The sport of trampolining reflects man’s age-old desire to defy gravity. The trampoline in its current form (a mat mounted on a steel frame) dates back to the early 1800, if newspaper reports are to be believed, when a circus in London displayed what it called the “trampoline jump.”
Since then, the word trampoline has been used to describe any elastic apparatus that includes jumping over obstacles or vertical jumps. Circuses have used a number of devices to show off aerial and floor somersault activity. George Nissen, the co-creator of the style of trampoline used in competitions, called his bouncing rig a Trampoline, and registered it as a trademark in 1936.
The modern trampoline has emerged in the last 50 years or so from the prototype apparatus built by George Nissen in his garage in 1936. Trampolines were soon introduced by the Air Force, and later by the space agencies to train their pilots and astronauts.
The most modern trampolines are capable of projecting an athlete up to 10 meters high and allowing him to perform triple somersaults with ease.
The sport spread to Europe in the 1950′s, and by 1960′s, many national federations were formed. In 1964, the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was formed. Today, there are 42 member federations. The first FIT Handbook was introduced in 1983, and in 1987 the FIT News appeared, followed by the FIT Calendar in 1988.
Medical experts say jumping on trampoline is good for your health. Exercising on the trampoline lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that those who exercise at least three times a week have a higher bone mineral content.
Many athletes practice on a trampoline to enhance their motor skills and endurance, and to refine their aerial moves in a safe, controlled environment. Skiers, skaters, divers and gymnasts all use the trampoline extensively.
Jumping on a trampoline has emerged as a popular family activity for both adults and children.
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A Guide to Buying a Trampoline
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Trampolines come in three basic shapes – square, rectangular and round — and many different sizes. While choosing a trampoline, you should consider its durability and safety as well as its guarantee. Pay close attention to the frame pads, jumping mats, springs and frames. The...
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Useful Trampoline Accessories
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There are many accessories for trampolines; some of the popular trampoline accessories are covers, safety nets, ladders, anchors, tents and spring tools. Weather covers protects the frame pads, material and stitching on the mat of the trampoline against UV rays. They are used to protect...
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How a Bungee Trampoline Works
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Bungee jumping became increasingly popular in the past decade, as “extreme sports” captured the public’s attention. An offshoot of this phenomenon is the bungee trampoline. Parents will be comforted to know that, especially under the supervision of a camp counselor or a professional recreation center,...
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A Guide to Water Trampolines
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The Rave Aqua Jump was the world’s first floating trampoline, made in the USA. The water trampoline was a precursor to a variety to towables and other inflatable trampolines. Water trampolines have frames with springs that are supported on top of a large round inflatable...
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When to Repair Your Trampoline
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Trampolines are not only a great source of amusement for children and of exercise for adults. Indeed, trampolines – and more specifically, trampoline mats – also pose a significant safety risk if they are not maintained, repaired, or replaced when necessary. If your trampoline’s warranty...
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Using an Exercise Trampoline
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We usually think of trampolines as a fun outdoor amusement item for children. In fact, trampolines provide fantastic exercise through their ability to sustain target heart rates while remaining gentle to joints. Rebounders – also known as “mini trampolines” – have been popular for many...
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The Benefits of Mini Trampolines
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Mini trampolines are mainly meant for exercising. Mini trampolines can be a great way for kids to exercise indoors. It is also known as a fitness trampoline because it can be used as a workout machine to help you lose weight. You can do aerobic...
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Essential Trampoline Parts
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The three main parts of a trampoline are the pads, mats and springs. These parts vary in size for each type and shape of trampoline. Most trampoline manufacturers and stores sell their parts. You can find parts suppliers on the Internet and locate a local...
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A Guide To Gymnastics
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Gymnastics is arguably one of the world’s oldest sports. It is also a very natural sport involving activities that people would normally do outside gym class or gymnastic competitions such as jumping, running, climbing, swinging and tumbling. Modern gymnastics as a sport involves the performance...
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Dancing Gymnastics
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Gymnastics is a very exacting sport x96 it requires total body coordination, strength, agility and flexibility. Originating back to ancient Greece, the sport of gymnastics has evolved from the exercise routines of soldiers to become what it is today, a world sport that encompasses six...