Is a Trampoline "Low Impact" Exercise?

If you've already got a problem knee, and have injured it previously while trying new exercises, please ask a doctor for professional advice instead of taking our word here for whether this is OK for your body! The question here isn't "Is this low impact?" it's really "Is this appropriate for ME, even if it is technically low-impact?" Why risk your knee? A blown-out knee affects you for life and could end up requiring an operation. Besides, a trampoline may seem like great exercise, but how much time will you really spend on it, will you do it consistently, and how many calories do you think it'll really burn unless you do it frequently? Ask a doctor about the trampoline, but consider water exercise (like the person below recommended)instead. I've heard terrific things about it from people with bad joints and/or backs.

2 moms found this helpful

I think a trampoline is low impact as the springs are taking the impact, but I would think that you could still put uneven pressure on your knee or you ankles.

If you have a prior injury to your knee, I would likely wear a soft brace on it when using the trampoline until you were comfortable with it.

Signing up for water aerobics or something along that line might be more appropriate though.

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Hi L.,

Here are two web sites that may answer your questions:

http://bouncebackfitnesschair.com

http://www.starboarding.com/04_rebounding_solutions.htm

hope this helps. Good luck. D.

1 mom found this helpful

I have read about the little type trampolines called rebounders. There are great benefits to using one but you just bounce gently, don't jump. You could do it on a big trampoline, but probably not while your kids were on it. J.

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I had both legs broken and both knees "renovated" and as a former gymnast I would tell you not to jump on that trampoline. Yes, the springs absorb alot of the bounce but your knees are going to have to do some major work to stay balanced and stable. Best case scenario you do a little bouncing and have a some sore muscles, worst case involves an emergency trip and an orthopedic surgeon. I am not trying to scare you, but you definitly need to consider seeing an orthopedist before you start bouncing. Sounds like an orthopedic visit might be in line anyway.

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Hi L. It is wild I checked this out today cause I was talking to my son about the trampoline.I learned in high school to stop on a trampoline you bend you knees and you almost come to a complete halt with out any damage to your knees.Try that and let me know how it works

1 mom found this helpful

I imagine that it would be considered low impact since it has give when you jump, unlike say jumping on the pavement. Maybe you can try it again when your knee is feeling the best it can and start off easy. Oh and maybe when your kids aren't on it since it seems they are harder to jump on and its easier to fall when there are multiple people on it. Have fun!

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I would not consider the trampoline low impact at all. My legs hurt after I get off mine. I jump on it with my kids and it can be dangerous at times depending on how hyper they are. There have been times where I have jarred my legs, arms, and fingers just from me going down as someone else is bouncing up. I will sometimes just run around or walk fast around the outer edge of the trampoline. You could try that but I would avoid the bouncing. My mother-in-law has very bad knees and hips, her doctor recommended the gazelle for her exercise. It is the only equipment she has used that doesn't hurt her. She has seen results with it. I see these at yard sales and on freecycle all the time. Good luck.

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Hi L.!
One thing I will warn you about, is make sure your insurance covers the tramp. My sis-in-law had a lot of problems with her insurance company because of the tramp. It's like having a dog. Technically you have to let your insurance company know if you have a dog or any exotic pet. If something happens, and you weren't up front, the insurance company will not cover it. I know it stinks, because I never thought about it either. As far as the knees go, I'd just be really careful, because the tramp isn't the most stable way to work out.
Good luck!

Hi L.,
I'm curious how things have been going for you on the tramp. It's been a few months since you first posted your question. There are many variables to knee issues and adding the tramp raises other questions. my 1st question would be what type of injury did you experience previously? btw: i am a personal trainer, mom & will be 39 nxt month with 2boys, 16 & 13.

i would say that it could very well be low impact, however you should be careful. i agree that perhaps in the beg. you should do it only by yourself & dont lock your knees which could jam it, causing def. impact. after knowing that i could possibly give more advice. take care & have fun!