Mar 08

Safe and Fun Budget Trampolines

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If you’ve looked at trampolines and thought the price was out of your reach, you’ll be pleased and surprised to learn that many budget trampolines will fit your budget, fulfill your safety expectations, and provide hours of fun for kids and grownups alike. The word “budget” doesn’t mean low quality.

When you think of a budget trampoline, you probably think “cheap,” and to many people that means poor materials, poor workmanship, and a generally shoddy product. You may worry that a budget trampoline would be unsafe, or that you would have to replace it soon because of poor quality.

The manufacturers who create the deluxe trampolines also create budget trampolines, and for the most part, while these trampolines may not have all the features of the deluxe models, they are well-made and safe. They’re simply designed to cost less, for those families who want a backyard trampoline but simply can’t afford the highest-end models.

The key to finding a good budget trampoline is to find manufacturers who have a record of good quality and customer service, and who also have a budget line of trampolines. Shop among the trampolines in these lines, from these manufacturers, to make sure that you’re getting a quality product.

Again, think “budget,” not “cheap,” and look for good quality in materials and workmanship. If the trampoline dealer and/or manufacturer do not offer a guarantee, run far and fast, because you’re only wasting your money on these trampolines. You won’t get the quality or service you need, and you’ll end up with a product that doesn’t last, and could cause serious injuries.

You can often find good deals on trampolines online, either at online stores or on eBay. You should be careful, of course, to work with a reputable dealer, but you can usually find good new trampolines for $100 or less. If you’re interested in a used trampoline and buy from a reputable eBay seller, you can usually pick up a good family backyard trampoline for under $50. You may even find trampoline dealers with overstocks between $50 and $100, for a new trampoline with a manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’ve thought that a trampoline was just simply too expensive for you to afford, now you know that you can find affordable trampolines, by shopping the budget lines from major manufacturers, and by looking for a used trampoline or special deal from a store that’s clearing out or overstocked. Instead of spending hundreds of dollar on the trampoline alone, before you buy safety equipment, you can now find trampolines for under one hundred dollars, sometimes including the net and pads. It’s a matter of shopping wisely and being willing to wait for a good deal.

Of course, you also have to make sure that you’re working with a good merchant, that you’re getting what you order, and that you’re comfortable with the transaction and can get a refund if you have a problem. The likelihood of a problem is actually pretty small with a reputable dealer, but you want to know you can get service if you need it. And then go ahead and buy that trampoline you’ve been wanting and can now afford.

Mar 04

Interesting Facts About Trampolines

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You know what a trampoline is, and you probably know that it was invented as a way for people to jump and enjoy acrobatics without the pain of hitting the ground (or the water, in the case of acrobatic diving) at the end of the jump. There are some other interesting facts about trampolines that you may not know, but that make for fascinating trivia.

The trampoline became famous after inventor George Nissen was photographed on a trampoline jumping with a kangaroo. While this photograph has been referred to as “chance,” and many people have referred to Nissen’s “luck” in having such a photo snapped, it was actually a planned publicity shot, which had exactly the effect Nissen hoped. Most people wonder how Nissen got the kangaroo to jump with him; he held its front paws so it could not kick him, and jumped, which caused both of them to bounce, of course. While the kangaroo has been referred to as “tame,” it actually was not.

The word trampoline comes from the Spanish “el trampoline,” for diving board. Nissen was a diver and gymnast, and invented the trampoline to provide a safer way to do the acrobatics he loved in both sports.

Trampoline clubs flourish around the world, but Kent, England’s Gillingham Jumpers is the largest club in the world. The Jumpers generally have about 1,500 people jumping in the Jumpers Rebound Centre every week, more than any other known club.

But clubs are not the only arena for trampolines. In 2000, at the Sydney Olympics, Irina Karavaeva of Russia won the first gold medal in trampoline competition. George Nissen, then 86, attended the Games and saw Karavaeva win the gold.

Trampolines are becoming popular as extreme sports, as well. Not content simply to jump on a trampoline, many sports centers are now offering bungee trampolines, which involve a jumper strapping on a harness and bungee cord so they can jump higher and do more stunts on the trampoline.

Competitive trampoline jumping is surprisingly popular, and has been around for some time, with the first World Champion, Judy Wills Cline, earning her first title in 1964. She eventually held ten world titles in trampoline, synchronized trampoline and tumbling. Dan Millman, who is now a well-know personal growth expert, was the first men’s World Champion in trampoline, and also won his first title in 1964.

But trampolines are not only an individual sport; in 1986 Cleveland State University’s Delta Epsilon fraternity fielded a six-man team that set the Guinness World Record for continuous bouncing on a trampoline, with 53 days of jumping between six people. President Reagan called the team to congratulate them. Other Guinness record categories for trampoline include a category for the longest slam-dunk by a basketball player on a trampoline.

Knowing interesting facts about trampolines may not make you a better jumper, but it certainly will make you a more interesting party guest, and the next time you’re jumping on your trampoline with friends, you might get a chance to share some of your unusual trampoline knowledge.

Feb 29

How To Shop Online For Trampolines

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If you’re considering buying a trampoline for your backyard, whether for exercise or for the kids’ play, you might want to shop online. At first blush, this may not seem like a good candidate for online shopping, because shipping would seem to be a big obstacle. After all, trampolines are heavy items. However, shopping online is actually a very good way to find the perfect trampoline.

Whether you buy your trampoline online will depend largely on whether you can find what you want locally, and the prices you find online and locally. But you should definitely spend some time shopping around online, because you can learn a lot about trampolines and figure out what you want and need. Then you can shop locally if you choose, but you know what you’re looking at and what you’re looking for, and how much you should expect to pay. Even if you decide to pay more locally for convenience, you will know what you’re getting and make a wise decision.

When you shop online, you can find a lot of trampolines, and narrow down the selection to ones that fit your needs. You probably will see trampolines you cannot find locally, and you may get some ideas about exactly what you want and what you want to pay. The sheer variety is a major advantage in shopping online, because you may find possibilities that you did not even know existed.

Another great thing about shopping for trampolines online is that you can compare trampolines head to head, and look at each one in comparison to all the others. This is harder to do when you’re shopping locally, because you may find that you can’t easily look at two trampolines side-by-side, even by taking notes, if they’re in different stores.

What about that shipping? Well, it may not be as bad as you think. First, once you get into heavier weights, shipping prices do not increase as quickly for each additional pound, so it may not cost as much as you expect even if you pay full shipping on your trampoline. And some dealers may have discounted or even free shipping. They can do this because they’re not operating physical stores, and they can pass that savings on to you so that they can sell more trampolines. Once you’ve decided what you want, it’s worth searching for a reputable store that has free or discounted shipping.

And don’t forget, once you’ve bought your trampoline, that you can buy accessories and spare parts online, as well. If you need a new safety net, or a spare spring, or you need to replace a safety pad, you can order these items online and usually find them at much lower costs.

While buying a trampoline online may or may not work best for you, definitely do your early shopping online. You’ll get a better idea of what’s out there and how much it will cost, and you can compare trampolines easily to decide what is the best equipment for you and what you want to pay for it. As with any major purchase, shopping for a trampoline can be a lot of trouble, so taking the time to shop around online first can be very useful.

Feb 25

Five Safety Tips For Trampolines

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If you’re considering an outdoor trampoline, you may be aware that trampolines are generally much less dangerous than people believe. Especially in recent years, as trampolines have changed in design to provide more safety benefits, it is very easy to keep jumpers safe on your trampoline. These tips will help you do that.

1. Choose a smooth, level and grassy spot if possible. While you certainly hope that no one will fall off of your trampoline, keep in mind that they could, and take measures to insure that any fallers land in as safe a spot as possible. If you do not have a level, smooth and grassy area, consider building a simple enclosure or “form,” and putting sand inside. A simple rail a couple of inches tall, filled with sand, is perfect.

2. Set up your trampoline correctly. This is basic common sense, and you will probably have no trouble making sure that all the pieces are secure and that the trampoline is steady and stable before anyone gets on it. Many trampoline injuries are caused by incorrect installation, so make sure you take your time and pay attention when putting it together.

3. Put a safety net around your trampoline. You can probably buy a trampoline that comes complete with a safety net. As you would expect, having a net greatly decreases the likelihood of falls, and makes your trampoline much safer than it would be without a net. In fact, the net is probably the most important part of trampoline safety; make sure you put a net up as soon as you put up your trampoline.

4. Install pads on your trampoline. By padding the springs and poles, you keep jumpers from catching fingers in springs or banging heads and limbs against poles. This reduces bruises and pinches, and keeps your jumpers safe from trauma if they do bump into the poles.

5. Make sure everyone uses common sense when jumping. This almost goes without saying, but there should be rules about the trampoline and what is appropriate and what is not. People who can’t obey those rules should not be allowed to use the trampoline. No shoving, no jumping on other people, and no trying to bounce other people off are good rules that seem to evade the minds of kids until they’re told. You will want to make sure all your jumpers know and follow basic safety rules.

Keeping your kids and their friends safe on your trampoline is a little bit extra work, a little bit common sense, and a little bit making sure that both elements are followed at all times. Watch your kids if they tend to be too boisterous and jump unsafely. Check the net and pads frequently. And make sure everyone is using common sense and having a good time while acting reasonably.

If you follow these tips and enforce rules on your trampoline, safety should never be a concern. As long as trampolines are used correctly and with safety equipment, they’re really a very safe form of exercise.

Feb 21

Are Trampolines A Safe Exercise Method?

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You see trampolines in backyards across the country now, and you’re probably used to hearing your kids talk about friends’ trampolines, and how cool they are. And you are probably used to hearing other people talk about the fact that trampolines aren’t all that safe. You may be thinking your kids would benefit from the exercise—but are trampolines actually safe?

Trampolines are both safer than most people think, and far safer than they used to be. Early “trampoline” safety primarily consisted of putting your trampoline in a spot that was as level and smooth as possible, and preferably covered in grass, so when the kids fell off, they wouldn’t hurt themselves badly. Parents used to cower at the idea of a trampoline in the backyard, and most insurance companies charged extra for homeowner’s insurance when a trampoline sat in the backyard.

Today, trampoline safety is a lot more sophisticated. First, you can buy a spring-free trampoline, which eliminates the minor injuries of cuts and pinches from landing on a spring, and insures that kids don’t hit a spring and bounce off. This is a very good first step, though spring-based trampolines are also safe when used with the correct pads to cover the springs.

You should still place your trampoline in a safe, smooth, level spot covered with grass if at all possible; that’s just common sense. In case there is an accident, a good location can minimize injuries.

You should also place a safety net around your trampoline. This keeps jumpers from bouncing off the trampoline and hitting the ground, and is a requirement on most insurance policies. It’s also just a good investment in your kids’ safety. It is not uncommon for kids to bounce off of un-netted trampolines, so putting a net around yours will keep your kids on the trampoline and safe.

Trampoline safety pads cover the metal poles and the springs, so that if your kids happen to bounce into either they’re protected from pain and possible injury. This makes the whole trampoline a soft, bouncy, safe surface.

You can often find trampoline packages that include the trampoline, net and safety pads for a discounted price over buying each part separately. Even if your dealer does not carry pre-bundled packages, they will often offer a discount when you buy the safety equipment and the trampoline together. If you’re putting up a trampoline, you need to put the appropriate safety measures in place right from the start, to make sure no one gets hurt.

Can kids get hurt on a trampoline? Sure. They can also get hurt on bikes or using colored pencils, if they fall or stab themselves. But as safe play goes, trampolines are over-engineered for safety these days, and the protective gear available makes them one of the safest pieces of play equipment most kids use. Sure, there is always the possibility of an accident, but if your trampoline is well protected and well placed, there should be no problems.

Feb 17

Understanding the Types of Trampolines

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If you’re thinking about getting a trampoline for your backyard, you’re probably interested in a recreational trampoline. Knowing what the basic types of trampoline are can help you in your shopping, because the various terms can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with them. You might think a trampoline is a trampoline…is a trampoline. But there are several types of trampolines, and you need to know what you are looking for.

A recreational trampoline, made of waterproof canvas, holds up in outdoor conditions. You see recreational trampolines in backyards all the time. They are often circular, but can be rectangular, square, and octagonal. These trampolines come in various sizes, but most are fairly large, and these trampolines are generally set up and left in one place, as they’re not portable unless very small. In your shopping for a backyard trampoline, this is probably what you’ll be looking for.

Competitive trampolines, made of a special fabric, weigh very little and can be transported easily. Competitive trampolines are always specific sizes and shapes based on international competition rules, and use stronger springs than recreational trampolines. These trampolines, which are designed for competitive athletes, are significantly more expensive than recreational trampolines. You probably do not need a competitive trampoline unless you have an athlete in training.

Water trampolines are used only for fun, not really for exercise and not at all for competition. They feature inflatable tubes that keep them afloat in a pool, and kids (and grownups) can jump on the surface of the trampoline. These are popular at pool parties.

Finally, mini-trampolines are designed for indoor use, are extremely portable, and are often known as jogging trampolines. You may have used one of these to exercise indoors, or had one in your home for your kids to play on. They’re great for indoor exercise and fun, and they’re quite inexpensive, in terms of both exercise equipment and indoor play equipment.

The important thing to remember when you start looking at trampolines is that you want a trampoline that is specifically marketed for outdoor use, or labeled as a “backyard” trampoline. Again, unless you have an athlete training for competition, you do not need, nor do you want, a competition trampoline. You want a trampoline designed specifically for backyard use.

Recreational trampolines are great for just jumping around and having fun, which is what most kids use them for. With the proper pads and net, trampolines are one of the safest ways to play in the backyard. They’re also great for grownups wanting to work out and get some great aerobic and lower body exercise while having a good time and getting some fresh air. If you’re looking for water fun, remember the water trampoline is a great way to have fun in the pool, and of course mini-trampolines are fun for exercising and playing indoors.
Whichever type of trampoline you use, make sure you follow basic common sense and safety guidelines, and use caution when playing on a trampoline. You’ll be rewarded with a great time and good exercise.

Feb 13

Trampolines: Benefits of Mini-Trampolines

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If you’ve ever seen the baby trampolines in the sporting goods store and thought, “Oh, isn’t that cute,” you may not realize that these little trampolines, known as rebound trampolines, fitness trampolines or mini-trampolines, are a great exercise tool. If you don’t have time to go out for a run, or go to the gym, or if you’re concerned your kids are not getting enough exercise, a mini-trampoline might be the perfect solution.

You don’t need a lot of room for a mini-trampoline, which can make it a much better way to exercise at home than a treadmill or exercise bike. These trampolines are great for jogging or for aerobic exercise, and you can fold up the trampoline and lean it against the wall or slide it under a bed to get it out of the way. You might be amazed, in fact, at how convenient the mini-trampoline is.

If you’re planning to do regular aerobic exercise, such as following a tape, doing aerobics to music, or running, you’ll appreciate having a mini-trampoline to jog or dance on, and you will enjoy the convenience of simply setting up your trampoline and getting to work; you won’t have to go out in bad weather or drive to the gym to meet your fitness goals.

Mini-trampolines come in several sizes. The very smallest trampolines, which are usually about three or four feet in diameter, are very inexpensive, often under $50, and are the easiest to store and set up. You may find a trampoline like this fits your needs perfectly and lets you do exactly what you need, when you want to work out. You can also buy larger fitness trampolines, and if you’re going to be using it a lot and doing a lot of complicated aerobics moves you might find that a larger trampoline serves your needs better.

But don’t limit your trampoline only to fitness and exercise use. Next time your kids are bored, can’t go out because of the weather, and are obviously full of energy, why not pull out the mini-trampoline and let them play on it? This is a great way to get some of their energy out, as well as helping them get some exercise and play indoors when it’s nasty outside.

When you buy a mini-trampoline, don’t necessarily buy the cheapest one you can find. Consider getting a slightly more expensive model to increase the durability and safety of your trampoline. Carefully check the springs, pads and legs, and make sure the surface is going to hold your weight and allow you to exercise easily. You want it to be elastic, but you don’t want to sink through to the floor when you stand on it, either.

Overall, a mini-trampoline is a very useful piece of exercise and workout equipment, and a great way for you to get your exercise, as well as for your kids to work out and play indoors and release extra energy while getting fit. And for the workout potential, a mini-trampoline is a great bargain, as well.

Feb 09

Trampolines Aren’t Just For Kids

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If you’ve driven through a suburban neighborhood recently, you probably saw a lot of backyard trampolines. They’re a very popular backyard toy for kids and teenagers, and many families own trampolines. Kids love to play on them, of course, but have you considered that trampolines might be a great way for you to work out and get some exercise?

Trampolines are often seen as kids’ toys, and certainly kids can jump randomly and play wildly on a trampoline. In fact, that’s how kids usually use a trampoline, and that’s fine. They’re actually getting a lot of exercise on the trampoline, having a good time, and not thinking about the fact that they’re actually doing something good for themselves. That’s a good way to get their fitness activities in.

The fact is, you can get a better workout on a trampoline than you can many other ways. Trampoline exercise is very challenging, because you not only exercise, but you have to get the hang of moving and exercising on a trampoline. We’re not used to moving on surfaces made essentially of elastic, so just learning to balance and move deliberately is a great way to build your fitness. You’ll be much more coordinated after a few weeks of exercising on a trampoline.

You know that you can get an aerobic workout on a trampoline; obviously the jumping and bouncing gets your heart pumping and builds your cardiovascular endurance and strength. But as you build your skill in jumping higher and landing where you want to land and how you want to land, you build other muscles. You’ll be surprised how much your legs, hips, and abs hurt after your first few really vigorous trampoline workouts. This is a good thing, even though it may not feel like it, because it means you’re getting a complete cardiovascular and lower body workout at the same time.

You’ll also build your balance and become more adept at using a trampoline after only a very short time of working out on this bouncing mat. You’ll learn how to move where and how you want, and become a master of the trampoline. You will work out longer, and more effectively, the more you work on a trampoline, and you’ll really get a great fitness benefit from working out on a trampoline.

If all of that sounds good, there is one more benefit that hasn’t even been mentioned yet. Working out on a trampoline is fun. In fact, it can be a lot of fun, and you might find yourself really looking forward to your workout, something that most people don’t find inviting or interesting. If you’re tired of your regular workout, or need to start working out but find it tedious and boring, you might be surprised how much you enjoy exercising when you do it on a trampoline.

If you don’t have a trampoline, you might want to see if you can spend some time on a friend’s, and consider buying one for yourself just for the workout benefits. And of course if you have kids who’ll enjoy it, that’s even better.