How to Find the Right Exercise Trampoline for an Upstairs Apartment
A mini-trampoline can be an excellent addition to your home gym, especially if you want to do cardio exercises. But are you nervous about buying one because you live in an apartment building with neighbors downstairs who like to complain about literally anything you do? Are you afraid that they would complain about you to the landlord? Well, a bit of research can help you find the best mini-trampoline for upstairs apartments that doesn’t make very much noise. That way, your neighbors wouldn’t even know that you have a mini-trampoline in your home.
Needless to say, the first thing that you need to consider while buying a mini-trampoline for your upstairs apartment is its noise level. Therefore, it’s wise to go for bungee-cord mini trampolines instead of the ones that have stainless steel springs, as the former are much quieter than their counterparts.
Factors to Remember
Buying a mini-trampoline for your upstairs apartment can be tricky because you need to keep the noise level down and make sure your room’s ceiling is tall enough to allow you to exercise freely. Therefore, keep the following factors in mind if it’s the first time you are buying a mini-trampoline.
Average Ceiling Clearance
The average height of ceilings in apartments is approximately 8 feet. According to experts, the maximum ceiling clearance needed for a mini-trampoline is 6 to 7 feet. You also need to consider your standing height before buying the trampoline. If your standing height is more than six feet and you want to rebound at your highest jumping height, then it’s better to use the trampoline in rooms with taller ceilings to avoid injuring yourself. You may need rooms where the average ceiling height is 9 feet or higher. Most living rooms and entryways have taller ceilings.
Bungee Cords Over Spring Trampolines
Sure, spring trampolines have a firmer bounce and are less expensive than bungee cord trampolines, but they can become noisy after some time. The springs get rusty and make creaking noises as you jump up and down. It can disturb your neighbors downstairs.
Bungee cord trampolines are better for their heavy-duty construction and the fact that they don’t make noise. Bungee cords don’t rust or lose their suspension over time. When secured around the trampoline’s frame, these cords provide a better jumping space than their spring counterparts. Most importantly, they provide a silent bounce, which is crucial for your upstairs apartment. Finally, bungee cord trampolines provide a safer bounce, which protects your ligaments and joints from damage and stress, making your workout more effective and enjoyable.
Material of the Mat
While bungee cords keep the noise down, the mat provides a comfortable jumping area. Although there are various materials, such as plastic, canvas, and nylon, it’s better to choose a heavy-duty polypropylene mesh mat. This material resists stretching even after using it for years. Buying trampolines with mats made from canvas, plastic, or nylon may result in support issues and feet pronation as the mat starts stretching after a couple of years.
Trampoline’s Weight Capacity
Rebounding involves a lot of jumping. That means the trampoline needs to have a high weight capacity to support your rhythmic jumping and gravitational force. It’s best to look for a trampoline with a high weight capacity. Compare your body weight with the average weight capacity of different mini-trampolines. Most of them support 200 to 250 lbs. You can look for a model with a higher weight capacity if your weight is 250 lbs or more.
The trampoline’s weight capacity and the mat’s quality go hand in hand. Along with the bungee cords, you should make sure that the trampoline can support your weight and allow you to exercise without making any noise.
Build Quality
You need to remember two things while comparing the build quality of different mini-trampolines: base and type of assembly. The base is what holds the mini-trampoline down and supports your body weight and your jumping. Therefore, it’s crucial to buy a trampoline that doesn’t break down while you exercise.
A mini-trampoline has two base options: stainless steel and integrated plastic. Stainless steel provides better longevity than integrated plastic because of its robustness. Look out for models that have a stainless steel base with rubber padding at the bottom. They won’t allow the stainless steel to scratch your floor or make noise.
Apart from its base, you should also consider the trampoline’s assembly. Mini-trampolines are available with screw-in legs and snap-in legs. Screw-in legs are slightly inconvenient as you have to attach the screws every time you want to exercise. Moreover, the screws become loose after a few years. On the other hand, snap-in models are space savers. You may want to take a look at them if you live in a small apartment with no space to spare for additional items.
FAQs
Q: I am 7-ft tall. What’s the best mini-trampoline that I can buy for my upstairs apartment?
A: If you are 7-ft tall, you will initially need to determine the ceiling clearance. A nine-foot or higher ceiling would be optimal. After that, you will need to determine your body weight and find a fitness trampoline that can support more than your weight.
Q: Should I buy a mini-trampoline with a shorter suspension?
A: No. It’s wise to buy a mini-trampoline that has a higher suspension. This distributes your weight throughout the mat and puts less stress and damage on your joints and ligaments.
Q: What are the different ways to maintain my mini-trampoline?
A: Don’t forget to check the suspension of the bungee cords once in a while. Additionally, check the jumping pad for signs of wear and tear. Wipe the mat with a cloth after exercising on it. This keeps the surface free from sweat that may otherwise make the mesh material sticky.
Q: How long will the trampoline last before making a noise?
A: Mini-trampolines with bungee cords don’t make noise, thus it’s a safer option for an upstairs apartment. The ones with springs may last for a few years until the springs start to rust. They will soon make screeching sounds when you jump.
Exercising silently is the way to go, especially if you have complaining neighbors downstairs. Trick them into believing that you aren’t exercising while you are jumping your heart out in your newly-bought mini-trampoline that doesn’t make a noise.