A trampoline can take years off your workout
Trampolining -- or rebounding, as it’s also known -- isn’t just for kids. An Olympic sport since 2000, it is now catching on among aging adults who find it a fun, safe, low-impact, all-body exercise that delivers good cardio and improved core strength, agility and balance. New trampoline designs help stoke the fire; models big and small have built-in safety and convenience features and an exhilarating fun factor rare in the fitness world.
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Soft landings
SpringFree: Full-size, steel-framed trampoline with radical design that replaces traditional springs with fiberglass rods.
Likes: Compact and safe. It takes up less space than conventional trampolines with the same surface jumping area, and there are no springs to get caught in or “impact zones” (hard surfaces) to land on; its edge is soft and flexible. Striking, seamless looks. Enclosure system prevents you from flying off.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $1,200 for 12-foot-diameter model; $850 for 8-foot-diameter model. (866) 899-7370; www.springfreetrampoline.com.
The mighty mite
Exercera Rebounder with Stabilizer: Compact, conventional trampoline with built-in safety bar.
Likes: Small size (48-inch diameter with 44-inch jumping surface) fits anywhere in your house and can be moved easily. Manual explains basic jumps, including how to bounce safely without getting airborne.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $79.95 (without stabilizer $69.95). (310) 218-0170; www.exercera.com.
Fold it up and carry on
ReboundAIR The Ultimate Rebound: Plastic-framed mini-trampoline that folds in quarters and fits in an airline carry-on case.
Likes: Convenience; the 40-inch diameter model can easily be taken on the road. Built-in springs give it a state-of-the-art look. Includes a zippered nylon carrying case and a wheeled dolly.
Dislikes: Actual jumping surface is quite small at only 30 inches in diameter.
Price: $289.95 (888) 464-5867; www.ultimate-rebound.com.
For a high-tech bounce
Hoggan Sprint Airbounder: Gym-style workout machine with a spring-mounted platform and information display.
Likes: Fun and safe; like a stubby diving board with handles, it encourages you to leap and twist. Good feedback; screen measures time elapsed, heart rate, number of jumps. Has adjustable-resistance bounce.
Dislikes: Needs more-sophisticated electronics and/or music to motivate people. Seems too simple to justify the high price.
Price: $2,495. (800) 678-7888; www.hogganhealth.com.
- Roy M. Wallack