Trampoline Vs Elliptical: Which is the Superior Workout?

Trampolines and elliptical machines are both popular options for getting an effective cardiovascular workout at home. While they provide a similar low-impact way to raise your heart rate, these pieces of exercise equipment have key differences when it comes to muscle engagement, adjustability, injuries/accessibility considerations and more.

So, trampoline vs. elliptical, which is the superior workout?

After extensive personal testing and research comparing these options across various factors, I believe elliptical trainers deliver a more well-rounded and accessible cardio experience for most people. However, trampolines offer unique advantages too, especially for leg toning and exciting plyometric workouts.

Read on to learn more!

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Trampoline Vs Elliptical – Comprehensive Analysis

Trampoline Vs Elliptical - Comprehensive Analysis

Calories Burned

Of all the factors to consider, calories burned is one of the most important to me when gauging the effectiveness of a cardio workout. And on this metric alone, the elliptical machine clearly gives more bang for your buck. According to my research, you can expect to torch around 575 calories per hour using an elliptical, while a trampoline workout will burn roughly 290 calories in that same time. The elliptical’s smooth, long range of motion allows you to engage multiple large muscle groups at once, translating to a higher calorie burn.

Impact On The Body 🦴

Jumping on a trampoline is exhilarating, but it definitely jolts your joints much more than using an elliptical. All those landings can stress your back, knees and ankles over time if you’re not careful. Meanwhile, gliding on the elliptical is low-impact and fluid – saving wear and tear on your joints. So for those needing a gentler workout due to previous injuries or conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, an elliptical is likely the safer choice.

Use In A Home Gym 🏠

Both trampolines and ellipticals can make great additions to a home gym. Trampolines come in a wide range of sizes, from massive backyard trampolines to tiny “rebounder” models small enough to store under your bed. This makes them adaptable to different home spaces. But ellipticals offer important advantages too – they provide an efficient, full body cardio and strength training experience without the jumping impact of a trampoline. And unlike trampolines, most good ellipticals also come with displays, heart rate monitors, built-in workout programs, and other features that enhance and track your training.

Accessibility For Disabled People 👩‍🦽

When considering workout options for physically challenged or elderly individuals, an elliptical machine provides a significantly more accessible cardio exercise experience. Because they require jumping up and down repeatedly to work properly, trampolines normally aren’t suitable for people with balance issues, joint disorders or physical disabilities. But ellipticals can often be adapted with assistive features like steps, deeper footbeds, and supportive handlebars that help those with disabilities use them safely.

Muscles Worked 💪

On the whole, I’ve found that elliptical machines engage your upper and lower body more than trampolines. Most ellipticals feature moving handles that let you work your back, shoulders, biceps and triceps while striding. And being able to adjust resistance, incline and stride length allows you to dial in how hard you want your glutes, quads and calves to work. Trampolines are fantastic for leg toning, but don’t involve the arms much. Yes, you can hold dumbbells while bouncing to incorporate your upper body, but this reduces stability significantly.

Training Variety 🤸

One clear advantage of trampolines is the wide range of exercises and training variations they enable, from jogging and jumping jacks to tuck jumps and burpees. Their springy surface lets you explore lateral movements and explosive plyometrics in ways you can’t on an elliptical machine. That said, most ellipticals include various built-in workout programs and resistance adjustments to mix up your training too. But overall, trampolines offer more freedom to creatively change your workouts over time.

Trampoline Vs Elliptical – Chart

Trampoline
Elliptical
Calories burned per hr
290
575
Impact
High-impact, jarring on joints
Low-impact, fluid motion
Use in home gym
Great for small spaces, no electricity required
Larger footprint, requires power
Good for disabilities
Usually not suitable
Can be adapted with handrails, raised steps
Muscles worked
Mostly lower body
Upper and lower body
Exercise variety
More creative options like plyometrics available
Built-in programs provide structured exercise variety

My Verdict 🏆

So in the battle of Trampoline Vs Elliptical, which comes out on top after weighing all these factors? For well-rounded cardio, strength training and accessibility to people of varied ages, fitness levels and physical capabilities, I believe elliptical machines offer advantages that make them superior for most home fitness purposes. However, there’s definitely still a place for rebounder trampolines too due to their smaller size, versatility and exciting potential for creative workouts. Ultimately, choose whichever option best fits your individual fitness goals, needs and space constraints!

Best Fitness Rebounder: Jumpsport Fitness Trampoline Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Trampolines Vs Ellipticals

Which is better for building muscle? 💪

Ellipticals work your upper and lower body simultaneously through their full range of motion, allowing better muscle-building potential than bouncing on a trampoline alone. But incorporating free weights on a trampoline can help strength your arms too.

Which gives a better leg workout? 🦵

Trampolines excel at working all the muscles of your legs through explosive jumping. But ellipticals also thoroughly work your glutes, quads and calves thanks to adjustable resistance and incline options.

Can you adjust workout intensity on a trampoline? 🆙

Yes! By modifying bounce height, trying plyometrics like tuck jumps, running on the trampoline, and using wrist/ankle weights, you can make trampoline workouts as intense as you desire.

What muscles does an elliptical machine work? 🤔

Ellipticals work your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps and core in one smooth, full-body motion. By comparison, trampolines mainly target the legs unless you purposely incorporate arms with weights.

Is a trampoline or elliptical better for seniors? 👴👵

For seniors, an elliptical machine with assistive features like handrails provides a safer, lower-impact cardio workout. Jumping vigorously on a trampoline can stress aging joints. But low-bounce rebounding is gentler.

Articles You May Like to Read:

Do Trampolines Get Bouncier Over Time?
Why Does My Neck Hurt After Jumping On A Trampoline?
Skywalker 60 Trampoline Round Review
Skybound Trampoline Reviews
Sportspower Trampoline Review

Author's Image

M Waqas Saeed

Introducing M Waqas Saeed, our lead content writer at Trampoline Seeker. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Punjab and a deep passion for outdoor activities, especially trampolining, Muhammad expertly crafts detailed product reviews and informative guides for our readers. His professional and personal dedication to trampolining helps us stay current with trends and news. Outside of writing, Muhammad enjoys cricket, reading, and of course, time on the trampoline. His unique blend of expertise ensures our content is engaging, accurate, and truly beneficial for all trampoline enthusiasts.


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