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Trampoline Fun
The trampoline is normally made of a section of taut, strong fabric stretched
out over a steel frame that uses coiled springs to supply the rebounding force
which propels the user of this device high into the air; it is used normally
by gymnasts and for recreational purposes. As far as recreational backyard type
trampolines go, the most popular in the U.S. is the JumpKing
trampoline.
A Brief History
It is thought that the first people to use a trampoline were the Eskimos, who
built them from walrus skin, which was strong and flexible enough to bear the
weight of humans. The walrus skin was used as a trampoline pad and was not set or fixed on a given frame but held by people from different
corners as one of them was tossed up and down from it. Obviously the historic
trampoline part was quite a bit different than the modern part.
Other traces lead researchers to believe some similar practices were carried on in England but with blankets in its place of walrus skins. Whereas none of the above have any specific dates to document their existence historically, it is certain that in the early 20th century some stage acts used bouncing beds to amuse their audience.
George Nissen and Larry Griswold built the first modern trampoline in 1934; both were athletes on the gymnastics team of the University of Iowa, USA.
Trampoline Safety
It is a fun device which gets your entire body in action in just couple of minutes. It can though be unsafe if the exercise is not practiced with suitable caution. Some common practices particularly with children are that they are usually tied safely so they do not get projected on the side or loose their balance and fall off the trampoline. Bouncing off is the most frequent injury that occurs; in order to avoid being side projected do not jump too high on the trampoline.
If you are not an athlete with practice in using the trampoline; use it with care and follow all the required safety measures in order to steer clear of injury to yourself and others; it is otherwise a great way to lift spirits, exercise and have fun at the same time.
Trampoline: Many Uses
According to circus folklore the trampoline was invented by Du Trampoline, who used the bouncing sheets as safety nets for performing trapeze artists. There are, nevertheless, no documents available to establish the truth of this story.
Gymnasts use the trampoline in a array of activities and exercises. Kids love
the trampoline as well but they have a smaller size unit so they don't bounce
too high. Bungee jumps at times have trampoline as safety nets when practiced
indoors or on solid ground. The exercise trampoline (which is generally a mini trampoline) provides a great way to get low impact aerobic exercise.
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