Oct 02

Essential Trampoline Parts

by Jason Gluckman

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 store.

Trampoline pads are available in various shapes such as round, square, rectangular and octagonal. A good trampoline pad is shock absorbent, of high density, and made of closed-cell foam that will not absorb water or mildew, or lose shape. Check out the thickness, width and the quality of the material used in making the frame pad.

When choosing a trampoline mat, it is also important to examine the quality of the fabric mat. The fabric should be strong, with burst strengths of 800 pounds per square inch. A standard trampoline mat is sewn with 8 rows of heavy-duty UV-resistant thread, and uses galvanized triangular v-rings for long life.

Trampoline springs that are over-stretched, loose or have damaged hooks should be replaced. Examine the length because the longer the spring, better the bounce. See if they are likely to weaken, and stretch out of shape after use.

Trampoline springs are measured from hook to hook.

Trampolines Info provides detailed information about mini, water, bungee, and exercise trampolines, as well as trampoline sales, repair, parts, and accessories. Trampolines Info is the sister site of Batting Cages Web.

Oct 01

Gymnastics Trampoline

A Gymnastics Trampoline Often Improves Routines

The gymnastics trampoline sport has become more and more popular since it first appeared in the Olympics as a medal sport in 2000. In the competition, the athletes are allowed to bounce up and down on the trampoline while they are performing routines. The routines can consist of somersaults, twists, flips, and other gymnastic movements. Judges score the gymnasts on their routines, altitude of the jump, and length of time in the air. The gymnasts put much time and effort into improving their routines in order to get a better score.

A gymnastics trampoline helps many gymnasts improve their routines. The trampoline gives the gymnast more air time to learn the routine and decreases the chance of a crash landing. As the routine is perfected less air time is needed. When it is time to perform the routine without using a trampoline, the gymnast performs much better than if trampoline training had not been done.

This kind of training also helps improve the morale of the gymnast. Without using the gymnastics trampoline there can be frequent crash landings. This can sometimes cause a negative impact on the psyche of the gymnast. The negative affect is often reflected in subsequent performances. On the other hand, fewer crash landings have a positive impact on the gymnast and improves the routines.

Using a gymnastics trampoline is also safer for the gymnast when practicing routines . Since there can be many mistakes made during the practice and perfection of routines, a fall can lead to injury and even paralysis. As long as the gymnast remains in the center of the trampoline, the trampoline mat will act as a cushion in the case that a mistake is made. A safety net adds another level of safety for the gymnast. Once the routine has been perfected, the gymnast can perform without the net or on a mat.

Oct 01

A Guide to Buying a Trampoline

by Jason Gluckman

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 frame pad is the most important part of the trampoline. Good frame pads provide better protection. Look at the thickness, width and the quality of material used in making the frame pad while choosing a trampoline.

The next component to closely inspect is the jumping mat. Make sure it is properly stitched and capable of withstanding an adult’s weight. There are several grades of jumping mats sold on the market today. The better the mat, the longer it will last.

Look at the quality of the springs as the longer the spring, the better the bounce. See if they are likely to weaken or stretch out of shape after use.

The frame should also be sturdy enough to withstand weight of more than one person, because often more than one child uses the trampoline simultaneously. A good trampoline frame should never bend or bow when set up, nor flex when in use.

Best way to find an authentic manufacturer and supplier of a trampoline that meets international safety standards is to visit the International Trampoline Industry Association (ITIA), a non-profit trade association of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of trampolines, trampoline parts and related equipment.

Here are some of the leading trampoline manufacturers and suppliers listed by the ITIA: Eurotramp, Trampoline Authority, 1800Trampoline.com, Hedstrom – Ball, Bounce and Sport Inc., Soft-Bounce Needak Rebounders, JumpSport, and Super-Fun Trampolines.

Trampolines Info provides detailed information about mini, water, bungee, and exercise trampolines, as well as trampoline sales, repair, parts, and accessories. Trampolines Info is the sister site of Batting Cages Web.

Oct 01

Mini Trampoline

The Mini Trampoline – A Hot New Way to Lose Weight

If you are sick of all of the cheesy Hollywood diets and expensive exercise machines that promise to make you look like a Greek god overnight, then perhaps it is time for you to get back to the basics with your exercise equipment. Perhaps jogging, push ups and sit ups are too hard on your body and back and you need more of a workout that does not require bone jarring routines. If you are looking for a simple solution to the confusing workouts of today, then perhaps a mini trampoline is for you.

The mini trampoline is not like your kids’ trampoline that fills up a good portion of the backyard. These specially designed models only sit around eight inches off the ground and generally only measure around forty inches in diameter, meaning they take up much less space than other workout equipment. Plus, you can even purchase some new models that fold up small enough to fit inside of a small carrying case to take with you wherever you see fit.

Other workouts generally only focus on one part of the body at a time – not the mini trampoline. With a mini trampoline, your body experiences an all around workout simply by jumping up and down on it. By bouncing up and down, all of the muscles in your body work in an aerobic fashion, similar to running. Unlike running however, a trampoline provides you with a completely low impact workout style, meaning you will not put any unneeded stress on your bones and joints.

To make mini trampolines even more appealing, health professionals recommend that trampoline users try out the specialized workout plan, rebounder. Rebounding provides a mixture of simply jumping up and down on the trampoline with other cardiovascular exercises to help people lose weight and tone up some major muscle groups for a full body workout. If you have no space in your home or you live in an apartment, many major fitness chains such as Bally’s and Equinox now offer special rebounding classes where you can experience the workout potential of a trampoline without having to purchase one.