The Trampoline – Then and Now

The Trampoline Then and Now

The Trampoline Then and Now

Everyone knows what a trampoline is these days. Trampolines may be simple pieces of equipment, but they have a more interesting history than one would think of at first glance.

The modern trampoline hasn't changed much since its inception in the 1930's, when it was first introduced to the world by a pair of circus workers who got the idea from watching trapeze artists bounce around on their safety nets. The principles behind the trampoline were not new; in fact, primitive people in Alaska had been using animal skins to throw each other around long before George Nissen and Larry Griswold were born, and in Europe, large blankets were used to playfully toss people around as early as the 15th century. However, these two men, Nissen and Griswold, were the first to design the working, portable contraption we see today, and they ultimately went on to form the first trampoline company. By the early 1940's their company was commercially producing trampolines for the public.

Trampolines can vary greatly in size and shape, although most models are either rectangular or circular. Larger versions, such as those used in the Olympics, are typically rectangular and are about 98 square feet, and can allow a jumper to reach more than 10 meters in height. Similar styles are also seen in yards all around the world, or sometimes at local gymnasiums, where trained professionals offer lessons for children or even adults interested in the finer points of tumbling.

Trampolines have many uses, from cross-training athletes for sports like skiing or diving, to use as just a short warm-up before undergoing more serious physical activity. There are even some zany records that have been set using a trampoline, including the longest slam dunk of a basketball.

For those with your own trampoline, remember - while it's always tempting to skirt danger and just have fun, never allow more than one person on at a time, and as with any toy, don't allow your children to play on it unsupervised. For added safety, an enclosure can be procured which creates a wall around the edges of the trampoline in order to help avoid injury from falls. Be aware of the area surrounding your trampoline, and keep it clear of any obstructions that could potentially harm a jumper.

There are also mini-trampolines available for those people interested in a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds; these models are by and large only about 3 feet across and about a foot off the ground. Since they store easily, they can be tucked away behind or under furniture without much effort. It might not seem like much, but even just bouncing around on a mini-trampoline before a strenuous workout can help to stretch and get one's blood flowing, which will help to prevent injured or overly-tired muscles.

With so many recreational and competitive uses, it's easy to see why trampolines have become one of the most popular recreational tools in the world.

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