Trampolines are well-known as fun entertainment, but they can also be great for exercise. However, not all trampolines are the same size, and they all have different weight limits.
Before purchasing a trampoline, it’s a good idea to get a feel for different weight limits so you can choose a trampoline that suits your needs.
How much weight can a trampoline hold?
Trampolines are designed to hold different weights depending on their size. In general, small entertainment trampolines, which are designed for toddlers or small children and are usually less than 10 feet across, can hold between 50 and 150 pounds.
Intermediate trampolines, designed for larger children, teenagers, and petite adults, can hold between 250 to 300 pounds, so more than one person can often use the trampoline at a time. These trampolines are usually 12 feet across.
Slightly larger trampolines that measure 14 feet across can hold between 250 to 350 pounds. Trampolines designed for teenagers, adults, or multiple people, which usually measure between 15 and 16 feet across, are designed to hold between 250 and 450 pounds of weight.
Some small trampolines are designed specifically with exercise in mind. These mini trampolines are made to fit inside your home, so they’re usually only 2 or 3 feet in diameter.
They’re also designed to provide spring, but not as much spring as a trampoline that’s used for fun and entertainment. Because of this, the springs are often very strong and close.
This means that these trampolines, despite their size, can often hold a great deal of weight.
Depending on their exact size, style, and how and what they’re constructed of, these exercise trampolines can hold between 200 and 500 pounds.
Exactly how much a trampoline can hold depends on how the trampoline is constructed, what materials were used, and what brand it is.
Trampolines that are made with sturdier springs and frames and higher quality mats or jumping pads can hold much more weight than trampolines made with cheaper or less sturdy materials.
Reputable trampoline brands will have a weight limit printed on them, so you’ll know exactly how much the trampoline can hold before you purchase it.
Check the manufacturer’s weight limit before purchasing a trampoline.
Does a trampoline’s shape affect its weight limit?
Most home trampolines are round, but rectangular trampolines, because of how the springs are constructed, can generally hold more. A rectangular trampoline can often hold up to 50 pounds more than a circular trampoline of similar size.
What happens when a trampoline is overextended?
Several issues can arise if the weight limit of a trampoline is surpassed. The legs and frame of the trampoline may not be able to accommodate the additional weight and, over time, this can cause the frame or legs to buckle and slowly collapse, which can make the trampoline unusable.
If the springs stretch, this can cause the spaces between the springs themselves and between the springs and the mat to widen. This can lead to dangerous situations.
Someone jumping on the trampoline could catch a foot or hand between the springs and the mat. Very small children might even be able to fall through a wide hole, hitting the ground below.
Overextending the weight limits of a trampoline can also cause the mat to stretch and tear. The mat can gradually weaken over time without too many outward signs and can then suddenly tear, which can cause serious injury to anyone jumping on the trampoline at the time.
Stretched mats can also get too close to the ground when someone’s jumping, which can also lead to injuries.
Can you be too light for a trampoline?
Larger trampolines that are designed to hold more weight often have stronger, stiffer springs. When you jump on a trampoline, the downward force you exert as you jump is equal to the upward force the trampoline returns.
This means that an average-size or heavier person can create enough downward force on a trampoline to create a large upward force, which springs them into the air. However, a small child may not be able to exert enough force on a large, sturdy trampoline to achieve much spring.
For this reason, if you have children, you may want to purchase a smaller trampoline at first and upgrade to a larger trampoline as they grow.
Can you replace the springs on a trampoline?
Even when the weight limit of a trampoline isn’t exceeded, the springs can gradually wear out over time. You can replace the springs on a trampoline to give the trampoline a longer life and increase its bounce.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a trampoline that’s made with galvanized springs. These springs are made of steel and have a layer of zinc on top, and they tend to stand up to rain and other weather better than non-galvanized springs.
If the springs on a trampoline are stretched out, they don’t produce as much bounce, or they appear rusty, you can tell that it’s time to replace them.
