Monthly Archives: October 2011

Oct 19

Trampolines As Exercise Equipment

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Trampolines As Exercise Equipment?

by Jeb Taylor

The manufactured trampoline, as we know it today, was created by two men, George Nissen and Larry Griswold. Around 1935, Griswold, then the assistant gymnastics coach at the University of Iowa, and Nissen, a tumbler on the University of Iowa gymnastics team, “made regular jaunts to Bloomington, Illinois where numerous circus people had their winter homes.

Among them were the “Flying Wards”, some of the finest trapeze performers in the world. Griswold and Nissen worked out with them at the local YMCA, and frequently helped them make or mend their large trapeze nets. Nissen remembers the hours they spent in the basement of the YMCA, threading the long cords of the nets, using large javelin-head needles. This experience was one of several that led them to the idea of creating a trampoline.

One day, with the help of the wrestling coach at the University of Iowa, Griswold and Nissen bolted together an angle iron frame. A piece of canvas, in which they had inserted grommets along each side, was then attached to the frame by using springs. This was the first trampoline.

Since Nissen was still training for tumbling, they decided to move the trampoline to a YMCA camp where he was an instructor. There, during his free time, Nissen used it for his tumbling training. Immediately, he found that the children loved it. This was the first realization that the trampoline could be more than a piece of equipment to use when performing, or seriously training. It was something that many others could enjoy.

In 1942, Griswold and Nissen decided to formalize their small operation of making trampolines. They created the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company, and history was made.

But where does the name “Trampoline” come from? “El trampolin” means diving board, in Spanish. George Nissen, the co-creator of the competitive style trampoline, heard the word on a performance tour in Mexico in the late 1930′s. He liked the sound of it, and decided to Anglicize the spelling and call his bouncing rig a Trampoline, a term he later registered as a trademark.

Jeb Taylor is a fitness guru. He works out on all exercise equipment he thinks will help him. Along with bikes and jogging, Jeb loves bouncing on a trampoline as a fun way to fitness.

Find out all you need to know about trampolines. How to use them for best exercise results, and which models to buy. Daily updated blog of news & articles. Click http://www.trampolines-101.com/

Oct 17

What’s The Best Way To Care For Your Trampoline?

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by Jeb Taylor

Your trampoline can be an expensive item, so it’s important to properly care for it. Here’s some useful tips :

* Don’t Let Kids sit/stand or play with the frame pads. The pad is a preventive in case the kids land too close to the frame.

* Don’t use chemicals to clean your frame pads.

* Don’t tie your pads too tight. In case of strong winds, it can pull up the pads and therefore pull out the straps if tied too tightly.

* If you have an enclosure, lift up the skirt where the poles are or cut out of the skirt area at the pole. If the pole lies against the skirt, there will be too much strain on the pads and can cause the skirt seams to rip.

* Keep all animals away from the trampoline. There’s something about dogs and pads and are very appealing to dogs!

How can trampolining be safer?

If your child already uses a trampoline, you should follow these safety measures.

Location of the trampoline and safety features:

Clear the area around the trampoline of objects and do not set the trampoline near trees, fences, poles, or other playground equipment.

Set the trampoline where an energy-absorbing surface (for example, tall grass) surrounds it. Buy and use a frame pad that covers the entire area of the spring system. If possible, lower the height to ground level by putting the trampoline in a pit.

Before using the trampoline:

Set rules for trampoline use and discuss them often with your children. Tell your children about the risks of not using the tramp properly. Have your children remove any necklaces.

Using the trampoline:

Have someone properly train your child how to do flips and other complex stunts. Never allow more than one person to use the trampoline at the same time. Do not allow bouncing followed by jumping off of the trampoline. Have an adequate number of spotters around the edges of the trampoline.

Follow these tips and you’re trampoline will be great fun… and safe.

Jeb Taylor is a fitness guru. He works out on all exercise equipment he thinks will help him. Along with bikes and jogging, Jeb loves bouncing on a trampoline as a fun way to fitness.

Find out all you need to know about trampolines. How to use them for best exercise results, and which models to buy. Daily updated blog of news & articles. Click http://www.trampolines-101.com/

Oct 17

What You Must Know About Trampoline Safety

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by Paul Article

Tumbling on the trampoline caught on like wildfire in the early 1960s, and still enjoys great popularity today, but the sport also still involves the same potential dangers. Trampolines in the last 45 years have gone from being an institutional or recreation center piece of equipment, to something that is found in many homes, in a variety of sizes and quality.

From a simple, round trampoline of relatively small dimensions, to the large, outdoor models sold for family fun, every trampoline represents the possibility of injury, if not used properly, or if used by those not experienced in tumbling or acrobatics.

Here are some simple tips to make your sure that you enjoy the fun of a trampoline, while eliminating many of the risks.

* Placement

Never set up even a small, exercise trampoline indoors where there is a risk of hitting light fixtures or the ceiling. Outdoors, place trampolines well away from clotheslines, tree limbs, fences, outdoor furniture, and other objects that can cause injury when someone falls off.

If at all possible, secure your trampoline by setting its legs/supports down into the ground, thereby reducing the distance of a fall. At the same time, it’s advisable to provide padding to a depth of 10″ or more, for at least 10′ around the trampoline.

* Clothing

Anyone using the trampoline should wear clothing loose enough to allow freedom of movement, but not the chance that limbs could become entangled in extra folds. Jewelry should be removed before getting on, as should the contents of any pockets, and eyeglasses that are not secured by a headband. If you do not have trampoline footwear, then bare feet are best, as socks can cause you to slip.

* Training and Supervision

No child or adult, should be allowed to attempt complicated tumbling such as summersaults, when they have not had adequate training. Incorrect landing positions can cause serious and disabling injuries. Supervision should be provided for everyone who is learning to use a trampoline for the first time.

Ideally, there should be someone on hand who can instruct them in simple maneuvers, and who is also versed in first aid for injuries. Alternately, it may benefit everyone, to join a gym for a class in proper trampoline use, including mounts and dismounts.

* One At a Time

The chance of injury soars when more than one person gets on a trampoline at the same time. This can be the result of collisions, or upsetting another person’s balance, causing them to fall. Unless you are a trained “spotter”, all others waiting a turn, should stand away from the trampoline while someone else is using it.

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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/trampoline-pads.html

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 fintess equipment he researched all available products. Now he’s written a series of useful articles on choosing (and using) exercise equipment.

Oct 17

The Time For Trampoline Repair

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Not only are trampolines are a great source of fun for kids, they can also be a good way for adults to exercise. Over time the trampoline can get worn out and start to get rips and tears. When this happens it is time for a trampoline repair. If this repair work is not done, it can lead to serious injury.

Trampoline repair is usually needed after three to eight years of use. The exact time will depend on the location of the trampoline and how much it has been exposed to weather conditions. Direct exposure to UV rays from the sun will cause hasten the need for trampoline repair. After ten years, the trampoline should be replaced.

A sure indicator that is it time for trampoline repair is that holes have begun to appear in the mat. The presence of holes makes the trampoline unsafe for jumping because someone could get a foot stuck in the hole. Not only that the hole could stretch and become large enough for a small child to fall through. There are several ways to repair trampoline holes. Some companies offer these kinds of services. There are kits available to repair holes. Holes can also be repaired with a home sewing kit. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to repair a hole yourself.

When the springs that hold the mat into place begin to get damaged, it is time for trampoline repair. Damaged springs can be very dangerous. Once they have lost elasticity, the mat doesn’t provide the same amount of bounce. Replacement springs can be purchased and easily installed. If the mat needs to be replaced, the springs should be checked as well. Any springs that are over-stretched, loose, or damaged should be replaced.

If the warranty for the trampoline has expired, the trampoline should be replaced. Safety is very important when it comes to trampolines. Be sure to inspect your trampoline often to make sure that any trampoline repair is taken care of.

Oct 14

Trampoline Accessories

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by Carl Walker

Trampoline activities can be a lot of fun for the family and a good form of exercise if accompanied by adequate levels of safety measures and accessories. There are several types of trampoline accessories available on the market, based on size, the type of safety provided, and other uses such as protection from elements etc.

Enclosures:

A trampoline enclosure, also known as bounce arena, is the most popular safety device used today. It is specifically designed to prevent falling when jumping on a trampoline. Enclosures for trampolines should always be used when the trampoline is placed near objects such as trees, fences or patios. There are two main types of trampoline enclosures – those constructed with the netting on the inner side of the trampoline padding and those having the netting on the outer side.

Trampoline Covers:

Trampoline covers help extend the life of the trampoline and protect the padded edge by keeping leaves, bird droppings and other debris off the surface of the trampoline. There’s a wide variety of covers for trampolines such as U.V. resistant covers that have elasticated edge made from weatherproof rubberized vinyl, those that come with draw string edges and leg ties etc. Most trampoline covers also use central eyelets to drain rain water.

Ladders:

Trampoline ladders are intended to assist smaller kids who want to get on to the trampoline. Most products are weather-proof and some ladders are made entirely of plastic while some of them may come with metal tube steps. Adult supervision is a must when trampoline ladders are being used.

Trampoline Anchor Kits:

Trampoline Anchor Kits and tie-down kits hold the trampoline securely on the ground during high winds and storms. They are most ideal for areas frequently exposed to these elements. Anchor kits protect the trampoline from damage and being blown away. Most kits are equipped with heavy duty straps, buckles and elastic; and come with ties that are screwed onto the ground. The strapping connects to the tie and loops over the top rail of the trampoline which prevents the frame from detaching from the legs.

Trampoline Tents:

Most trampoline tents are designed for kids and make a great fun accessory for those who love garden sleepovers and camping out overnight. Tents vary in size and shape, depending on the type of trampoline, and are widely available. They may come with zippered or screen doors and most of them are designed to be resistant to moisture such as dew.

Snag Bags:

These are more recent additions to trampoline accessories. They are large plastic bags attached to top rail and leg rail unit on one side of the trampoline to keep shoes, glasses, balls, toys, etc. for safety while jumping. Snag bags mostly come with one large center mesh pocket and additional smaller mesh pockets, straps and buckles.

Trampoline Bounce Boards:

Another recent addition, bounce boards are intended for training skateboarders, kite surfers, snowboarding, water surfing and skiing and those who want to practice “new moves” on their trampolines. They come with adjustable foot straps hook and loop closure.

About the author:

Trampolines HQ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Oct 12

Exercise Trampoline

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An Exercise Trampoline Can Get You Fit in No Time

While it is the massive backyard trampoline that always gets all of the fame, a small exercise trampoline can provide a ton of workout without taking up huge amounts of space. Exercise trampolines generally go in and out of style pretty often. They are usually forgotten among the huge variety of high budget exercise machines like the Bowflex or the Nordic Track elliptical trainer. However, while these expensive machines will ultimately come and go, the exercise trampoline will stick around for quite some time. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility.  Most other exercise machines only give you the ability to perform a set amount of different workouts. With the trampoline, however, the workout possibilities are seemingly endless.

Forget the days of running up and down your street or doing back aching sit ups and push ups.  Those exercises are long gone and each and every one can be completely replaced by your trampoline. Running for example – an extremely high impact exercise can be replicated by simply jumping up and down on your trampoline. The trampoline is very low impact since the bounce is almost completely absorbed by the jumping area and, since jumping up and down on a trampoline creates G-Forces, you are getting a tiring aerobic workout with each jump, just as you would while running.

For those who want to tighten their abs and build some lean muscle, you may think you need to go beyond jumping up and down on a trampoline and purchase a whole new set of exercise equipment.  That, of course, is an incorrect assumption. Thanks to a new set of exercise trampoline workouts called “rebounder”, you are able to use your tiny trampoline in a variety of different ways to help you trim off the fat and make your muscles grow. The rebounder exercises include modified sit ups so you will not wreck your back and a huge variety of other enjoyable muscle building routines used in fitness facilities like Bally’s and Gold’s Gym.

Oct 04

How Trampolining Can Be A Fun But Serious Sport

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by Jeb Taylor

The sports of trampolining and tumbling are as old as man, a reflection of man’s desire to defy the ever-pervading presence of gravity.

A number of cultures have devised apparatus to send an athlete into the air, i.e., an outstretched animal skin being used to throw up, and safely receive, the descending performer. Circuses have used a number of devices to show off aerial and floor somersault activity.

The way these activities are now practiced reflect the intrusion, delightful in this instance, of modern technology. Modern trampolining has only emerged in the last 40-50 years from the prototype apparatus built by George Nissen back in his garage in 1936.

The Air Force, and later the Space Agencies were not slow to employ trampolines with their pilots and astronauts. Medical authorities and those working with handicapped persons have found many exciting benefits from being able to use a trampoline. At the recreational level, trampolining has an immediate appeal, especially for the young people . Every era produces at least one step forward in the sophistication of a trampoline machine used. The most modern ones are capable of projecting an athlete to such a height that the top stars can touch 10m-high ceilings and perform repetition triple somersaults with ease.

Competitive activity commenced in the US at the conclusion of World War II. The activity spread to Europe in the 1950′s and display teams took the activity to all continents in the late 1950′s and early 1960′s, when many national federations were formed.

In 1964, the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was formed with seven founder member federations. This number has since swollen to 42.

Championship activity has developed and grown continuously year after year. Annual World Championships were held from 1964, though since 1968, they have been held every other year, with European Championships, started in 1969, and Pan Pacific Championships in 1981, occurring the alternative years.

European Youth Championships have been held every other year since 1972, and the introduction of the World Cup event in 1993 has seen a tremendous interest in the sport, with the television companies giving live coverage to most events throughout the 1993-94 series. Trampolining and Tumbling have been World Games sports since 1981.

Jeb Taylor is a fitness guru. He works out on all exercise equipment he thinks will help him. Along with bikes and jogging, Jeb loves bouncing on a trampoline as a fun way to fitness.

Find out all you need to know about trampolines. How to use them for best exercise results, and which models to buy. Daily updated blog of news & articles. Click http://www.trampolines-101.com/

Oct 03

When to Repair Your Trampoline

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by Jason Gluckman

Trampolines are not only a great source of amusement for children and of exercise for adults. Indeed, trampolines – and more specifically, trampoline mats – also pose a significant safety risk if they are not maintained, repaired, or replaced when necessary.

If your trampoline’s warranty has expired or if it never had one in the first place, and its mat has developed holes, rips, or cracks, it is a good idea to replace your trampoline.

If the stitching of a trampoline mat has worn out due to the effect of the sun’s UV rays, it needs to be re-sewn. This is necessary when black straps pull away from fabric, the metal hardware attached to fabric falls off, or the stitching is no longer visible and the mat is hanging towards the ground.

Trampoline mats typically wear out after three to eight years of use. This range is dependent largely on the location of the trampoline and the amount of exposure to UV rays. Any trampoline mat over ten years old should be replaced – not repaired.

It is possible to fix holes in the mat and re-stitch it, but this is risky in terms of safety and longevity.

Your trampoline’s bouncing power can be greatly reduced if some of its springs are damaged. Trampoline springs that are over-stretched, loose or have damaged hooks should be replaced.

Trampolines Info provides detailed information about mini, water, bungee, and exercise trampolines, as well as trampoline sales, repair, parts, and accessories. Trampolines Info is the sister site of Batting Cages Web.