What’s So Great About A Trampoline?
Ian Wide
Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay healthy? Doctors say
that rebound exercising is one of the healthiest, safest kinds of
exercise for your joints and heart. It's aerobic, it's fun, and
it doesn't put the same stress on your joints and tendons that
impact exercise like jogging does. What's rebounding? You
probably know it better as 'jumping on a trampoline'.
Trampolines for the garden or yard have become one of the hottest
sports in the world. And why not? It's great for you. You can do
it alone or with others. You can use a trampoline to help you
brush up on other skills - snowboarding, anyone? A trampoline in
your back yard or garden is like having a gym right outside your
door.
Alone or with others? Trampolining is a recognized Olympic sport,
and was one of the official gymnastics events of the 2000
Olympics. It has been an official competitive sport since 1947,
though it wasn't recognized as one in the United States until
1967. Among the events that are held in official competitive
trampolining and tumbling are Synchronized Trampoline in which
two athletes perform identical routines on two trampolines, and
the double mini-trampoline, in which one athlete performs on two
mini-trampolines set at two different levels. Just think - a
trampoline for your yard or garden could start your family off on
the road to competitive success!
Even if you've got no ambitions to become a tumbling superstar,
though, the health and fun benefits of having a trampoline in
your yard/garden are clear.
To set up a trampoline, all you need is a backyard that is clear
of obstruction around the width and height of the trampoline and
for about 15 feet beyond. Trampolines come in many different
sizes and styles to fit your space and your needs. Round, square,
rectangular or octagonal, in sizes from 6 feet across to 30 -
there's a trampoline out there that's perfect for your yard or
garden space.
Rectangular trampolines are generally made of more durable
materials than round ones because the design requires stronger
materials. They have criss-crossed springs to draw the tension
even, and create a uniform bouncing surface. You can buy
rectangular trampolines in sizes starting as small as 10 feet in
length.
By contrast, round trampolines have springs positioned around the
perimeter and the tension tends to make a 'sweet spot' in the
very center. If you move out of the center, the focus of the
tension shifts, making it harder to maintain your balance. The
frame needed is lighter, and can be made of less expensive
materials, making them cheaper to buy than other shapes.
There are special considerations if you're buying a trampoline
for the garden or yard for children to use. Pediatricians and
children's safety experts warn against allowing children to use
standard trampolines for a number of reasons. These include the
possibility of little fingers getting caught in trampoline
springs, children falling off the edge of trampolines and
children injuring themselves attempting tricks that they aren't
ready for. Because of those safety concerns, there are
trampolines designed specifically for children that use a
different style of spring, and accessories available to make
trampolining safer for them. Among those are enclosure nets and
non-slip surfaces.
Ian Wide has written pieces for sport and family sites including
articles on fitness trampolines and outdoor trampolines.
http://www.uk-trampolines-online.co.uk/FitnessTrampolines.html
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