually on offer. If you go for an option with four then it might not feel quite as sturdy. This does come down to design, though.
Another thing to consider about the legs is if they help with the portability or if they actually make it more difficult to take your trampoline out and about. One of the reasons we’ve named the Stamina 36-Inch Folding Trampoline as the best trampoline on this list overall is the fact that it can be folded. This makes it really easy to just chuck in the trunk of the car and take on trips with you, rather than having to do any manual deconstruction or take up huge amounts of space. There are some models with similar features, the LEAPS & REBOUNDS option has legs which screw off. Not quite as easy, but still better than no portable features at all.
Warranty
Warranties are one of the areas that can vary hugely when you choose to buy a trampoline. Some don’t specify a warranty at all, others can give you a lifetime warranty. The LEAPS & REBOUNDS model incredibly gives a lifetime of protection. This goes to show you just how much faith the manufacturers have in their product. Not many other trampolines provide this sort of cover, though you can often get around a one year warranty on the construction of the trampoline. This is voided if you do anything you shouldn’t with the trampoline, of course.
Price
Another area where there is a lot of variety. There are some everyday trampolines on our list, these are good, but if you are a pro athlete you might find them a bit limiting. You can buy a trampoline under $50, and for most homes this will be a good option. If you are looking for a budget option or good value then our BCAN 38″ Foldable Mini Trampoline has all you would need from this type of trampoline unless you are looking to become an elite athlete.
There are cheaper models than this, but they may be specialized mainly for kids and teenagers rather than being big enough to take the brunt of an adult’s weight.
If only the very best on the market will possibly do then it is going to cost a bit more. Leaps and Rebounds trampoline is very good for this, and though it costs more, the lifetime warranty and incredible construction give so much protection to the user.
Extra features
As all of the trampoline manufacturers try to outdo one another, they tend to keep adding little extras that can help them to stand out in a saturated marketplace. What are the extra features to keep an eye out for when you are looking for a trampoline for your own home?
A lot of the trampolines out there are starting to include added extras like workout DVDs or access to classes. The MaXimus HIIT Bounce PRO offers both, as well as accessories such as weighted gloves to make your life a little more difficult and help to add to the exercise levels. Many include instructional DVDs and more.
If you are getting a portable option then you might well need something with a bag or case. If it folds up small enough, you can chuck it in the bag knowing that it will be safe when you unload it from the car, ready for a workout in your favorite spot.
