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.
About the author:
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to
Trampolines
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