Trampoline

In recent years, trampolines have become very popular with all age groups and many families have them in the garden for children to play on. Trampolines for home use are generally round, and consist of a large piece of material stretched over a metal frame and held in place by many strong springs. As the person jumps up and down on the trampoline, the springs stretch and contract and this is what provides the bounce. Inuit people of North America used a type of trampoline centuries ago, but the modern version was invented by an acrobat in the 1930s. Trampolines sold for garden use are safe, but it is wise to spend extra to get the netting that goes around the sides to protect children from falling off. Putting the trampoline on grass is much better than on concrete or another hard surface.

Benefits of Trampolining

As well as being great fun, trampolining can have health benefits too. It improves balance, rhythm and coordination, and as it increases the heart rate and works muscle groups it’s a good cardio vascular work out too. Bouncing helps improve bone density, which may lead to less fractures or bone problems in later life, and as it is low impact, it is much easier on the joints as activities such as aerobics or jogging. The bouncing action has also been shown to have an effect on the lymphatic drainage system, which helps get rid of toxins, viruses and dead cells from the body. It boosts confidence and makes people feel good about themselves, and trampolining has also been used to help children with autism improve their well being and take part in a social activity with other members of the family.