Do Trampolines Burn More Calories Than Walking or Running?

Using a trampoline can burn a significant amount of calories, but whether it burns more calories than walking or running depends on several factors such as intensity, duration, and the person's weight and fitness level.

According to research, a 155-pound person can burn approximately 260 calories during 30 minutes of trampoline jumping at moderate intensity. This is similar to the number of calories burned during a 30-minute brisk walk or jog.

However, jumping on a trampoline at high intensity, incorporating more complex moves or interval training, can burn even more calories than walking or running. Additionally, trampoline jumping can provide a low-impact workout that is gentler on the joints than running, making it a suitable option for individuals with joint pain or injuries.

Overall, while trampoline jumping can be a fun and effective way to burn calories, it's essential to consider individual factors and preferences to determine which exercise is best for achieving your fitness goals.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of trampolining and compare them to the benefits of walking and running to determine which is more effective for burning calories.

Benefits of Trampolining

Trampolining offers numerous benefits that make it a great choice for those looking to get in shape. Here are just a few of the benefits of trampolining:

Low Impact: Unlike running or other high-impact exercises, trampolining is easy on the joints. The soft mat of the trampoline absorbs the shock of each bounce, reducing the risk of injury to the knees, hips, and other joints.
Cardiovascular Health: Trampolining is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve cardiovascular health. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science, trampolining increases heart rate and oxygen consumption, which can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness over time.
Full-Body Workout: Trampolining engages all the major muscle groups in your body, including your core, legs, and arms. Jumping on a trampoline also requires balance and coordination, which can improve overall body control and stability.
Fun: Perhaps the biggest benefit of trampolining is that it's just plain fun! It's a great way to mix up your workout routine and keep things interesting.

Benefits of Walking and Running

Walking and running are two of the most popular forms of exercise, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of walking and running:

Weight Loss: Walking and running are both great ways to burn calories and lose weight. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 150-pound person can burn up to 270 calories by walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, while running at a moderate pace can burn up to 400 calories in the same amount of time.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Like trampolining, walking and running are both great ways to improve cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity like walking or running can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness.
Mood Boost: Walking and running have been shown to release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Trampolining vs. Walking

When it comes to burning calories, trampolining and walking are fairly comparable. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, bouncing on a trampoline at a moderate intensity burns roughly the same number of calories per minute as walking at a moderate pace. However, trampolining may offer some advantages over walking, such as:

More Fun: While walking can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, it may not be as fun as bouncing on a trampoline.
More Variety: Walking can get repetitive, especially if you're walking the same route every day. Trampolining, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of movements and exercises to keep your workout interesting.
Less Impact: As mentioned earlier, trampolining is low-impact, which may be a better option for those with joint pain or other injuries.

Trampolining vs. Running

When it comes to burning calories, running is generally more effective than trampolining. According to the American Council on Exercise, running at a moderate pace burns roughly twice as many calories per minute as trampolining at a moderate intensity.

However, trampolining does offer some advantages over running, such as:

Low Impact: Running can be hard on the joints, especially if you're running on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Trampolining is much gentler on the joints, making it a good option for those with joint pain or injuries.
More Fun: Running can be a monotonous activity, especially if you're running on a treadmill or the same route every day. Trampolining offers a fun and dynamic workout that can help keep you motivated and engaged.
Full-Body Workout: While running primarily works the lower body, trampolining engages all the major muscle groups in your body, including your core and upper body.

Ultimately, the best form of exercise is the one that you enjoy and will stick to over the long term. Trampolining, walking, and running all offer their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Tips for Getting the Most out of Trampolining

If you're interested in trying trampolining as a form of exercise, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your workout:

Warm Up: Before you start bouncing, make sure to warm up your muscles with some dynamic stretching or light cardio.
Start Slow: If you're new to trampolining, start with short sessions at a low intensity to avoid injury.
Mix it Up: To keep your trampolining workouts interesting, mix up your routine with different exercises and movements.
Use Proper Form: To avoid injury, make sure to use proper form when bouncing. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly as you jump.
Cool Down: After your trampolining workout, make sure to cool down with some static stretching or light cardio.

Conclusion

Trampolining can be a fun and effective way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and tone muscles. While trampolining may not burn as many calories as running, it offers several advantages over both walking and running, such as a low-impact workout and more variety in movements.

Ultimately, the best form of exercise is the one that you enjoy and will stick to over the long term, so if trampolining sounds like a fun and engaging workout for you, give it a try and see how it works for you!