Types of Trampoines

 

A trampoline is a contraption made using a piece of fabric which is stretched over a steel frame very tightly with the help of coiled springs. This contraption is used to toss a person high in the air and is widely popular with children and adults. The trampoline industry has grown into a global industry over the years.

 

There are several types of trampolines with the most basic differentiation based on the uses. They are used in schools, homes for recreational purposes or for competitive purposes. The fabric used for both the types is similar. A heavy canvas or other woven materials usually make up the fabric portion of the trampoline. The fabric itself isn't elastic. The elasticity is provided by the coiled springs attached to it which gives the rebound effect. The recreational trampoline is usually made of waterproof canvas so that it may be left outdoors for a long time. This sort of a trampoline comes in many shapes like circular, rectangular, octagonal and square. The sizes of the trampolines also vary and are usually not transportable unless they are very small. These trampolines are used at home, in schools, gymnasiums and on the playgrounds.

 

… The competitive trampolines are sturdier and are made of webbing. The coiled springs attached to these trampolines are more in number than the ones used as recreational ones. The springs are also much stronger. They are also always light-weight and easy to transport. Athletes use these to compete in various locations around the world. These trampolines have a standard size and shape that matches the international standards. The athletes perform more complex stunts due to the higher bounces offered by this type of trampoline.

 

There are also other types of trampolines namely, mini trampolines, the transportable mini trampoline and water trampolines. The mini trampolines, as the name suggests, are small in size than the normal ones and are ideal for indoor.

 

This provides a space constraint to the jumping. They are used for a good aerobic workout without propelling the person too high. They reduce the strain and impact on the knees and joints while exercising. As they are not to be used outdoor, the fabric is not waterproof. The trampettes are fast gaining an exclusive name in this industry while there still remains a different type called the mini trampolines. The trampettes are also called fitness trampolines. They also offer the same benefits of the mini trampoline but are further classified into various sub-categories that specify its use.

The water trampolines are another type of trampolines. They are also a popular recreational option. They are built exclusively for recreation. The inflatable tube keeps the trampoline afloat while the person performs the jumps. Hence, these types of trampolines are varied and have their own exclusive uses.

 

Trampolining also has great health benefits. It not only pumps the blood and puts the limbs in motion but also accommodates every cell of your body. So in all the trampoline helps the cardiovascular system in functioning properly, helps the cells by boosting their processes, helps the bones by improving the bone mineral content. But care should be taken so that the person will not get hurt during the process. Many injuries and accidents have occurred due to improperly jumping on the trampoline.

 

How We Chose Our Trampoline

 

Trampolines come in many sizes. Household trampolines are usually between 6 feet and 17 feet in diameter. Of course, we hope to get the maximum return here, but we must first measure the space available to us and ensure that there is enough room for maneuver in all aspects. We want to buy a big model, but we can't cram a 17 foot trampoline into the small space we allocate. My rule of thumb is that all sides of the trampoline need at least 5-10 feet of clearance. In addition, you need head clearance. I hope our yard has a vertical clearance of 25 feet, which is absolutely safe. When deciding which size is best for our yard, I must check buildings, fences, power poles, wires and any other potentially dangerous obstacles. There are smaller sizes to accommodate limited space, but you need to make sure that the size and model you choose is the best trampoline for all family members.

Which Shape Is Best?

Trampolines have four basic geometric designs. Each has its own advantages, and different shapes are most suitable for different purposes.

 

Round Trampoline

The round trampoline is the most popular shape. I found that trampoline is the most common backyard entertainment. Although some people say that this shape is more powerful, I doubt it. However, this shape requires fewer support members in its construction. The frame can evenly absorb the jumping force around, so it is lighter and still maintain its strength. But I doubt whether this will make a meaningful difference in cost or performance.

My husband told me that no matter where the user jumps on the mat, the circle will guide the movement to the center of the surface and bounce less, which makes young or inexperienced users safer. This shape can also adapt to lighter weight and strength, so it is best for people with lighter weight and those who are learning how to use trampoline. Available sizes are usually 8 foot, 10 foot, 12 foot, 14 foot, 15 foot and 16 foot models. The size of 8 feet and 10 feet doesn't excite me, but the size of 15 feet seems to be right. Just because it provides more room for my children to make mistakes. I told them to stand in the middle when they jumped. This provides them with a lot of error space in the inevitable trip, so they avoid injury.

Rectangular Trampoline

 

 Next, I found that rectangular trampoline is the choice for professionals and competitions. This shape has a higher rebound, but absorbs more power from the jumper, so the landing is softer. No matter where the high jumper stands on the mat, the spring can play an independent role to produce a closed and stable take-off and landing. Rectangular models are more expensive to build because they require more support and fasteners than circular trampolines. I checked youtube and watched some competitive jumping competitions. The height reached shocked me.

Square Trampoline

 

I didn't find many square models. But to be honest, I'm not surprised. Square trampoline combines the advantages of circle and rectangle. The square trampoline has a larger jumping surface than the circular trampoline of the same size, and has a higher rebound than the circular trampoline. However, it does provide the safety of the circular trampoline because the shape guides the user to the center of the space. This shape also takes up less space than a rectangle, so it is a good choice for users who need more power in a small area.

Square is very suitable for small space and rarely wastes ground area. The diagonal distance between the corners is greater, and the square usually provides up to 20% of the available space than similar circular trampolines. Finally, the shape didn't fit my yard, so I gave it up.

Octagonal

 I found there were fewer octagons. The octagonal model is similar to the circular trampoline and has similar space constraints. However, due to the straight edge design, users will get a higher rebound than the circular trampoline. To me, this shape seems more novel than anything else. ellipse I found that the oval trampoline has a larger usable surface than a similar round trampoline. The user has a wider jumping surface from one side to the other, while maintaining the self centering function of the circular trampoline. Like all large trampolines, oval units require extra effort to get a large rebound. After looking at all the shapes, I decided to use a circle. There is the widest range of choices, and quality / safety (I'll talk about it later) seems to be the best.

Music in the Title Screen is hauntingly beautiful, and sets the tone nicely.

 

Weight Limits: Ignore at your own risk!

To be honest, the trampoline I studied looked very strong, but I really began to read this article after seeing people's feet across the middle of the mat during skydiving. I found that trampolines have specific weight limits, and these guidelines are important for the safety of users. I see this information in the product description or user manual of all trampoline models. Of course, I only plan to jump one person at a time, but my husband weighs more than 200 pounds. I want to make sure there is enough space for him.