Monthly Archives: September 2011

Sep 29

Indoor Trampolines

Posted on by

Indoor Trampolines and Mini Trampolines

by Carl Walker

Indoor trampolines, also known as mini-trampolines, are small trampoline kits designed for children between 3 to 7 years old. They are available in many sizes but most of them are portable and smaller than regular trampolines. Average height is about 9 -11 inches off the ground and may be circular, rectangular or square in shape.

Since many emergency room-treated injuries are related to trampoline jumping, before letting kids use indoor trampolines (though smaller and look more harmless), all safety precautions should be taken. Adequate adult supervision is also imperative for all types of trampolines if it involves kids in the trampoline activity.

Indoor trampolines may also be used as a bouncing device by gymnasts or stuntmen to be catapulted into the air. Professional indoor, or Olympic style trampolines, have a webbed surface and are generally much more expensive. They also need folding down and are not suitable for outdoors. Other indoor trampolines may also be used as fitness and weight loss tools.

Popular Indoor Trampoline Models:

Nursery Trampoline: This indoor trampoline has a grip handle, and is designed to encourage children to exercise and keep fit. The model is suitable for outdoor use too. It is also equipped with a weatherproof mat and tubular steel frame with a durable coated finish. The padded cover around the mat cushions the frame and prevents children from stepping through the bungee cord for extra safety. Costs around $100 to $135.

Joey Trampoline: is designed to help kids learn balance and coordination with the assistance of a handlebar, which can be removed as the child gets older and bigger. It features 6 steel feet, anti-slip rubber pads, a powder-coated steel frame, heavy-duty jumping mat, and strong padded foam cushion frame cover for extra safety. Approximate cost – $60 to $70.

Child Sport Fit Trainer: Manufactured by Texas Trampoline, the jumping surface of this indoor trampoline is woven Permatron material, and has extra wide, deluxe safety pads that cover the frame and the springs. It’s an 8-foot square and 24 inches high trampoline which can also be used by adults who want to stay in shape. No additional tools are required for assembly. It costs around $600, and is one of the most expensive indoor trampolines.

Soft-Bounce Rebounder: A product from Needak, it has a surface diameter of 28.5 inches and a Permatron mat rebounding surface, with protective, spring cover padding, and is intended for indoor, aerobic use by adults. The rebounder comes in a folding or non-folding model. Purchase also includes a video, book, article, and a carrying bag. Costs around $120 to $180.

TP Medium Junior Trampoline: Features a detachable handle which can be used when the trampoline is used by more than one child. Designed to improve co-ordination, balance skills and spatial awareness of the child through play. Made from galvanized steel frame and tough mesh mat that allows rain to fall through. Costs around $60 to $70.

Bounce around Inflatable Trampoline: This is an inflatable bouncing trampoline constructed out of heavy-duty vinyl, which can be conveniently deflated after use. Great for kids who love to jump on beds. Approximately costs around $35 to $45.

About the author:

Trampolines HQ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Sep 25

Bungee Trampoline

Posted on by

A Bungee Trampoline Can Liven Up Even the Dullest of Parties!

Bungee jumping has been around for several years now. There is, of course, still debate about whether or not it is actually a sport, but even its harshest critics agree that it is certainly extreme.  While most people who engage in bungee jumping do so with the knowledge that they may be risking life and limb, you can now enjoy some of the gravity-defying aspects of bungee jumping without much possibility of getting hurt.

Entering as a party staple for children and adults who have outgrown the bounce house, the bungee trampoline is for those who want to add a little spice to their next gathering. It does not stop there however, as giant sized trampolines have been sighted across the United States at theme parks and carnivals. No matter where they show up, the bungee trampoline certainly provides an enjoyable time for whoever is brave enough to give it a try.

A bungee trampoline is somewhat of a hybrid between a regular trampoline and bungee jumping apparatus. You essentially take a run of the mill trampoline and attach two tall poles to the sides of it. From the poles you have several bungee cords attached to a harness firmly positioned in the center of the trampoline. The person who wishes to use the bungee trampoline gets strapped into the harness and begins to jump up and down like one would on a standard trampoline. At a certain point, the bungee cords begin to tighten up and provide more push on the jumper as he or she jumps.

This allows someone on the bungee to jump much higher than they would be able to on a normal trampoline. Some recent models of bungee trampoline also allow the users to perform tricks while they are in the air.  These tricks are generally limited to simple spins and rotations, but nonetheless they add a whole new dimension to the trampoline experience.  If you are looking for the next big thing to have at your child’s party or any other event at your house, think of the trampoline as a surefire way to impress your guests.

Sep 25

Stress Reducing Exercise Ideas for Moms

Posted on by

by Nicole Dean

Exercise is one of the best methods of reducing stress. Find something you enjoy doing, and go do it. And, don’t you dare say you don’t like to exercise. Everyone can find some way to exercise that makes you grin.

Play Time

Grab your kids and a ball and head out into the yard. Teach them all the games you used to love. I’ve gotten some of my best workouts playing freeze tag with my son in my front yard. The workout was fun and cost a lot less than buying a piece of exercise equipment. Jump on a trampoline, pogo stick, or grab a hula-hoop. It’s all good.

Quiet Time

If you need to take time to think, try bike riding, walking, kayaking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, swimming or hiking – any of these will encourage your mind to s-l-o-w down.

Team Sports

Join a basketball, volleyball, or softball league. Having your team-mates rely on you to attend practice will help you stick with your exercise program.

Dance, Dance, Dance

There’s a new trend in workout videos. From Ballet and Belly Dance or Hip Hop to Breakdance, you’ll find every kind of dance workout video available. Or, of course, you can always put your favorite music into the CD player and let the music move you. Boogie with your kids for twice the fun.

Take time to take care of you. There is always a form of exercise that will keep you healthy and smiling – exactly what all moms need.

Nicole Dean is a mostly-sane work at home mom, and proud owner ofhttp://www.ShowMomTheMoney.com – a fun, informative site to help moms find success at home. Need some new dance moves? Try http://www.funexercisevideos.com.

Sep 22

Trampoline Safety For Kids

Posted on by

by Carl Walker

Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper adult supervision is present, and adherence to strict safety rules is maintained – this is the opinion of most trampoline manufacturers and supporters. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do not think so.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline. 

According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by: 

1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline. 2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline. 3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline. 4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame. 

The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines include sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, and serious injuries to the head and neck which can cause paralysis and death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), disastrous cervical spine injuries are rare, but head and neck injuries constitute a considerable number of the more serious injuries requiring hospitalization. 

These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP: 

1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or outside. 2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools. 3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment. 

These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization if trampolines are to be used: 

  1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.
  2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas
  3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.
  4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts
  5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered.
  6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.
  7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.
  8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.
  9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.
  10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.
  11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use. 

The CPSC also issued additional safety measures while using the trampoline which include:

  1. Somersaults should not be attempted because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
  2. Trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.
  3. Trampolines should be located away from structures, trees, and other play areas.
  4. Trampoline enclosures should be considered which can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines. 

About the author:

Trampolines HQ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Sep 17

Rebounding To Better Health

Posted on by

by TK Healey

Ever heard of rebounding? Rebounding is a fun way to get great exercise using small controlled movements on a mini trampoline. By using a small trampoline and following a rebounding video, people of all ages can exercise on a rebounder. Rebounding is safe because your feet barely leave the surface and a stabilizing bar can be added which will help if you feel unsteady.

There are different types of rebounders on the market and some even fold for easy storage. Because of the size of these mini trampolines they can be used in your home or even easily transported to your office. Rebounding has been taking up in some of your most popular commercial gyms.

There a vast selection of videos to keep your rebounding workout exciting and new. There are special routines for people of all ages to make it more enjoyable. Some examples of rebounding workouts include first timers, basic, seniors, sports specific, dance, ballet, hip hop, Latin, core, yoga, abdominal, stretch and many other routines. You will never get bored with so many videos to choose from.

What makes REBOUNDING effective?

Rebounding provides many benefits to your body. It has been known to improve your circulation reduces stress, increase muscle tone, improve co-ordination and balance, increases energy. There is no strain on your joints. It simultaneously works all the major muscle groups, provides a calorie burning, cardiovascular, strength conditioning workout, incorporates simple, martial arts based movements in a coordinated way and builds stamina, strength and balance. If you do the techniques of rebounding regularly you will get results and have fun doing it.

REBOUNDING has been on national television shows such as The View with Barbara Walters, The Today Show and has been featured in such magazines as Fitness, Ace Fitness Magazine, and Fit.

Kids love it, adults and seniors love it too! Rebounding has become one of the most beneficial forms of exercise ever developed.

Bounce your way to feeling healthy. A fun workout that builds strength, cardiovascular capacity, and balance without jarring the body like other exercises.

TK Healey is the chief editor for SurfTilYouDrop® a consumer based based website focusing on infomercial products. For more information regarding products you have seen advertised on television, product reviews, personalized searches, video clips and more visithttp://www.surftilyoudrop.com today!

Sep 12

Trampoline Accessory

Posted on by

The Enclosure Net Trampoline Accessory Can Save Your Child’s Life

A few years ago, a major trampoline manufacturing company was sued by people whose children were injured in trampoline accidents. Many of these accidents were caused by the children being bounced off by other jumpers or by simply falling off from jumping too high or by being pushed off due to wind. No matter the reason, trampoline manufactures had to begin changing the way their trampolines were made and began selling add-on parts to supplement earlier trampoline designs.

The most famous trampoline accessory quickly became the enclosure net which prevents children from flying off the side of the trampoline. Furthermore, the location of the net also prevents people from becoming trapped inside the springs which could lead to lacerations or even broken bones.  By making this trampoline accessory available, deaths and injuries due to freak accidents while on a trampoline have greatly diminished, almost to the point of non-existence. Enclosure nets come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased as a package deal with a brand new trampoline or as a stand alone product for those who already own a large trampoline.

To try and keep the rain and snow from damaging the trampoline, consumers around the world have purchased covers for their trampolines. This trampoline accessory acts much like a pool cover and allows the trampoline’s jumping surface to stay completely dry even during the rainiest seasons. By pulling the cover tight, you can also prevent damage to the trampoline’s springs and jumping platform by providing a makeshift shield to support the heavy weight of rain or snow.

In order to get the most out of their trampoline, many people select improved springs as their favorite trampoline accessory. These more robust springs provide the user with a more powerful rebound for the jumping area which allows people to go much higher into the air. Furthermore, as an accessory or replacement part, better springs will generally prevent your trampoline’s jumping platform from sinking after a heavy rain or snow.

Sep 07

Beyond The Basics on the Trampoline

Posted on by

Once you’ve mastered the various jumps and moves that involve taking off and landing on your feet, what comes next?  Well, mastering the basics should have given you a good feel for bouncing on the trampoline, and it’s time to move on to more complicated jumps.

Seat Drop

The first movement to learn after the basic feet bounces is the seat drop.  This is because it’s a movement we’re already familiar with, having sat down in numerous chairs through our lives, and also because your bottom is well padded.  So learning a seat drop helps you to feel comfortable about bouncing something other than your feet on the trampoline.  Start in the middle of the trampoline, legs pointed, and drop back towards the trampoline.  Your arms should be behind your torso, with the hands facing towards the feet, not away from the body.  This is so that your elbows are in the right position to flex when you land.  Your body should form a V-shape, with your bottom acting as the bottom of the V.  You shouldn’t bounce with your legs flat on the trampoline and your torso at right angles, because when you bounce back upwards it’s hard to control your body.  Always begin simply by performing the seat drop, without any preliminary bouncing.

Knee Drop

In this move, you drop onto the trampoline and land on your knees.  Your knees should be spread to about the width of your hips, to give extra stability.  Your upper body needs to be at right angles to your knees, so that all your weight is passing in a straight line down through your knees.  It’s important to keep your body in this position as you bounce, otherwise you will get thrown either forward or back on the rebound.

Hands and Knees Bounce

Contrary to what most people think, you do not perform this bounce with your body parallel with the trampoline, but with your body resting back on your calves.  So your body is in fact tucked.  Your hands need to land just beside the knees, not far out in front.  This gives maximum bounce and helps the jumper to impact the trampoline in one movement.  If you try and separate your hands and knees, you end up with two separate impact points, which can cause two independent recoils.  The back can also buckle in the middle, which can result in injury.

Many people think that it’s easy to just get on a trampoline and start performing these drop moves without needing to think about performing them correctly.  This is a mistake, and unless you pay attention to landing the correct way, you can risk injury while performing the drop or when your body recoils awkwardly from the trampoline.

Sep 05

How Were Trampolines Invented?

Posted on by

Do You Know How Trampolines Were Invented?
by Paul Article

Back in 1930, a young boy went to the circus with his family. He was enthralled by the aerial acts, but more than their in-air stunts, he was fascinated by the way they dropped into the safety net after the act was over, finishing off with flourishes as they bounced back into the air.

That memory never left George Nissen of Iowa, who went on to tumbling and diving exploits while in high school. The sports gave him the same opportunity for artistic touches and freedom of movement, although they ended either on a hard floor, or in the water.

Still, when Nissen graduated at the age of 16, he took some time off before university, to start tinkering in his garage with the idea that had been simmering in his mind since that visit to the circus- a bouncing “table”, that would put him back up into the air.

With the help of friends to weld the frame, and stretch tent grade canvas on it, he soon had his first “bouncing rig”. Nissen then went off to college, but continued to toy with the size and other aspects of design, eventually taking one to summer camp where he worked. The rig was an instant hit with the kids who would rather play on it, than take a break from the sweltering heat by going swimming.

Nissen refined his athletic skills at university, and after he earned a degree, he and two other gymnasts formed the Three Leonardos, a tumbling and balancing act that did small town tours. While in Mexico, they swam at the Y where they learned that the diving board was called “el trampolin”. Nissen anglicized the word to trampoline and patented it for his new invention.

While their performances did result in orders, by the time WWII broke out, Nissen had bought his partners shares in the company. Then he went on to promote the device himself, selling around 100 to military sources for training pilots and parachutists.

Drumming up business in the post-war years was hard work, but as before, performance was the key, and publicity didn’t hurt. A chance photograph that Nissen had taken of himself and a kangaroo in mid-jump on the same trampoline, became as famous around the world, as his invention would become in the next few years.

Discover valuable advice and information about trampolines – which model to choose, what you should look for and what you should avoid. Click http://www.trampolines-info.com/

Paul Johnson works as a software developer, often working long hours under great stress. He considers exercise crucial to his health. When purchasing his own fitess equipment he researched all available products. Now he’s written a series of useful articles on choosing (and using) exercise equipment.