A Quick Guide to Trampolines

For many families, a trampoline is a great way to pass the time and bond over hours of wholesome entertainment outdoors. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, use trampolines to have fun, get some much-needed sun and action and release all that cooped up energy.

However, a trampoline isn't a toy, despite popular belief. A trampoline is a serious sports equipment that has to be respected. Many competitive sports all over the world use trampolines as an intrinsic part of the routine, and even fitness centres and gyms have turned to trampolines for improving physical conditioning and overall fitness.

Whether you're thinking of buying trampolines for sale online or from a brick-and-mortar store, it is vital that you know everything there is about trampolines: the types available, accessories, safety guidelines and proper maintenance practices.

It doesn't matter whether you're getting a one-person rebounder to get fit or a large round outdoor trampoline for your home backyard, having the right information can help you choose the right kind of trampoline for you.

A Brief History

The modern trampoline was first invented in 1936 by a pair of gymnasts from the University of Iowa, Larry Griswold and George Nissen. The pair had seen trapeze artists utilise a net to supplement their routine and enhance its entertainment value. According to Nissen, the word "trampoline" was taken from "trampolin," the Spanish word for a diving board or a springboard.

The trampoline was first used for a little-known sport called rebound tumbling. However, when World War II started, the U.S. Navy utilised trampolines to supplement their aviation and navigation training. Almost two decades later, during the Space Race, the Americans and the Russians utilised trampolines to train astronauts and cosmonauts in outer space orientation as well as weightless condition simulation.

Entertainment acts such as acrobatics and the circus have also incorporated trampolines into their acts. Trampoline gymnastics was also introduced as an official sport in the 2000 Athens Summer Olympics.

Types of Trampolines

Aside from the classic round-shaped trampoline which most people are familiar with, several other types of trampolines are also available. Here are some of the most common.

Traditional

The most common type of trampoline is the classic round trampoline, a shape which has changed little since the early days of the device. Today, trampolines are now available in a wide variety of shapes.

While round-shaped trampolines are favoured for home and recreational use, the newer rectangular trampolines have enjoyed widespread use in sport and competition use and fitness centres and gyms. The vast majority of common trampolines range from 8 to 15 feet in diameter.

Water

Water trampolines are comparable in design to the common trampoline, however, the water trampoline's metal frame is covered in an inflatable housing which allows it to float on water. The water trampoline has to be weighed down with a heavy object such as an anchor or be moored to ensure it remains in place.

The water trampoline is simply an aquatic version of the classic trampoline, a testament to the device's popularity. Some designs even allow for slides from which people can jump or slide into the water.

Mini

Mini trampolines, also called rebounders, are often used for fitness and exercise purposes. Mini trampolines generally measure 3 feet across and stand around a foot high.

Rebounders are also used for trampolining, a new form of fitness training which is rapidly gaining in popularity. According to some fitness specialists, trampolining can provide the benefits of running and jogging without the strain inflicted on the muscles and joints.

Kid’s

A kid's trampolines takes many shapes, colours and sizes. Also called as bounce houses, they often look like inflated versions of fanciful structures such as castles and spaceships. Kid's trampolines are often used for children's parties, fairs, and even schools.

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