I’m long overdue for writing the last post in my 3-part rebounding series. After covering why I love rebounding, some of the health benefits, and how it plays a role in my overall Crohn’s management, I now want to talk about how to choose the right rebounder for you. With so many choices on the market and the wide range of prices, it might be hard to pick one. Below are some of the factors that helped me make my decision and some tips and things to consider when shopping for your own.
1. Safety!
A low quality (think cheap here) rebounder will have springs that wear out quickly, fabric that wears faster or can even tear, and will simply be made with lower quality materials that can make the bounce stiffer, more jarring, and harder on your joints.
With that being said, jumping right into a $300+ purchase for a rebounder might be scary when you’re not sure if you’re even going to enjoy it. So, complete honesty here, knowing full well the pitfalls and safety risks of a cheap rebounder, before I purchased my Cellercise I did go to Wal-Mart and buy a very cheap $30 mini trampoline. I felt it was worth the $30 to jump on it a few times and see if it was going to be something I would enjoy. Over a period of about 3 days, I logged a total of 15 minutes on the cheap rebounder and made the decision that yes, this was going to be a part of my fitness plan from here on out. At that point, I donated the mini trampoline to Goodwill and was ready to go ahead and invest in a real rebounder.
2. Equipment Features
The big decision here, when it comes to rebounders, is whether you want to choose one made with springs or bungee cords. In my opinion, the real downfall to choosing a rebounder made with bungee cords is that they typically are designed to be used with specific weight ranges, which could cause frustration if more than one person is going to use it.
For those who are concerned about a noisy/squeaky rebounder, know that even the bungees will squeak when they become worn. For a rebounder with springs, a tiny drop of lubricating oil on each spring will make your rebounder quiet as a mouse! (I can give my personal testimony here, as I chose (and love) my Cellercise rebounder that is made with springs. When it starts to get squeaky, I oil it and it’s whisper quiet again.)
There is a lot of debate and countless articles that claim one is better than the other when it comes to lymphatic drainage, but I haven’t come across anything that is scientifically strong enough to make me believe one is superior over the other. Honestly, both spring and bungee rebounders will move your lymphatic system (all exercise moves your lymphatic system, some exercises and activities are just better than others) and can offer a great workout. No matter which one you choose, however, just don’t buy a cheap one. If you purchase a rebounder made with springs, be prepared to oil it and if you purchase a rebounder made with bungees, make sure you buy a model that will allow you to replace worn out bungees.
3. Bonus Features
Who knew a rebounder could provide bonus options! I didn’t, until I started looking for one to purchase. There are basically two things to consider in this category: portability and accessories.
You might think that all rebounders are portable because they are light and mobile, which is true, but some rebounders can actually be folded up. So, if you’re someone who likes to take road trips (or if you might be bold enough to take one on your next flight!), this might be something to consider. On some high-quality rebounders (not all), the legs will be detachable or foldable. So even it the rebounder frame itself doesn’t fold, having legs that will flatten can make it easier to store or pack.
The most common accessory for a rebounder is some type of handlebar/balance bar. These vary by brand, so if you’re interested in having something to hold onto while you jump, find the style that suits you the best. The most common configurations for handlebars that I’ve seen are a basic t-style bar (somewhat like a bicycle handlebar), a u-shaped bar positioned in front of you, or two u-shaped bars (one for each side, right and left).
Recommendations:
While there are certainly differences between major brands of rebounders, I think of it like buying a luxury vehicle. People will certainly have their favorites and be loyal to one brand over another–Lexus vs. BMW–but, at the end of the day, they’re both great options.
So, when I was in the thick of my research trying to decide which rebounder I was going to buy, there were three brands that stood out from the pack that I would recommend anyone consider: Cellercise, Bellicon, or JumpSport.
1. Cellercise
I chose the Cellercise rebounder and absolutely love it. I liked the fact that it was made with springs and was suitable for any weight range. I bought the bi-fold version, without the balance bar, and am 100% satisfied with my purchase. It is durable (all-steel construction), high quality (space-age Permatron® Mat), quiet, and I love it.
Cellercise rebounders start at $365.
2. Bellicon
The Bellicon is also a premium rebounder made of steel construction, precision welding, and a polypropylene mat. All Bellicon rebounders use bungees, so you’ll need to make sure you’re buying the right bungee for your bounce preference and weight. There are also three frame sizes to choose from, however, none of them are foldable.
Bellicon rebounders start at $500.
3. JumpSport
If you’re not ready for a Cellercise or Bellicon, JumpSport offers a variety of rebounders with prices that start at a lower entry point. JumpSport offers a bi-folding or solid frame, is made with steel-tubing construction, and uses bungees. There are various sizes and weight limits for each of the different models.
JumpSport rebounders start at $200.
While I chose the Cellercise rebounder and absolutely love it, my simplest hope is that you find a rebounder you love and make it a part of your fitness program and lifestyle! It might seem a little 80s, just missing the leg warmers and leotard, but rebounding is fun and versatile. If you’re having a high-energy day, you can bounce up an incredible sweat. If you’re having a low-energy day, a gentle bounce can get the blood flowing and give you just the right pick-me-up to start your morning. No matter what your fitness level or experience is, rebounding can match it and improve it!
