What?s So Great About A Trampoline?

Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay healthy? Doctors say that rebound exercising is one of the healthiest, safest kinds of exercise for your joints and heart. It's aerobic, it's fun, and it doesn't put the same stress on your joints and tendons that impact exercise like jogging does. What's rebounding? You probably know it better as 'jumping on a trampoline'.

Trampolines for the garden or yard have become one of the hottest sports in the world. And why not? It's great for you. You can do it alone or with others. You can use a trampoline to help you brush up on other skills - snowboarding, anyone? A trampoline in your back yard or garden is like having a gym right outside your door.

Alone or with others? Trampolining is a recognized Olympic sport, and was one of the official gymnastics events of the 2000 Olympics. It has been an official competitive sport since 1947, though it wasn't recognized as one in the United States until 1967. Among the events that are held in official competitive trampolining and tumbling are Synchronized Trampoline in which two athletes perform identical routines on two trampolines, and the double mini-trampoline, in which one athlete performs on two mini-trampolines set at two different levels. Just think - a trampoline for your yard or garden could start your family off on the road to competitive success!

Even if you've got no ambitions to become a tumbling superstar, though, the health and fun benefits of having a trampoline in your yard/garden are clear.

To set up a trampoline, all you need is a backyard that is clear of obstruction around the width and height of the trampoline and for about 15 feet beyond. Trampolines come in many different sizes and styles to fit your space and your needs. Round, square, rectangular or octagonal, in sizes from 6 feet across to 30 - there's a trampoline out there that's perfect for your yard or garden space.

Rectangular trampolines are generally made of more durable materials than round ones because the design requires stronger materials. They have criss-crossed springs to draw the tension even, and create a uniform bouncing surface. You can buy rectangular trampolines in sizes starting as small as 10 feet in length.

By contrast, round trampolines have springs positioned around the perimeter and the tension tends to make a 'sweet spot' in the very center. If you move out of the center, the focus of the tension shifts, making it harder to maintain your balance. The frame needed is lighter, and can be made of less expensive materials, making them cheaper to buy than other shapes.

There are special considerations if you're buying a trampoline for the garden or yard for children to use. Pediatricians and children's safety experts warn against allowing children to use standard trampolines for a number of reasons. These include the possibility of little fingers getting caught in trampoline springs, children falling off the edge of trampolines and children injuring themselves attempting tricks that they aren't ready for. Because of those safety concerns, there are trampolines designed specifically for children that use a different style of spring, and accessories available to make trampolining safer for them. Among those are enclosure nets and non-slip surfaces.

Ian Wide has contributed many articles to sports related sites including pieces on trampolines.

In The News:


Genesis donates outdoor fitness equipment
Quad City Times, IA - Sep 5, 2008
By Steve Trainor | Friday, September 5, 2008 4:21 PM CDT | () comments Sue Gerace of Davenport, Iowa, does push-ups using the outdoor fitness equipment at ...

Study: Only few Pinoys join fitness clubs
ABS CBN News, Philippines - Sep 5, 2008
Technogym was the official provider of fitness equipment in the recently-concluded Beijing Olympics. It will "open shop" through local distributor E-Sports ...

Success of the Olympics Sparks Sports Clothing Sales
Polo-Shirts News, UK - Sep 5, 2008
Consumers have been purchasing equipment such as bicycles and exercise equipment. They have also been purchasing fitness clothing including t-shirts, ...

A technological 'stride' for exercise equipment
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Aug 27, 2008
Thursday Tech discovered the Pro Form Perspective ES treadmill - from Pro-Form Fitness who claims that it is the "most advanced treadmill on the market. ...

Boston Globe

A treadmill designed for kids? A debate over fitness takes shape.
Boston Globe, United States - Sep 3, 2008
My Treadmill children's fitness equipment at Henry Bear's Park in Brookline Village. (Globe Staff Photo / Pat Greenhouse) By Beth Teitell Treadmills and ...

Planet Nutrition's Subsidiary IM & M Exercise Equipment Inc ...
CNNMoney.com - Aug 21, 2008
The retail value of the Extreme Fitness Brand equipment purchased is in excess of $250000.00. All of the company's Heavy Duty Strength Training Equipment is ...

Germs at the gym: A few precautions will keep you safe
Austin 360 (subscription), TX - 20 hours ago
Castle Hill Fitness cleans equipment with an all-natural solution with tea tree oil and lavender, says manager Celeste Cyr. "Tea tree is a very natural way ...

Home Fitness Equipment For Every Exercise
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 30, 2008
Although some of the equipment makes be a little bulky, home fitness equipment usually stores always nicely. You can find equipment that costs some money or ...

'Unbelievable deals' at Gold's Gym auction
Honolulu Advertiser, HI - Sep 5, 2008
By Dave Dondoneau Hundreds of pieces of exercise equipment, from commercial treadmills, elliptical machines and Stairmasters to squat racks and 45-pound ...

Workouts Becomes A Gold's Gym
RedOrbit, TX - Sep 6, 2008
New equipment is due to start arriving in early October. He also plans to add a four-lane indoor lap pool, a women-only exercise room and a cardio-cinema ...
Workouts Fitness Center Leased To Gold's Gym RedOrbit
all 3 news articles
fitness equipment - Google News

Treadmill Weight Loss - 5 Ways A Treadmill Helps You Lose Weight

So why are treadmills STILL the #1 home exercise machines... Read More

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, it can be confusing... Read More

Heart Rate Monitors - an Overview

A heart rate monitor is a device that allows users... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Reviews Dont Get The Facts Straight

There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this... Read More

Working Out On The Reebok Elliptical Trainer

The Reebok elliptical trainer is a large machine with mostly... Read More

Getting Fit With A Smooth Treadmill

Treadmills are one of the most popular fitness machines available... Read More

Create Your Own Fitness Center with Home Exercise Equipment!

If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More

Treadmill Buying Tips

These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of important... Read More

Treadmill Lubrication

Treadmill Lubrication - Ya Gotta Grease The SkidsTreadmill lubrication on... Read More

Used Treadmills, An Alternative For The Budget Conscious Treadmill Buyer

In the market for a treadmill? Finding that they are... Read More

Speed of Movement & the Mighty Metronome.

Tempo refers to the speed of movement and is usually... Read More

What to Look for When Buying a Home Gym

When buying a home gym there are several things you... Read More

The Importance of Treadmill Mats?

One important accessory that you will want to get with... Read More

The 4 Most Common Attributes of a Quality Treadmill

With all the marketing hype consumers are facing today, it's... Read More

Elliptical V Treadmill

Elliptical v Treadmill - Said The Salesman: I Peddle PedalsWhen... Read More

How a Bowflex saved a Marriage

I am a recent newlywed, still dumbfounded by the collosal... Read More

Why Use Treadmill Belt Lubricant?

Treadmill belt lubricant is one of the most important things... Read More

Elliptical Trainers Vs Treadmill ? Which One Is Best?

So which exercise machine is best: the treadmill or the... Read More

Landice Treadmills - A Quick Review of the Landice Treadmill

If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill... Read More

Start Moving With Manual Treadmills

Although manual treadmills are much cheaper than motorized treadmills, and... Read More

Top Treadmills Reviewed - A Comparison of Price And Performance

A treadmill can be an excellent exercise machine, providing a... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Reviews

Elliptical Trainers are becoming a very popular piece of fitness... Read More

Home Exercise Equipment ? Choosing the Proper Equipment For Your Workout Routine

The fitness industry has become big business as more and... Read More

The Most Important Things to Know When Choosing a Treadmill

If you ever had the desire to buy a treadmill,... Read More

Get A Total Body Workout With An Elliptical Machine

Whether you work out at home, on some home gym... Read More