The Ups and Downs of Trampolines

By Matt Ream

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%25, to a total estimate of 95,000 injuries in 1998. Seventy-five percent of those injured were under 15 years of age. About 10%25 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!

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