Rebounder Trampolines

We have all seen the advertisements on late night television. A room full of scantily clad young men and women exercising to hip hop music. Each one jumping up and down in synchronized unison with the others on their own tiny little trampoline. The exercise community calls this kind of trampoline a rebounder trampoline, a mini trampoline or just a rebounder for short. At first you might think those television advertisements are just flashy exercise gimmicks to take some of your hard earned cash and of course they are trying to sell you their rebounder trampoline along with some exercise program. But it may surprise you to know that the health and exercise benefits from using a rebounder trampoline are very real and the fun part is there as well.

Ed Russell first invented the mini trampoline in 1938. But no one was interested in it back then so it died out. Then in 1977 Al Carter, an exercise expert and author, brought it back to life and marketed his rebounder trampoline to the world. It became a fad in the 1980s and almost everyone was buying one. Like so many other exercise fads, it grew to a market saturation point in the late 1980s and almost disappeared in the 1990s. But today it is making a comeback, better than ever, often combined with aerobic dance moves, modern pop music and even martial arts and with cardiovascular and aerobic benefits for young and old alike.

So why would you want to buy a rebounder trampoline? There are, after all, dozens of other types of exercise equipment vying for your consideration. Perhaps the biggest advantage derived from exercising on a rebounder trampoline is the low impact on your joints, bones and muscles. Jogging or running, for example, are extremely good aerobic and cardiovascular exercises but they can be brutally damaging to your bones and joints. The repetitive impact of your feet on the ground is, long term, not at all healthy for you. Of course, sports shoe manufacturers have significantly improved the cushion and support in modern athletic footwear. But the damage done to your body from repeated foot impacts is still there. Low impact aerobics was designed specifically to give good exercise without joint and bone damage from foot impact. But for the ultimate in low impact exercise nothing beats a rebounder trampoline.

Of course, the fun factor is great with a rebounder. Remember when you were a kid and you had such great fun jumping up and down on your bed? Back then your parents probably put a stop to that. Now, you can get that same fun rush all over again with a rebounder trampoline. You start with the basic jumping up and down move. Focus more on pushing down against the trampoline than jumping up. Only a couple of inches are enough to start getting a good workout. Before you know it the jumping will start to feel natural and you can start trying other moves. You only have a limited space to work with, less than 40 inches for the average rebounder, but you can still do all kinds of exercises in that space. Jumping side to side, running in place, knee lifts, one leg hops and twisting and kicking can all be part of the fun on a rebounder trampoline. Before you know it you feel your heart pumping, your legs start to feel a little tired and you start to sweat. All are part of healthy, fun aerobic exercise.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Trampolines Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Trampoline Prior Usage Tips

Assembling a trampoline does not require any special tools; a woodblock and hammer could come in handy. However, we recommend wearing work gloves during assembly. The whole set-up process takes not more than 30-40 minutes.

Some important factors which need to be kept in mind before using the trampoline are given below:

# It is essential to place the trampoline where there is adequate overhead and lateral clearance. A minimum of 24 feet (7.3m) is recommended from the floor or ground. When used outdoors, care should be taken to provide adequate clearance for wires, tree limbs, fences, and other possible hazards.

# Place the trampoline on a level surface before use. A loose, thick white sand application is recommended to be applied beneath the trampoline and in the immediate surrounding area.

# The trampoline should always be used in well lighted area. If artificial illumination is provided, it is recommended that such artificial illumination meet the standards of 50 fc (5381x) as recommended for gymnasiums and field houses in IES Recommended Practice RP-6.

# Remove any obstructions from beneath the trampoline and enclosure.

# Assembly requires two adults. Keep children away from the trampoline enclosure until it is fully assembled.

# Use gloves to protect your hands from pinch points during assembly.

# Make sure that the trampoline is properly assembled, with the frame pad properly attached, before you assemble the trampoline enclosure.

For detailed instructions on how to assemble your Funspot trampoline, please visit our site or in case of any difficulty please feel free to call us on 800-241-7134 or write in your query.

Richard Miller webmaster@funspot.com FunSpot Trampoline Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Miller

Do You Know How Trampolines Were Invented?

Back in 1930, a young boy went to the circus with his family. He was enthralled by the aerial acts, but more than their in-air stunts, he was fascinated by the way they dropped into the safety net after the act was over, finishing off with flourishes as they bounced back into the air.

That memory never left George Nissen of Iowa, who went on to tumbling and diving exploits while in high school. The sports gave him the same opportunity for artistic touches and freedom of movement, although they ended either on a hard floor, or in the water.

Still, when Nissen graduated at the age of 16, he took some time off before university, to start tinkering in his garage with the idea that had been simmering in his mind since that visit to the circus- a bouncing "table", that would put him back up into the air.

With the help of friends to weld the frame, and stretch tent grade canvas on it, he soon had his first "bouncing rig". Nissen then went off to college, but continued to toy with the size and other aspects of design, eventually taking one to summer camp where he worked. The rig was an instant hit with the kids who would rather play on it, than take a break from the sweltering heat by going swimming.

Nissen refined his athletic skills at university, and after he earned a degree, he and two other gymnasts formed the Three Leonardos, a tumbling and balancing act that did small town tours. While in Mexico, they swam at the Y where they learned that the diving board was called "el trampolin". Nissen anglicized the word to trampoline and patented it for his new invention.

While their performances did result in orders, by the time WWII broke out, Nissen had bought his partners shares in the company. Then he went on to promote the device himself, selling around 100 to military sources for training pilots and parachutists.

Drumming up business in the post-war years was hard work, but as before, performance was the key, and publicity didn't hurt. A chance photograph that Nissen had taken of himself and a kangaroo in mid-jump on the same trampoline, became as famous around the world, as his invention would become in the next few years.

Discover valuable advice and information about trampolines - which model to choose, what you should look for and what you should avoid. Click http://www.trampolines-info.com/

Paul Johnson works as a software developer, often working long hours under great stress. He considers exercise crucial to his health. When purchasing his own fitess equipment he researched all available products. Now he's written a series of useful articles on choosing (and using) exercise equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Article

A Trampoline - Fun for All Ages

In Spanish, el trampolin is a diving board. When George Nissen, one of the creators of what we now know as a trampoline, came across the word in the 1930s, he adopted it as a trademark.

Trampolines come in all shapes and sizes these days. Professional trampolines, such as those used in the Olympics, are constructed from a galvanised steel frame 10'W x 17'L x 45"H (305 x 520 x 115cm), attached to which, by powerful steel strings is a mat 7'W x 14'L (213 x 426cm) made from black polypropylene. This professional mat has slightly more bounce because of its increased porosity and reduced air resistance. Around the edge of the trampoline will be a padded area. Additional padded mats are available for increased safety. These usually have their own additional framework for support and are placed just over the edge of the trampoline, in case the bouncer falls towards the hard edge or is even in danger of falling from the trampoline.

Home trampolines are often circular or octagonal and come in many sizes ranging from 8' to 16' in diameter. Some have a cross woven into the fabric of the mat, indicating the centre point of the trampoline. This is a safety feature aimed at helping the bouncer to stay at the safest point of the trampoline - the middle.

Other safety features are available such as enclosures or nets to surround the trampoline. Some are free standing and some attach to the trampoline itself. All are designed to prevent the trampoliner falling and sustaining injury. This is particularly important if your trampoline will be sited on or near a hard surface, such as a patio or deck.

A cover is a good idea as it will keep your trampoline free from debris such as leaves and bird droppings. Not only will it be kept clean, but the danger of slipping on the mat will be minimised. An anchor kit will stop your trampoline moving around when in use and will keep in tied down in the event of strong winds, which can cause a great deal of damage to trampolines, despite their sturdy structures.

For small children, a trampoline ladder will help to avoid accidents when getting on and off the trampoline.

Trampolining is fun and great aerobic exercise for all age groups. It improves co-ordination, balance, rhythm and timing and is useful training for other sports such as skiing. In fact, it has so many health benefits that we will make it the subject of a separate article.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Trampolines Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Childrens Trampolines

Children's trampolines have become the latest must have item for kids (and adults) this summer. With the weather finally hotting up and the nights drawing out, many a suburban English garden is filled with the squeals, laughs and occasional painful scream of children, who are happily bouncing around on a trampoline. But what about safety? Here are some tips to help keep your kids safe on their trampolines this summer:

Only one person should use the trampoline at any given time.

Use a trampoline in well-lighted areas. Use trampoline net enclosures to help prevent people from falling off the trampoline. The trampoline's supporting bars, strings, and surrounding landing surface should have adequate protective padding. Keep the trampoline frame and mat in good condition. There should always be an adult spotter. Somersaults or high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervisor and instruction.

The trampoline jumping surface should be placed at ground level. Tip the trampoline onto its side when not in use. Do not use a ladder with the trampoline, because it provides unsupervised access by small children. Place the trampoline away from fences and garages and away from overhanging objects. The trampoline jumping surface should be placed at ground level. Use a level to check that the trampoline is evenly balanced. Keep the area beneath and around the trampoline clear of clothes, toys, and other items. Regularly clean the mat by washing it with water. Wear clothing that allows free movement, but is not loose enough to hamper your arms and legs. Obviously, the safety advise above should not impede your child's enjoyment, and there is such a thing as being too protective, but being aware of the possible dangers could help to stop your child having a serious accident. www.childrenstrampoline.co.uk

Childrens trampolines Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Bridges