Trampolines: what they are, types and choices

An activity that resembles jumping on trampolines was first discovered among the Eskimo peoples. They used walrus skin instead of elastic material, which was stretched over the base. The first modern sports accessory was created in 1936, George Nissen did it. This device began to be used for training circus acrobats. Currently, trampolines are divided into several types, and also have an improved structure.

A trampoline is a type of sports equipment. They are also considered a jumping device, which looks like a mesh with special strength, stretched over a metal frame with the use of rubber and metal springs. When creating this inventory, it is not customary to use material, which is characterized by elasticity - it is achieved by springs that are located throughout the mesh.

The trampoline has found its application during recreation, entertainment, active leisure, training acrobatic stunts for snowboarders, skiers, gymnasts, circus artists.

The trampoline has the following components:

• frame;
• legs;
• springs;
• jumping canvas.

The frame is the base of a sports accessory, which consists of pipes and is characterized by a certain shape. It can have different diameters, the most common are 100 and 102 cm. The frame is made of metal, carbon, and in some cases plastic. The pipes can have a diameter of 42 to 48 millimeters. Often, the frame tubes are welded together, but there are models where there are built-in bolt connections that facilitate packing the goods. The frame surface is covered with a protective polymer coating.

The legs are the support for the frame. Their shape is similar to the letter W, which is why this sports equipment is characterized by rigidity, elasticity and good stability. The springs have a spiral appearance, they are characterized by power. These elements are produced from galvanized steel. Each of the springs is characterized by high resistance to physical loads, as well as to the influence of external environmental factors. Their size depends on the dimensions of the trampoline and can be from 165 to 215 millimeters. Due to the presence of springs, a person is repulsed from the surface and bounced.

The jump platform is the base and the jump support. Often the fabric from which it is made is dense polyester.

Trampoline accessories include the following types of equipment.

• Safety net. The functions of this element include protecting the person who makes the jump from flying out of the trampoline. It is often used for sports product variants. Fastening of the safety net takes place along the circumference of the frame.
• Spring protection. This soft cover helps to protect the person jumping from injury.
• Roof, cover. This device is a protective element for outdoor trampolines from the influence of weather conditions. It can significantly increase the service life of the trampoline.

• Ladder. This accessory is required for ascents and descents with special safety.
• Sports mats. They are designed to protect people jumping from injury. The unfolding of these devices is carried out along the perimeter.
• Sound insulating mat. Helps reduce noise when using a trampoline.

• a compressor that continuously supplies air to the trampoline, maintaining its functionality;
• A repair kit is a kit that is used to repair an accessory in case of a puncture (the kit usually includes glue and material);
• bag-cover, necessary for storing and carrying the product;
• pegs that attach the trampoline;
• pegs holding the compressor together.

It is customary to train on a trampoline in sports activities, for example, gymnastics, acrobatics, diving, skiing. In addition to sports use, this equipment is also used in the household sphere. Recently, such workouts have become popular during fitness.

A trampoline is a unique type of simulator, because exercising on it, you can keep fit. Also, this sports accessory is useful for cardiac activity, it is able to have the following effects:

• strengthening of blood vessels;
• normalization of respiratory and hematopoietic activity;

• training of the vestibular apparatus, the development of coordination;
• strengthening and development of the muscular system;
• increased endurance;
• improvement of the psychological state;
• burning calories.

The effect of jumping on this sports accessory is observed in weight loss. This workout tones up the activity of the main muscle group, therefore, there is a high-quality weight loss, as well as the elimination of cellulite and the formation of a beautiful sports-type figure.

Contraindications to the use of a trampoline refer to people who suffer from hypertension, thrombophlebitis, angina pectoris, diabetes mellitus, tachycardia, asthma. Pregnant women should not jump on this sports accessory. Classes in these conditions of the body are possible only after consulting a doctor. In these cases, it is important to monitor your own health, pulse and pressure indicators. If the load is moderate and correct, then jumping will not harm.

Thanks to the development of progress, today a large number of varieties of trampoline can be found on sale. They are divided into water and land options. Ground types have the form of a stretched canvas, which is attached by springs to a metal frame. They are also classified into a large number of varieties.

Popular models are:

• gymnastic;
• with a handle;
• built-in;
• commercial;

• castles in the air;
• spring;
• folding;
• winter;

• acrobatic;
• with a roof;
• with cubes;
• with balls.

Professional accessories for sports jumping are characterized by a special structure, as well as a surface stretched with special rigidity. That is why these products provide strength and jump height. They are in the form of a high-strength mesh, stretched by springs made of rubber or metal on the frame.

Peculiarities:

• the presence of galvanized steel in the frame and springs;
• elasticity of the mesh achieved by cords with a diameter of five millimeters.

To make the classes safe, the space near the professional accessory is equipped with a safety pit made of foam rubber. Acrobatic tricks and exercises are often performed on sports trampolines. They have found their application in the professional field, and even at the Olympic Games.

Trampolines of this type are used to equip trampoline centers. They can be used not only by adults, but also by children, whose classes are supervised by a trainer.

The outdoor trampoline is used for pastime and training at home and in the fresh air. Often they are placed in the yard, in the country, as well as in a park or on a beach area. They are distinguished from an accessory with professional characteristics by the use of anti-corrosion material, as well as high-strength nets, which prevents falls from the trampoline.

Outdoor trampolines have a smaller jumping surface and little buoyancy, so they are not used for sports training. The varieties of this type of accessory include mini trampolines, they have a small diameter - up to 1.1 meters, and a height of up to 0.2 meters. High jumps are not performed on such devices.

Outdoor trampolines are used for jumping outdoors. Thanks to them, you can not only train, but also have fun. This type of sports accessory can have different shapes and sizes. Both a group of people and one person can jump on it.

The fitness trampoline is intended for indoor use only. It can be used to train muscles of different groups. Exercising on a fitness trampoline reduces stress on knees and joints. Buyers prefer this type of sports accessory, as it does not create difficulties in use, and does not require a lot of space for placement in the room.

The inflatable trampoline is used as an attraction for children. It looks like a device with many functions, which is characterized by brightness and colorfulness. Outwardly, such products are similar to a playpen, slide or favorite character.

There are these types of inflatable trampolines:

• mini;
• street;
• homemade;
• large;
• with an additional slide or pool.

Inflatable trampolines are placed on a city street, square, park, square, during holidays, in water parks. A group of children can have fun on this type of trampoline, since the production of such products is carried out from PVC material with high strength.

This inflatable product is presented in the form of a balloon, which has a canvas specially designed for jumping. This accessory contains inflatable tubes. The main purpose of this type of trampoline is entertainment. It has found its application both in the aquatic environment and in the terrestrial one.

The built-in trampoline is a complete analogue of the conventional version. Its difference from the previous ones is that the installation of this accessory is not carried out on the ground. The built-in trampoline must be buried in the ground, so it does not rise above the surface. The main advantage of such an accessory is its aesthetic placement, since there will be no bulky structure on the territory. It can be installed in areas near the house, in the country.

A built-in trampoline is considered to be quite safe, since it does not need to be secured, which is not always carried out efficiently. Falling from such a trampoline turns out to be less traumatic than from an ordinary one, which has a meter height.

• Perfetto Sport. This company produces high quality products that are created from durable materials. The trampolines provide high jumps thanks to the large number of springs covered with protective covers.
• Leko. Trampolines of this manufacturer are available both for outdoor and indoor use. There are options for children's sports accessories that adults can also use if they wish. Leko trampolines are presented in a wide range, products are sold in different diameters.

• Happy hop sells a wide range of trampolines for sports and active pastime for adults and children. The company offers original children's inflatable models that will help in arranging a real holiday at home.
• Torneo presents a wide range of trampolines for different purposes. Customer reviews testify to excellent models of accessories for fitness and aerobics. Trampolines of this production help to strengthen the muscles in the legs, buttocks.
• Fitness trampoline offers an excellent selection of sports accessories at affordable prices. Trampolines from this manufacturer can be used by all family members. The products are characterized by reliability, which is ensured by a sturdy construction, sturdy frame and polymer coating.

A study of customer reviews who prefer a healthy and active lifestyle has shown that trampolines from ELC, Berg, Swollen, Springfree, Triumph Nord, Moove & Fun, Sport Elit, Bestway and Optifit 10ft have performed well.

When buying a trampoline, you should give preference not only to an attractive, but also a high-quality product, since the safety of the person who will use it depends on this indicator. To choose the ideal option, you need to decide on the shape of the accessory, it can be round or rectangular. A round model should be considered safer. But for maneuvering jumps, rectangular trampolines are suitable, although they can be traumatic.

The main indicator of a reliable structure is the strength of its frame. The strongest option is a material called galvanized steel. When choosing a product, you should not ignore the quality of the jumping belt. It should be characterized by strength, inextensibility, have the correct cutting and good stitching of each node in the place where the canvas is attached.

The product will last a long time and will provide safety during intense jumps if it is equipped with springs made of quality material with the correct length. Preference should be given to models that are equipped with a wide and thick mat, as they will be the safest. The width of the mat should be large enough to cover the springs and frame.

The presence of a safety net prevents falling out of the trampoline. These elements must be strong and stable. Important and necessary elements in the trampoline are a protective case and a bag, these components will ensure long-term use of the sports accessory.

In order for the use of the trampoline not to bring unpleasant moments, it is necessary to remember some of the rules for their installation, use and storage.

To unfold an inflatable accessory, it must be inflated using the air blower that comes with the kit. To maintain a constant pressure inside the trampoline, the compressor must run continuously. Using pegs, the inflatable product must be attached to the ground to avoid being blown away by the wind.

In order for the collection of the inflatable trampoline to be correct, it is worth initially disconnecting the air blower from the electrical network. Then each of the sleeves is detached, the accessory is tightly rolled up and packed into a bag-case.

A frame-type trampoline is installed according to the following rules:

1. the territory for the future location of the trampoline is determined - for the stability of the product, it is worth giving preference to a flat and hard surface;
2. trees and buildings should not be near the sports accessory;
3. assembly and installation of the product must be carried out according to the instructions that are attached to the product;
4. after the accessory is installed, you will need to check it for the reliability of the fasteners;
5. after a person enters a frame trampoline, it is necessary to securely close the net.

To increase the service life of the frame trampoline, do not violate the rules for collecting the product specified in the instructions. It is strictly forbidden to install a trampoline on asphalt, concrete.

For the safe use of a sports accessory, it is required to check for:

• the presence of splits, cracks in the connecting elements;
• the correct tension of the canvas for jumps and damage on it;
• no deformation of springs;
• correct attachment of the protective edge;
• the presence of deterioration, damage, improper stitching of the jumping belt.

There is nothing difficult in caring for a frame-type trampoline; it consists in cleaning the canvas with a damp soft cloth. Do not use hot water or chemicals. To prevent leaves and debris from getting on the sports accessory, it must be covered.

The rules for caring for an inflatable accessory are slightly different from the previous ones. Before folding the product, wash it thoroughly with a soft cloth. When cleaning is complete, the trampoline should dry well. The next step is to deflate the accessory, fold it correctly and pack it in a specially designed case. The inflatable product must not be stored inflated, it should also be protected from temperature extremes and direct sunlight.

Jumping on trampolines in winter is very dangerous, so the accessory should be prepared for this period. To avoid constant cleaning of the jumping belt from snowfalls and icing, it should be covered with an awning or a special covering, which must be well fixed. Nevertheless, inflatable products are best removed for the winter and stored in a bag-case.

For information on how to choose a trampoline, see the next video.