Comparison of Rebounders and G-Force Review
I have a unique perspective in that I have had the opportunity to try both the home model and the gym model of the Urban Rebounder as well as the half-fold Needak (which I strongly prefer). I decided to buy my first rebounder after discovering Tracie Long’s G-Force video. I did a lot of research on different models but did not want to spend over $200.00 for something I might not like. I paid around $120.00 for the half-fold Urban Rebounder with 6 videos instead. The workouts led by J. B. Berns are not my cup of tea. G-Force is the best rebounding video out there by far. I usually connect with perky and energetic instructors like Cathe and Jen Carman, but I really like Tracie in this one. She is much more relaxed and seems to be enjoying herself and having fun. She does a lot of tuck jumps too! Tuck jumps are a blast on my rebounder! :7 The set is the same as all the original FitPrime videos, so that is nothing to write home about. The workout is a keeper though. It would be nice to have it on a DVD with a cardio only premix. Oh, Tracie also does some fun and interesting ab and core work on the rebounder. I need to pull the video out and do it again now that I think about it!
I had one Leslie Sansone video that I gave away to a friend who was new to exercise, but my rebounder allowed me to add more intensity to that workout when I had it by adding a little bounce to it. You can use it for the higher impact portions of FIRM and Cathe workouts too. Plyos are a lot of fun! :7 It is great for the interval in IMAX2 with all the ski hops and tuck jumps. Just jump forward on the rebounder instead of up on the step.
Back to the question about the different models. When I first ordered an Urban Rebounder, the gym model was sent to me by mistake. The bouncing surface is slightly larger, and it is designed for constant use. It has to be sturdier to withstand multiple classes a day. The gym model does not fold. I would have needed a friend with a truck to transport it from my office where it was delivered to my home. I wanted to be able to fold it for storage, so I had them send me the one I ordered. The bounce on both models had the same feel with the same textured mat.
The half-fold model is supposed to fold for easy storage, but I never was able to fold the thing even with a friend’s help. It is a lot tougher than it looks. When I realized that it was used daily and was going to be on display in my living room all the time, I upgraded to a half-fold Needak. I have not tried to fold it yet, but the solid black rebounder with silver legs is much more attractive in my opinion. It matches my club step and high step too.
The bounce is softer and gentler on my joints, and I am still able to keep up with the workouts. The smooth Permatron mat is much more comfortable and provides better support for my ankles. I even love bouncing without shoes or socks now. I can also bounce longer on my Needak without getting tired legs or numbness in my feet. I am still considerably overweight, so it might not matter as much for someone who weighs less. I gave my Urban Rebounder to a friend who loves it. I bounce on it when I visit her, and it feels stiff compared to my Needak. My Needak has a larger bouncing surface as well, which gives me a little more room to modify some of Cathe’s moves like ski hops.
All this to say, the half-fold Urban Rebounder is a more cost-effective way to try rebounding for the first time before making a big investment. I personally would not spend the extra money for the gym model. I prefer the half-fold Needak in that price range.
My favorite Urban Rebounding workout by far is Ballet Bound. I tried many of them, and this is the only one I kept. Ballet Bound is an intense 22-minute cardio workout with a lot of plie jumps and ballet-inspired moves. It is an incredible leg workout. Speaking of which, Cathe’s plie jumps are something else I like to do on my rebounder. I am always trying to think of creative ways to protect my joints. G-Force is the only other rebounding video I still own. I rarely use either video even though I love both of them. It is more fun for me to simply bounce, dance, jog, or do my own thing. I am more of a freestyle girl. Happy bouncing! :7
Blessings,
Heather B.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
