Wild Animals and Trampolines

Kids playing on the trampoline may sometimes encounter wildlife, so parents should keep an eye on kids when they are outdoors. It is not a common occurence, but for instance a woman in Upstate New York reported that a fox jumped up onto the trampoline where her 3-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son were playing and bit thenm as they were jumping on their outdoor trampoline.

"The gray fox jumped onto the trampoline and bit the girl's legs and her son's left arm several times." The woman's son finally grabbed the fox and threw it off the trampoline. Test for rabies are underway.

It is best to cut long grass and remove debris around the trampoline where wildlife can hide to make the area less appealing for them. As always, don't leave open food containers outdoors which attracts them in the first place.

Enjoy a safe summer on your outdoor trampoline!

Anchor Trampolines to Avoid them Blowing Away in the Wind

Although trampolines look like large items in the yard, they are actually quite aerodynamic once a good wind catches them. A large flat surface with heavy winds rushing in underneath can create the lift needed to fly across the yard creating damage and even injury.

Recently in Chase County, a resident named Tosha Dains observed an upside down trampoline in the yard. It had been moved from on top of a van where it came to rest after being blown across the yard. The trampoline was not tied down with trampoline ties but they were fortunate nobody was hurt. This particular storm in Elmsdale downed trees and power lines, but you never know when such a powerful storm will roll through, so it is best to get some trampoline ties and secure the trampoline.

Dains did mention that they received a lot of wind and rain along with some pea-sized hail and that the last few times the trampoline was not blown away, but this time is different. So tie down those trampolines!

Trampoline Anchors Keep Them From Blowing Away

Have you ever had a trampoline fly by your living room window during a wind storm? It has happened to me twice. Wind can pick up any flat sided object even if very large such as hot tub covers and of course trampolines.

The trampoline that I witnessed going airborne was a large oval 9x12 foot free standing unit with a solid metal frame made of thick 3 inch pipe and supported by
metal leg sections.

Trampoline anchors can help hold down a trampoline to withstand stronger winds. A proper Trampoline Anchor Kit comes with augers that twist into the ground for support along with
sturdy straps.

By securing a trampoline, the danger of damage to persons or property because of an out of control, flying trampoline can be greatly reduced. Anchors also help keep the trampoline from moving around during use.

Trampoliner

Water Trampoline is the New Craze

Water Trampoline

The latest water craze is the inflatable water trampoline that comes in many shapes and sizes. Water inflatables are fun on lakes and anywhere you have a little more room. Some have even used smaller versions in swimming pools, but you have to watch the edges!

There are a few differences between the water trampoline and the so-called water bouncer. Water bouncers are the smaller ones and cheaper too. You can't go as high, but in a pool or smaller water area, that is a good thing. Bouncers have nets that attach right to the inflatable tube, but the better water trampolines actually have springs and the netting attaches to them. So for serious jumpers, the water trampoline is the way to go.

You can get attachments for them such as slides or ladders. If you want to try one out, you can rent water trampolines by the day or week in your local town and see if the expense of buying one is justified.

Water trampolines can get holes in them, so be prepared by having a patch kit on hand just in case.

For a really high end water trampoline check out Sports Tramp H20- 264


When installing a water trampoline you can check with your local regulations regarding where to mount them. Away from the dock or shore is a good start! It should not be in the way of boats to create a navigational or safety hazard. The swim raft is usually anchored to the floor of the lake by ropes, cables, chain or other materials.

Have fun on your water trampoline!

Trampoline Shoes Trampoline Myths

Trampoline shoes can be found in most sports stores. Some brands include Milano. Most trampolinists use professional trampoline shoes and not barefoot. In fact trampoline shoes are regular tennis shoes. There are many myths associated with the trampoline sport including people asking questions like will bouncing on a trampoline make me taller?

One thing is for sure, mastering trampoline moves is actually harder than it looks and requires hours of dedication and practise.

Some hand tips including getting off of the trampoline facing backwards to avoid tripping and injury and definitely no going underneath the trampoline!
For smaller kids it is good to take precautions such as not allowing any toys or other objects on the trampoline that could bounce back to hurt someone.
If there is arguing as to trampoline useage, a timer with a buzzer is a good investment.

Trampoline is a great sport for all ages if you use common sense to prevent injuries.
Have fun bouncing!

Trampoline Store

Here are the latest trampoline deals from the Trampoline Store.

Trampoline Store and Videos
These items change regularly, so if you need a trampoline for the fall, keep checking back until you find the right one, or click on one of the featured trampolines for more information or other models.

The site also has some fun and informative videos featuring basic trampoline jumps, trampoline bloopers, synchro trampoline, power tumbling and other trampoline shows and skills.

Trampoline Springs Can Become Overstretched

Here and there a check of the springs on a trampoline can uncover any safety issues before they become a concern. Take the case where a badly stretched set of springs that can literally double in size can create gaping holes and hence a safety concern of falling through the large gap. In this case the best thing to do is to replace the springs.

If springs fail on a newer unit, you may get the replacement springs sent to you under warranty.

Finally, you can get trampoline spring covers to increase safety on trampolines with exposed springs.

Mini Trampolines are a great workout

Mini Trampolines have several uses, and a great one is to actually use it as a complete workout tool. It takes some time to get used to bouncing on a smaller trampoline, but once you get the hang of it there are many exercises you can do.

As with any exercise routine, it is best to do some stretching and warming up first. Go slow when starting and increase as you develop more skills and confidence.

Some exercises include standing with feet apart and not actually jumping, but just bouncing.
You can graduate into a basic walk step, but do not lift your feet off of the trampoline.
Finally you get into the more advanced exercises like Heel-Toe Bounces, Turnarounds and Jumping Jacks. Don't put your feet all the way together, but keep them somewhat apart when doing this exercise.

Whenever you get to lifting your knees higher than your waist, you will notice you are getting a good cardio workout if you do this for at least 8-10 minutes.

In any case, a simple mini trampoline can work wonders as a cardio exercise machine that does not cost as much as other cardio workout machines and will get you hopping!

Trampoline Competitions Worldwide

Trampoline Competitions Worldwide gain attention

It used to be that trampoline was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the yard, but today there is heightened awareness for the spectacular trampoline sport.

Top trampolinists reach heights of over 30 feet while performing gymnastics like feats including sommersaults, flips, backflips, double back flips, aerials and more.

Trampoline can also be used to train top athletes from other sport disciplines including snowboarders, dancers, gymnasts, divers and skiiers. Some recent medal winners from the Vancouver Olympic games admitted to working on some of their aerial skills on a trampoline.

Some competitive trampoline categories include Individual single trampoline competition, synchronised and double mini trampoline.

Usually a trampoline competition involves three rounds or routines. The sport is taking off in Australia, the U.K., Germany, the U.S. and Canada as well as other parts of the world. Your local trampoline training center will have more details on how to become a worldwide competitive trampoline champ!

German Trampoline Open

2010 is getting off to a great start for trampolining around the world. In Germany, they have a German Trampline Open where they compete to win the grand cup. Nations competing include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, U.S.A. and several others. The event takes place March 19 and 20th, 2010 in the city of Aachen, Germany.

Jonas Brothers Trampoline in Concert - Nick Jonas and brothers bounce on stage trampoline

Trampolines are everywhere, even in concert halls in front of thousands of screaming fans. At a recent Jonas Brothers concert, there was a trampoline built into the stage that allowed for some fun in between singing sets.



Even the Jonas Brothers Trampoline has trampoline safety pads! What a great idea to have a trampoline as part of a stage set for their concert. Nick Jonas takes turns bouncing on the trampoline.

Check out the cool front flip in front of such a big crowd. Trampolines make fun stage props too, especially for the Jonas Brothers.

Halloween - How to roast pumpkin seeds

Several trampoliners are asking about how to roast pumpkin seeds, so thought you would enjoy some of these helpful tips.

As trampoliners there are several ways to get the seeds out of the pumpkin when carving it. You simply cut a hole in the top and remove the top piece. Then you can either get on the trampoline and start jumping up and down to get the seeds out and leave them to dry overnight so you can pick out the dry seeds and wash the rest of the muck away.

Or you can try to seperate the seeds by hand as much as possible and then boil them in salted water for about 15-20 min. This also helps seperate the seeds from the "guts" and will not create a mess on your trampoline. You then spread the seeds out on a baking tray and let stand overnight.

On the next day, you simply take the dry seeds on the tray, make sure they are spread out and put them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes at 325 degrees f.
You can keep an eye on them to make sure they are just turning a little golden brown.

Then simply sprinkle them with your favorite topping and enjoy! You can top the roasted pumpkin seeds with salt, garlic salt, flavored salt, butter or margarine, or other sprinkly delights. See Halloween Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for more.

Trampoline to improve your Cheerleading -How to Jump Higher

Want the secret to jumping higher?

Practise, Exercise and actually jumping. Jumping reinforces the muscle groups needed when jumping, that makes sense. From jumping up onto a small wooden box (and stepping back down, not jumping down), to calf raises, there are several exercises you can do regularly to increase your muscle memory.

Here is a video on increasing your jumping height that you can apply to dance, gymnastics and cheerleading. The first half goes over how to do a Cheerleading jump.



Developing these power jumps can help you get more height on the trampoline!

Trampoliner

Bazoongi Trampolines for kids

Bazoongi Trampolines look like fun for kids of all ages. There are even little trampolines with a handrail for holding on to for the very young. Their 7.5 foot trampoline by Bazoongi Kids is actually very low in price. 7.5' Foot Trampoline by Bazoongi Kids There is even a treehouse trampoline tent by Bazoongi - Treehouse Trampoline Tent by Bazoongi
that transforms a regular trampoline into a treehouse (and fortifies the enclosure as well), kind of like bouncing inside one of those bouncy castles. Great fun for younger kids.

Trampoliner

Trampoline Type

There are many different trampoline types to consider. The old school trampolines cause many injuries though to the point insurance companies may not cover visiting friends from getting injured on the trampoline! (check with your insurance company to see if your homeowner policy covers visiting kids). The safest type of trampoline is a spring free trampoline with an enclosure net and no portruding hardware. There are also in ground models you can have even with the ground (but these require special attention so you do not take away the air buffer needed under the trampoline in order to contract and expand with the jumps). If your trampoline does have springs, make sure you have trampoline pads around the edges and best to jump one at a time. In the end ,the best type of trampoline to get should have you considering the safety features of each type.

Trampoliner

Trampoline Ladder step

Trampoline safety is not complete without an entrance/exit trampoline ladder step. These come in both 2 and 3 step versions and prevent broken ankles and the likes from jumping off of a high trampline onto uneven ground. The trampoline ladders retrofit easily.

SureStep 2-Step Trampoline Ladder

Cameron does some cool flips on the trampoline

This is our friend Cameron on his trampoline. Watch him do some cool flips. Notice the two times he may have flown off of the trampoline had it not been for the safety enclosure. That just helps focus on the tricks instead of worrying about falling off or injuring yourself by hitting the edge or hardware connected to the edge. He also sprays cold water on the trampoline to keep it comfortable and mallable. He is appearing on the new kids site http://www.fitforafeast.com/ with more trampoline tips.

World Games Trampoline Event

The Men's group finals had four chinese gymnasts capturing the gold medal. Great Britain won silver and Ukraine took bronze. Russia's Kirill Ivanov took gold for his double mini trampoline final victory. Portugal's Nuna Lico came in second after giving Ivanov a close race.
For the women's double mini trampoline final, Victoria Voronina won the gold medal for Russia.

Trampoline is also considered a competitive sport and congratulations to these talented athletes, now get bouncing again!

New website with Trampoline Info for Kids

New Website Tip for Kids and Trampolinists, Fit For A Feast .com launches July, 2009

A website for kids called fitforafeast.com just launched full of info on outdoor games, activities and having fun while staying fir outdoors. There is also a whole Trampoline section with videos including professional videos and even the elephant that bounces on the trampoline video.

See http://www.fitforafeast.com/ for more fun things for kids to do outside including fun outdoor games and trampoline. The Trampoline section is under Fit Kids link, or you can go straight to it for all of the trampoline videos here: http://www.fitforafeast.com/trampoline_kids.htm

Trampoline Safety - How do Trampoline Injuries Occur?

Recently stumbled upon an article from a Doctor saying to avoid all trampoline use. The article's undertone would most likely be that general safety precautions should be observed when doing any activiy. That goes from wearing helmet while riding bikes to wearing seatbelts while riding in a car. It also means using safety pads all the way around the trampoline and having a safety net around it. Further you can eliminate collision risk by using the trampoline 1 person at a time, or if more than that, then not to try outlandish tricks when there is more than one person on the trampoline.

The article went on to say that most injuries on the trampoline occur when 2 or more people collide resulting in broken or fractured bones etc... or when a bouncer falls on the metal railing surrounding the trampoline or falls off of the trampoline (again both of these types can mainly be avoided by assuring the safety pads around the trampoline are installed and in good shape and that there is a safety net around the trampoline.

As with any sport, having the equipment in good working order, getting all the necessary safety gear to reduce chance of injury ahead of time and observing basic sane practises can go along way to avoid becoming an emergency room statistic.
Go ahead an bounce away! Just give yourself the benefit of the doubt by being aware of the safety aspect of trampolining.
Trampoliner: www.trampolinepad.blogspot.com