Monthly Archives: December 2011

Dec 29

Trampoline Safety Nets

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by Jason Gluckman

Trampolines helped realize our longstanding dream of defying gravity, albeit for a few seconds. The thrill one experiences when jumping on a trampoline is something unique. Modern trampolines use a taught fabric, attached to a metal frame with the help of springs. The fabric and springs combined, can toss a person up into the air as high as 10 meters!

However, trampolining is not an all frills experience. Trampoline related accidents are a cause of severe concern all around the world. Since a majority of trampoline users are children, the injuries can be fatal. Very often, these accidents take place when safety rules are ignored. Placing the trampoline near an obstruction, trying new and awkward tricks, and people falling off the trampoline are the general causes of accidents.

Trampoline safety nets are a good way to prevent such occurrences. The concept of a trampoline safety net has been derived from the safety net used commonly by trapeze artists. The safety net is of two types, either attached or freestanding. The attached nets are more secure and safer than the freestanding ones. The support rods of the net are usually made out of a galvanized metal to avoid rusting. Stainless steel and zinc are the most commonly used supports. These metal bars are padded so as to prevent any injury if the user happens to collide with the structure. The bars are firmly attached to the legs of the trampoline, making the net extremely sturdy. The net is made from a strong synthetic substance.

These safety nets are available for trampolines of all shapes and sizes. The safety net prevents the person from falling off the trampoline and also induces confidence in first-time users. However, there are those who oppose the use of safety nets by claiming that the device induces a false sense of security. Children are likely to be left unsupervised, which may again result in accidents. Good quality safety net prices start at $150 and can go up depending on the quality and size.

Trampoline provides detailed information on Trampoline, Trampoline Sales, Mini Trampoline, Water Trampoline and more. Trampoline is affiliated with Metal Swing Sets.

Dec 29

A Guide to Water Trampolines

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by Jason Gluckman

The Rave Aqua Jump was the world’s first floating trampoline, made in the USA. The water trampoline was a precursor to a variety to towables and other inflatable trampolines.

Water trampolines have frames with springs that are supported on top of a large round inflatable tube. Water Trampolines can have a diameter as large as 25 feet as small as 11 feet. These full trampolines offer similar performance to that of a small backyard trampoline, but allow the activity to take place on the water. Trampolines take about an hour to set up and break down. They can then be anchored to remain in place on most lakes and ponds.

A trampoline floating on the water allows you to take big air jumps. An ideal water trampoline, with 100% PVC construction, should be able to withstand variation in temperature. A water trampoline comes with handles, a ladder and a padded collar for easier boarding and safe jumping. An anchor rope keeps the station in place while still letting it shift in the waves for added excitement.

Water trampolines are usually larger than ground trampolines. Besides the basic floating platform, you can attach various types of accessories like slides, ladders and logs.

There are smaller trampolines called “bouncers” that do not have frames or springs. They are easy to set up, as there are no frames to assemble or springs to stretch out. Bouncers can easily be stored in a boat and can be quickly inflated or deflated in less then 10 minutes. Bouncers are about 20% of the cost of a water trampoline.

Water trampolines range in price from $3,000 to $5,000.

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.

Dec 16

The Trampoline – Incredible Health Benefits

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by Michael Russell

It’s obvious that trampolining is good general exercise but in this article, we’ll explore why it’s of such a benefit to our health.

Exercise for the Cells

Toxins or poisons can congregate in the cells of the body for a number of reasons. They may have been introduced by ourselves, by smoking for example, or they may have entered through a cut or other broken skin, or just by entering through the nose or mouth. Some toxins are produced in the body during the normal course of the metabolic process. Most are fought by the immune system and removed naturally through organs such as the liver, kidneys, lung colon and skin in the form of urine, faeces, exhalation and sweat.

It is thought though, that the G force exerted on the body by the bouncing motion on a trampoline, helps to “push out” the toxins and while the body is, briefly, airborne the lower cell pressure permits the influx of nutrients and oxygen thus improving cell “exercise”.

Bouncing for a Healthy Heart

Exercising on a trampoline has several benefits in terms of the body’s cardiovascular system:

1. Increases strength and fitness of the muscles, especially of the legs, helping to lighten the load on the heart when pumping blood around the body
2. Increases oxygen availability throughout the body
3. Maintains a healthy body weight and lessens the likelihood of obesity
4. Aids lymphatic circulation
5. Reduces level of cholesterol and triglycerides
6. Stimulates the metabolism and digestive processes.

Bones of Steel

Well, perhaps not quite, but it has been shown that this sort of high impact exercise, improves the bone mineral content and therefore the density thus lessening the likelihood of fractures due to osteoporosis. Unlike other forms of high impact exercise such as jogging, the bounciness of the trampoline mat absorbs the down force and won’t cause jarring of the load bearing joints or spine.

Motoring

Trampolining helps to develop motor skill because of the need to maintain both height and balance simultaneously while responding to gravitational forces. Thus, all sides of the body and brain are involved in the exercise.

You don’t need a large trampoline to be able to benefit in the above ways. A small, portable one, known as a rebounder, will do just as well.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Trampolines
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Dec 09

Mini Trampolines – Fun Way To Exercise

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Mini Trampolines/Rebounders Are A Great Fun Way To Get Kids Up Off The Couch

by Denise Nero

Are you concerned about your kids sitting around the house too much? Do they spend their day watching TV, playing video games or surfing the net? Are they turning into couch potatoes? As a parent you know how hard it is to get your child to do something good for their health. Heck, you probably haven’t been able to get them to eat carrots since they were toddlers, how are you supposed to convince them to go to the gym, or for a run. The key is finding an exercise that they enjoy, so they will continue to exercise and make it a lifetime habit. This is where the mini trampoline comes in.

Do you remember how much fun you had jumping on the bed as a kid? The Mini Trampoline, or Urban Rebounder lets your kids have the same fun experience without ruining your mattress or getting hurt from a fall off the bed.

The mini trampoline is one of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment. You kids can jump on it in front of the television, or outside, and when it’s not in use, it easily fits in a closet or even under the bed.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of working out on the Mini Trampoline

• It’s a low impact form of exercise
• Burns more calories than jogging
• Improves circulation
• Gives you a great cardio workout
• Strengthens your legs and thighs
• Improves balance and coordination
• Its very portable

Above all, it is A LOT OF FUN!!!!.

Don’t think rebounding is just for kids. You’ll get a great workout out of this as well. The mini trampoline is perfect for your entire family and a great investment in your health and fitness as well. It helps you burn fat and calories fast, but also works great when it comes to strength training. Your biggest problem will be to get a turn to work out. (We suggest you wait until the kids are in school).

When you are shopping for a mini trampoline look for a model with six legs. It will be a lot more stable than some of the cheaper four legged models. If you’re just starting out and also as an extra safety precaution, look for a model with a stabilizer bar.

We suggest the Urban Rebounder at Mini Trampoline-Urban rebounding

http://www.fitnessandkids.com/urban-rebounder.html. You’ll receive the complete kit including the stabilizer bar, carrying case and workout videos. Eveything you need to get you started.

Get bouncing today!

Denise Nero is the owner of Fitnessandkids.com Stop by and Subscribe to HealthyNews Ezine for more great exercise, diet tips, children’s health and fitness, freebies and learn more about the benefits for Rebounding! http://www.fitnessandkids.com/urban-rebounder.html

Dec 07

10 Steps to Safe Gymnastics

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10 Steps to Safe Gymnastics

by John Howard

Build Your Strength First

It is much safer and much easier to make build sufficient strength first to perform the skills you are trying to learn. If you are not strong enough, you will never be able to do many gymnastics skills no matter how many times you try. Building strength also makes you safer in potentially dangerous fall situations.

Pay Attention

You need to be aware of what is going on around you in the gym if there are other gymnasts, especially bigger ones, around. You need to be aware and pay attention to everything and everyone around you who might crash into you or land on you. You also need to pay careful attention to your coach so you understand exactly what they expect of you to learn efficiently and keep yourself safe.

Check Equipment First

Make sure all equipment is set and sturdy before you begin to perform any skills on it. Handles and cables need to be tight enough so the equipment is safe for you to be on. Don’t assume the equipment is correctly set and tight. Check it an make sure first.

Know Fall Zones

Don’t sit or stand in potential landing or fall zones. Too often gymnasts waiting for their turn do not stay enough out of the way of other gymnasts who need adequate room to dismount or a place to fall.

Don’t Do Gymnastics By Yourself

Just like swimming and other physical activities where there is even the remotest chance of injury, gymnasts should only work out when there is at least one other person around. This means on those home trampolines, too.

Don’t Spot Other Gymnasts

Spotting is an art and requires the knowledge, strength and experience of a gymnastics professional. Any error in judgement on your or their part could lead to you being involved and responsible for their potentially serious injury.

Only Let Professional Coaches Spot You

By the same token, you should only let qualified gymnastics professionals spot you on skills you cannot do and need help with. You risk potentially serious injury by being spotted or coached by someone who is not qualified, knowledgeable, experienced or strong enough.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Spot

Ask for a spot if you are doing tricks if you need or want it. You are the one most likely to know and remember if you need a spot or not and it will be too late if you attempt a skill you are not sure of and fall. Spotting can protect you and build your confidence in doing the skill until you are ready to do it on your own safely. Don’t tell a coach that you can do skills if you are not 100% sure you can do them safely.

Stop, Look And Listen

Just like crossing a street, when you approach an equipment area, the floor exercise mat, tumbling strips or other mats and pieces of equipment, you need to stop and look both ways before you cross or enter to make sure you are not in the way or going to get landed on.

Watch Where You are Going

Watch where you are walking. Nothing is more embarrassing and sometimes painful and dangerous than falling over mats, into pits, over bar cables, etc. There are lots of obstacles in every gym like different heights and softness levels of mats.

About the author:

John Howard is the author of 15 books about gymnastics, gym design, gymnastics humor and cheerleading. He has 25 years experience coaching State, Regional and National champion gymnasts and international competitors.

GymnasticsZone.com is a web site for gymnasts, coaches, parents with numerous FREE articles and information, fun pages and activities available at: a href=”http://www.gymnasticszone.com”> http://www.GymnasticsZone.com

Dec 04

An Introduction to the Trampoline

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by Jason Gluckman

The sport of trampolining reflects man’s age-old desire to defy gravity. The trampoline in its current form (a mat mounted on a steel frame) dates back to the early 1800, if newspaper reports are to be believed, when a circus in London displayed what it called the “trampoline jump.”

Since then, the word trampoline has been used to describe any elastic apparatus that includes jumping over obstacles or vertical jumps. Circuses have used a number of devices to show off aerial and floor somersault activity. George Nissen, the co-creator of the style of trampoline used in competitions, called his bouncing rig a Trampoline, and registered it as a trademark in 1936.

The modern trampoline has emerged in the last 50 years or so from the prototype apparatus built by George Nissen in his garage in 1936. Trampolines were soon introduced by the Air Force, and later by the space agencies to train their pilots and astronauts.

The most modern trampolines are capable of projecting an athlete up to 10 meters high and allowing him to perform triple somersaults with ease.

The sport spread to Europe in the 1950′s, and by 1960′s, many national federations were formed. In 1964, the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was formed. Today, there are 42 member federations. The first FIT Handbook was introduced in 1983, and in 1987 the FIT News appeared, followed by the FIT Calendar in 1988.

Medical experts say jumping on trampoline is good for your health. Exercising on the trampoline lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that those who exercise at least three times a week have a higher bone mineral content.

Many athletes practice on a trampoline to enhance their motor skills and endurance, and to refine their aerial moves in a safe, controlled environment. Skiers, skaters, divers and gymnasts all use the trampoline extensively.

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.

Dec 04

Fitness Trampoline

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A Fitness Trampoline Makes Exercise Easy

Once upon a time trampolines were thought of as mere toys for kids to jump around and have fun. People are beginning to discover that a trampoline can be used for physical fitness for children as well as adults. While there is a certain level of convenience associated with purchasing a special fitness trampoline, it isn’t necessary to receive the benefits of trampoline exercise. The same kind of trampoline that is used by children can be used by adults as well.

The aerobics associated with jumping on a fitness trampoline strengthens the heart in the same way as other cardio exercises like running and jumping rope. This increase in cardio rate encourages energy use and weight loss. Spending five to eight minutes doing trampoline exercise is like running a mile, only with less time and effort. Trampoline exercise tones muscles in the lower half of the body. The legs, thighs, hips, stomach, and abdomen are all used when exercising on a fitness trampoline.

Trampoline jumping improves coordination. Many athletes and gymnasts use trampolines for this reason. Jumping on a trampoline isn’t just about bounding up and down. There is some level of skill involved in reaching a good height and landing in the right way.

A small trampoline, or rebound trampoline, is ideal for those who have knee injuries. Since smaller trampolines are not designed for high jumping, there is less pressure on the joints during exercise. A fitness trampoline is a good way to get exercise for people who have joint issues that keep them from jogging and running.

Other benefits of a fitness trampoline include improvements in breathing through increased capacity of lungs, reduction in stress and tension, lowers cholesterol levels, and increases energy levels. A small fitness trampoline can be used inside of the home making exercise easier and more convenient..

Dec 04

What’s So Great About A Trampoline?

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by 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.

About the Author

Ian Wide contributes to many sport and leisure sites such as home fitness equipment and trampolines.