Trampolines are a popular item around the world for
fitness enthusiasts, kids playing in the backyard, gymnasts,
acrobats, and others. What a trampolines come from and
what can we learn from their history?
A trampoline usually consists of a strong, steel frame,
coiled metal springs, and a strong piece of mashed
material in the middle. The frame helps the trampoline
maintained its structure, and the springs provide the
bounce. The mesh fabric itself is not stretchy, and relies
on the springs to give the zing.
Eskimo tribes, it is believed, used walrus skins to toss
people into the air. Walrus skins are strong and have a
little bit of flexibility. The skins would be held by people
standing in a circle who would provide the bounce. The
Eskimos would toss a small person it to the air so they
could look for prey.
This practice, apparently, is not historically uncommon. It
is believed that this was also done in England, although
with blankets instead of walrus skins. It is very possible
that other cultures participated in similar activities, whether
out of necessity like the Eskimos, or for fun.
One Circus legend has it that the trampoline was invented
by a trapeze artist named Du Trampolin, who used it to
provide safety and for trapeze artists. This story,
however, has not been historically verified.
What we do know is that the first modern recreational
trampoline was built in 1934 by two gymnasts at the
University of Iowa. George Nissen and Larry Griswold
built a trampoline which they used for gymnastics; they
later founded a company building and selling trampolines.
It was not until after World War II that trampolines began
finding a place in the home.
Today, the trampoline is used in a variety of ways, and by
a variety of people. Gymnasts continue to use the
trampoline for exercise, and now even for competition.
Children around the world jump for joy - literally - on
their backyard trampolines. Circus clowns still perform
the ¡°bouncy bed¡± routine with a trampoline covered with
bedsheets, and the flabby try to get fit on mini-
trampolines.
Trampolines must be especially popular among doctors,
because they get so much business from trampoline
injuries. The Centers for Disease Control estimated that
between 1995 and 1998, trampoline injuries in the USA
increased between 30 and 45%, to a total estimate of
95,000 injuries in 1998. Seventy-five percent of those
injured were under 15 years of age. About 10% of those
injuries involve the head and neck, which can be very
serious. Other injuries include broken bones, blunt
trauma, and paralysis.
Trampolines are not toys, and the proper safety
precautions must be taken when children are using the
trampoline. These include keeping your trampoline in
good repair, having a safe place to jump, making sure the
springs are covered with a shock-absorbing pad, keeping
toys off the trampoline, and not putting too many people
on it at the same time. Some guidance should be
provided on the proper way to jump and land, and to get
on and off the trampoline. Parental supervision is
suggested at all times.
Dangers aside, a trampoline can be a great way to get
some intense exercise and strengthen the entire body. Be
safe, be careful, and have fun!
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Matt Ream is the content editor at http://www.trampolinepartsandmore.com. He thinks trampolines can be lots of fun if used safely. He learned that by having to take his 6 year old daughter to urgent care for x-rays and re-setting an arm bone after a bad trampoline experience.
In order to maintain the safety of your trampoline, it is important to check the trampoline pad and other parts often and replace them if necessary. Trampolines can be lots of fun, but you do have to maintain a certain level of safety-awareness. Learn all about trampoline parts and more at TrampolinePartsAndMore.com.
