| The first trampolines were said to be used by the | | | | which can lay a good foundation for participation in |
| Inuit people who used to toss each other into the | | | | other sports. |
| air on a walrus skin. This may have also occurred | | | | Many gymnasts, aerial skiers and acrobats started |
| in Europe with people using a blanket; this is very | | | | on trampolines, and this gives them a good |
| similar to the practice used by firemen to catch | | | | foundation to learn the body control and skills |
| people from falling buildings. The very first | | | | necessary for their other sports. Trampolines are |
| trampolines were made by Nissen and Griswold in | | | | used for cross training to practice particular flips |
| 1934. They had experimented by stretching a | | | | and twists. |
| piece of canvas out and used coil springs, it was | | | | One of the negatives of trampolines is that they |
| used as a training device for tumblers but | | | | have an injury risk associated with them. |
| obviously soon became popular in its own right. | | | | However most trampolines have padding available |
| The name came from the Spanish word trampolin | | | | for the frame which can reduce the damage to |
| which means diving board. | | | | some extent. There are also safety nets available, |
| Benefits of Trampolines | | | | which almost completely cuts out any dangers |
| Obesity is reaching crisis levels in modern society, | | | | associated with the trampoline. It is a fun exercise |
| and in these current conditions any form of | | | | that has stood the test of time, and should be in |
| physical activity or exercise should be considered | | | | every little kids backyard! |
| good. It is often hard to get your kid to exercise | | | | Olympic Sport |
| because of all the computer games and new | | | | The trampoline is actually an Olympic sport. It was |
| technology that keeps them inside. The trampoline | | | | first recognized as an Olympic sport in the |
| stands the test of time and is a very fun and | | | | Sydney 2000 games. There are a few disciplines |
| enjoyable way to get your kid out there onto it | | | | and the athleticism displayed is quite outstanding. |
| and get them bouncing around. After some | | | | A skilled trampoline artist can bounce up to ten |
| minutes your child will start burning some vital | | | | metres high whilst performing many somersaults |
| energy. Trampolines are by no means the most | | | | and twists. They can also be used for cross |
| effective form of exercise for weight loss, but | | | | training for other sports especially to help hone in |
| what we are trying to encourage is for kids to | | | | acrobatic skills. They are use din sports such as, |
| get outside and play and enjoy themselves. With | | | | gymnastics, diving, water skiing, freestyle skiing, |
| kids entertainment being dominated by video | | | | snowboarding and wrestling. |
| games and computer games, any more active | | | | Mini Trampolines |
| form of recreation is great. Trampolines are great | | | | These are the small round trampolines that you |
| because they are fun, and fun should translate | | | | see around. These can be great for smaller |
| into kids wanting to do it. And in the long run this | | | | children but are also used a lot in a rehabilitation |
| should have an impact on body composition and | | | | setting. The unstable surface that the trampoline |
| health. | | | | creates can be good for working on balance. It is |
| As far as parents are concerned, trampolines are | | | | a good proprioception exercise, which is especially |
| great way to take the kids off their hands for a | | | | useful for people coming back from ankle injuries. |
| few hours. Spending time on a trampoline is not | | | | Trampolines are an interesting piece of equipment |
| only a fun form of exercise, it can help develop | | | | that have been around for a very long time and |
| coordination, body control and movement skills | | | | will continue to be. |