Last updated: January 2026 | Reading time: 8 minutes
Living in a flat shouldn't mean giving up on home fitness. But if you've ever heard your upstairs neighbour doing star jumps at 6am, you know that some exercises just don't work in shared buildings.
So what about rebounding? Can you bounce on a mini trampoline without the people downstairs plotting your eviction?
The good news: with the right equipment and technique, rebounding can be one of the quietest and most neighbour-friendly forms of cardio you can do at home. Here's everything you need to know about rebounding in a flat.
Why Rebounding Can Work in Flats (When Other Exercise Doesn't)
Most home cardio creates noise in two ways:
- Impact noise — your feet hitting the floor, which transmits through the building structure
- Airborne noise — squeaking equipment, grunting, music, etc.
Running on the spot, jumping jacks, burpees — these all create significant impact noise because your full body weight is repeatedly striking a hard surface. That force travels through the floor, down joists and through walls. Your neighbours don't just hear it; they feel it.
Rebounding is different. The mat and suspension system (springs or bungees) absorb most of the impact before it reaches the floor. Your feet land on a giving surface rather than a rigid one. The energy disperses through the equipment rather than through the building.
Think of it like the difference between dropping a ball on concrete versus dropping it on a mattress. Same ball, vastly different noise.
The Critical Factor: Springs vs Bungees
Not all rebounders are created equal when it comes to noise. The single biggest factor determining how loud your bouncing will be is the suspension system.
Metal Spring Rebounders
Traditional rebounders use metal springs to create bounce. These can be:
- Squeaky — metal-on-metal contact creates noise that's hard to eliminate
- Clunky — the springs can make clicking or pinging sounds at the top and bottom of each bounce
- Harder on joints — the bounce tends to be more jarring
Even with lubrication, spring-based rebounders tend to develop noise over time. If you're in a flat, this is usually a dealbreaker.
Elastic Bungee Rebounders
Modern fitness rebounders increasingly use elastic bungee cords instead of metal springs. These are:
- Near-silent — no metal parts touching means no squeaking
- Smoother — the bounce is more controlled and cushioned
- More consistent — they don't develop noise over time
For flat living, bungee-based rebounders are almost always the better choice. The price difference is worth it for the peace of mind.
Realistic Noise Expectations
Let's be honest about what "quiet" actually means:
What you'll hear in your flat:
- A soft, rhythmic thumping — similar to someone walking around
- The sound of your own breathing and movement
- Any music or workout video you're playing
What your downstairs neighbour might hear:
- With a bungee rebounder: minimal to nothing, comparable to normal walking
- With a spring rebounder: noticeable rhythmic noise, potentially with squeaking
- With a cheap rebounder: significant noise, possibly complaints
What factors affect transmission:
- Building construction — concrete floors transmit less than wooden joists
- Time of day — early morning and late night are more problematic
- Your weight and bounce intensity — heavier bouncing = more noise
- Floor covering — carpet or a mat underneath helps
How to Minimise Noise Further
Even with a quiet rebounder, there are steps you can take to be a considerate neighbour:
1. Add an Exercise Mat Underneath
Placing a thick exercise mat or yoga mat under your rebounder adds another layer of absorption. This is especially helpful if you have hard floors. A mat around 6-8mm thick works well without affecting stability.
2. Position Away from Walls
Sound travels through walls as well as floors. If possible, place your rebounder in the centre of the room rather than against a shared wall. This reduces both impact transmission and airborne noise.
3. Choose Your Bounce Time Wisely
Even quiet exercise can be annoying at antisocial hours. A good rule of thumb:
- Safe bouncing hours: 8am - 9pm on weekdays, 9am - 9pm on weekends
- Check your lease: some buildings have specific quiet hours
- When in doubt, ask: a quick chat with your neighbour about your exercise plans can prevent conflict later
4. Use a "Health Bounce" Technique
The health bounce is a gentle rebounding style where your feet barely leave the mat. You're essentially bouncing on your toes with minimal height. This technique:
- Reduces impact significantly
- Is actually ideal for many health benefits (lymphatic drainage, balance)
- Creates almost no noise transmission
- Works well for early morning or late evening sessions
5. Skip the Shoes
Bouncing barefoot or in socks is quieter than wearing trainers. It also improves your proprioception and balance. Most rebounders are designed for barefoot use.
What About Upstairs Neighbours?
If you live below someone, you're probably more concerned about their noise than your own. But it's worth noting that rebounding has no ceiling requirements — unlike jumping rope or high-intensity workouts — so it won't create airborne noise that travels upward.
The only consideration is headroom. You need adequate clearance above the rebounder for safe bouncing. BERG recommends 2.4 metres of headroom, which most flats will have.
The Storage Advantage
One often-overlooked benefit of rebounding in a flat is storage. Unlike treadmills, exercise bikes, or rowing machines, quality rebounders fold flat and can be stored:
- Behind a sofa
- Under a bed
- In a wardrobe
- Against a wall
The BERG Fitness Trampoline 110, for example, has foldable legs and a compact 110cm diameter. When not in use, it takes up minimal floor space — crucial when you're working with limited square metres.
A Word on Building Management
Some buildings have rules about home exercise equipment. Before purchasing a rebounder, it's worth checking:
- Lease restrictions — some explicitly prohibit trampolines (usually meaning large garden trampolines, but worth clarifying)
- Building insurance — rarely an issue for personal fitness equipment, but check if concerned
- Freeholder rules — some management companies have specific guidelines
In most cases, a small fitness rebounder used responsibly won't be a problem. It's no more disruptive than a yoga practice or light stretching routine.
What Our Customers Say About Flat Living
We regularly hear from customers who specifically chose the BERG for flat living:
"I was nervous about noise, but my downstairs neighbour says she can't hear anything. I bounce every morning at 7am before work." — Sarah, Manchester
"Previous rebounders I've tried squeaked within weeks. The BERG with its elastic bands has been completely silent for six months." — James, Edinburgh
"I live in a Victorian conversion with wooden floors. Added a thick mat underneath and there's been zero complaints." — Priya, London
Making the Decision
If you live in a flat and want to start rebounding, here's a simple decision framework:
Go ahead if:
- You choose a bungee-based rebounder (not springs)
- You have reasonable bounce times in mind
- You're willing to add a mat underneath
- Your building doesn't explicitly prohibit exercise equipment
Think twice if:
- You can only afford a cheap spring-based rebounder
- You want to do high-intensity bouncing at 5am
- You have particularly sensitive neighbours
- Your building has strict noise policies
Consider alternatives if:
- You live in a very old building with poor sound insulation
- Previous exercise attempts have caused complaints
- Your lease specifically prohibits trampolines of any kind
The Bottom Line
Rebounding in a flat is not only possible — it can be one of the most considerate forms of home cardio available. The key is choosing equipment designed for quiet operation (bungee, not springs) and exercising a bit of common sense about timing and technique.
For many flat dwellers, the combination of quiet operation, compact storage, and effective exercise makes rebounding the ideal solution. You get a genuine workout without the guilt of disturbing others.
And if your neighbour asks what that gentle rhythmic sound is? Tell them it's the sound of you getting fit without bothering anyone.
Ready to start rebounding in your flat?
The BERG Fitness Trampoline 110 uses 36 elastic bands for near-silent bouncing — no squeaky springs. With foldable legs and a compact design, it's built for flat living. Shop now →
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