Trampoline Jumping
Carl Walker
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and various
organizations do not recommend trampolines for recreational use
at home, trampoline jumping can be a lot of fun and a good form
of exercise if adequate levels of safety measures and
precautions are taken, such as using enclosures to prevent
falling, safety pads, and safety harnesses etc.
There are two main types of trampoline – recreational and
competitive. Both these types may be circular, octagonal or
rectangular in shape. Since recreational trampolines are
designed for home use, they are typically less strongly built
than competitive types. That is why extra care should be taken
when using recreational trampolines, such as regular
maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.
Brief History of Trampoline Jumping:
In the early 20th century, “bouncing beds” were used by certain
stage acts to entertain audiences, which is considered as the
first known trampoline jumping in history, because the “beds”
they used were strikingly similar to the trampoline we know
today. Eskimos are also known to have used Walrus skin to toss
each other up into the air before the modern trampoline was
born.
George Nissen, a gymnast and competitive diver, and a friend,
Larry Griswold designed and built the first modern trampoline
in 1934. Inspired by circus trapeze artists, they manufactured
the first prototype - a stretched piece of canvas, with
grommets inserted along each side, to an angle iron frame by
means of coiled springs. It was a great success and
“trampoline” became a household word soon after.
The trampoline has now been used not only for recreational or
competitive purposes but also for training in variable body
positions in flight to pilots and astronauts.
Trampoline Jumping as a Sport:
Trampolining is a competitive gymnastic sport that was
incorporated in the Olympic Games in 2000. The main objective
of the sport is to perform acrobatics while bouncing or jumping
on a trampoline. Points are awarded to the competitors for feats
such as jumps in the pike, tuck or straddle position to more
complex combinations of forward or backward somersaults and
twists. Trampolining includes competitions such as Individual
Trampoline, Synchronized Trampoline and Double Mini-trampoline.
Trampoline Jumping as an Exercise:
The trampoline, if safely used, can be a great fitness tool for
activities such as Rebound Exercise, which is a therapeutic
movement on a mini-trampoline. Since every part of the body is
in motion while jumping on a trampoline, some doctors consider
this to be a good activity for therapies such as stimulating
the lymphatic system or white blood system. It is further said
that rebounding exercise helps remove toxins, and in delivery
and absorption of nutrients at the cellular level where it is
converted into energy.
Trampoline Jumping and Extreme Sports:
One of the latest innovations to trampoline jumping is the
introduction of Bungee trampolines by the world of “extreme”
sports. In this gravity-defying sport, the jumper has an
adjustable harness attached to the waist, connected to bungee
ropes on both sides. This allows various types of somersaults
and other airborne aerobics as the jumper is catapulted up to
12 to 20 meters in the air. Bungee trampoline jumping is
considered safer than the traditional trampoline by many people
because the harness attached to the waist firmly holds the
participant, which prevents injuries sustained from falls.
About The Author:
http://trampolineshq.com/ Trampolines HQ
offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.
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