Contrary to popular belief, the trampoline was not invented by a man named du Trampoline. Rather, the name comes from the Spanish word for trampoline: trampoline. In fact, modern trampolines were invented in 1936 by two men, Larry Griswold and George Nissen, who had worked with the circus; they saw promise in the exuberant antics displayed by aerialists who had fallen to bounce off their safety nets. It wasn’t long before Nissen and Griswold had a working prototype, and in 1943 the two men began working together and began making the trampoline as popular as it is today.
Trampolines have endured through the years with the same basic structure. They are assembled by taking a piece of strong woven fabric, stretching it tightly over a metal frame, and attaching the fabric to many springs; These provide bounce and are where the trampoline’s bouncing motion comes from. Most trampolines come in circular or rectangular shapes, although custom shapes are available in all sizes and for the right price.
Trampolines used in competitive sports, such as the Olympics, are typically around 98 square feet and can provide enough propulsion to send a person flying more than 10 meters into the air. Similar style models can also be purchased for home use, although recreational models tend to give more and therefore provide less air to the user for safety reasons, although it’s never a bad idea to fit an enclosure (factory made) to surround the edges of the trampoline and help prevent jumpers from slipping and falling directly to the ground.
There is also a smaller variety of trampoline available; these are usually called mini-trampolines or sometimes “trampettes”. These are only about 3 feet in diameter and are the types typically purchased for indoor recreational use; they’re a convenient way to get a quick workout in without having to leave the living room or turn off the TV. Since they are only a foot off the ground, a mini-trampoline is small enough to store under a bed or in a closet when not in use, while remaining readily available.
A trampoline can also be easy to repair. The most common malfunction, a tear in the fabric, can be treated with a simple and judicious application of duck tape. Replacement parts are also easy to come by, and a complete DIY trampoline repair kit usually costs around $18.00. It’s important to make sure your trampoline remains equipped with healthy, rust-free springs, a sturdy frame and sturdy fabric, and shock-absorbing pads.
A trampoline can be a fun alternative or addition to a more conventional exercise routine, but it’s essential to follow a few safety tips when using one: wear shoes with traction, stay away from ledges or obstacles, and never allow more than one person at once on the device.
Still, trampolines can provide a safe way for anyone to play or get some low-impact exercise.