10 Things you may not know about Trampolines.

Trampolining is a fun and effective way to exercise: Most people who jump on a trampoline agree it’s fun. When exercise is fun, people are more likely to participate in a work out. Plus, a study performed by NASA states that trampolining is “68% more effective than jogging.” The researchers also determined that “10 minutes of trampolining was a better work out than 30 minutes of running.”
The trampoline was invented in the 1930s: An American named George Nissen came up with the idea while watching trapeze artists at a circus fall to the safety net and bounce back into the air.
You are never too old to jump on a trampoline: Anyone can jump on a trampoline whether you are a toddler, an elder, or anywhere in between, you can do something on a trampoline. For our geriatric population especially, trampolines can even help teach proper methods of falling. Check out this video of a 95 year old trampolinist!
Jumping on a trampoline can build strong bones: Each time you land on the trampoline bed, a force is sent through your bones and helps to build up minerals in order to keep your bones strong.
Trampolining improves motor skills and balance: The first time you jump on a trampoline, it can be very challenging to keep your balance. Depending on how you contact the trampoline, your body will go into the air in multiple directions and you have to use your muscles to stabilize yourself. Here are two fun facts for you – During WWII, the military purchased hundreds of trampolines to help train soldiers and to this day astronauts are trained on trampolines, as well.
Jumping increases cardiovascular health: Jumping on a trampoline increases heart rate, breathe rate, and blood flow. This means your heart works harder to circulate blood and oxygen to the rest of your body. The more your heart pumps, the stronger it gets and the better your cardiovascular health.
There is less stress and impact on your joints when trampolining compared to jogging and running: When you run, your joints experience forces up to 2.5 times your body weight, but on a trampoline there is less stress on your joints. Since the trampoline bed is soft and supple, it moves with you as you land to help absorb the shock and protect your joints.
Trampoline activities can be adjusted to match all skill levels: whether you are new to trampolines or an athlete that uses them daily, there are exercises that you can perform. For starters, you can do a prep-bounce where your feet never even leave the trampoline. For advanced athletes you can build all the way up to quad summersaults where you flip four times before landing. You can also land on your stomach, back, bottom, or knees.
Varieties of trampolines exist in order to meet everyone’s needs: I am sure you are all familiar with the round back yard trampolines. These are great for many things– you can jump, roll, tumble, flip, exercise, and even play games. However, many of us think of kids and teens jumping around when we imagine these trampolines. You may want a trampoline specifically for exercise and health benefits. There are mini trampolines or rebounders that work great for this. These trampolines are smaller and more affordable. Additionally, there are rectangular trampolines that allow for higher bouncing, professional grade trampolines for sports, and even ones without springs so they are safer to use.
It is an Olympic sport: Trampoline made its debut in the 2000 Olympics. Be sure to check out the world’s best professional trampolinists in the upcoming Summer Olympics as they fly up to 33 feet into the air!

References:

De Wyze, J. (1998, August 13). Biography of George Nissen . Retrieved from Brentwood Trampoline: http://www.brentwoodtc.org/george_nissen.htm

Gymnastics: History of trampoline at the Olympic Games. (2015, March). Retrieved from International Olympic Committee: http://www.olympic.org/Assets/OSC%20Section/pdf/QR_sports_summer/Sports_Olympiques_trampoline_eng.pdf

Brisbane Kids. (2014, September 21). 10 Things you didnt know about trampolines. Retrieved from Spring Free Trampoline: http://www.springfreetrampoline.com/blog/2014/09/22/10-things-you-didn%E2%80%99t-know-about-trampolines

Reynolds, A. (n.d.). The Benefits of Trampolining. Retrieved from Spring Fit Gymnastics and Trampoline Club: http://www.springfit.org/activities/trampolining/benefits-of-trampolining/

The Miracle of Rebound Exercise. (1980). Journal of Applied Physiology, 881-887.