Tips for Safe Trampoline Exercise

​Using a trampoline can provide the body with a number of physical benefits, including increased strength across a number of muscle groups. Additional physical benefits include improved balance and bone density, while psychological benefits range from a decrease in stress levels to an influx of endorphins, natural chemicals in the body that promote feelings of joy and happiness.

Individuals interested in working out with a trampoline can purchase several types of trampolines, or they can simply spend time at a trampoline park. But before beginning, individuals should first educate themselves about the proper use of the equipment, as well as safety tips specific to trampoline parks.

To start, individuals must first ensure that they are healthy enough to use a trampoline. Families should discuss the matter with their physician, learning about the physical limitations that may hinder some older participants and the additional safety precautions that should be taken with children.

As mentioned, there are different kinds of trampolines a person can look into. Adults interested in using a trampoline for exercise should consider rebounders, mini-trampolines that can be used indoors. Athletes training for gymnastics or diving competitions often use rebounders over the course of training.

When it comes to children and trampolines, the general standard of safety is that a child should never use a trampoline without adult supervision. Most doctors will agree that children aged 6 and under should not use trampolines at all. Regardless of age, the most important rule for trampoline safety is to never allow more than one person to jump at the same time. Double jumping is more or less impossible with most rebounders, as they are too small to accommodate multiple people, but outdoor trampolines are much larger.

There are several potential dangers associated with double jumping. A collision becomes increasingly likely the more people there are in the space, which can lead to any number of injuries. More importantly, multiple jumpers can result in an intentional or unintentional situation known as a double bounce, where one jumper’s force and momentum causes a nearby jumper to gain much more height than normal. The majority of trampoline injuries occur when two jumpers bump into one another, or when one jumper double bounces another.

Finally, individuals using trampolines for specific athletic training should do so under the supervision of trainers and spotters. A person using a trampoline for general exercise, on the other hand, should refrain from attempting gymnastic maneuvers or similar stunts.

A trampoline park is a location, typically indoors, that features many trampolines for public use. In many cases, large stretches of the floor at a trampoline park function as a single, extended trampoline surface. All of the previously established standards of trampoline safety should be followed at trampoline parks, but there are a few additional safety advisories that jumpers should follow.

For starters, trampoline parks have their own rules and, in some cases, are governed by state law. Individuals must read and follow all signage at a trampoline park. On a related note, most trampoline parks, like rock climbing facilities, require guests to sign a waiver. Individuals should review this waiver ahead of time to make sure they understand and agree to the terms.

Finally, individuals and families should consider visiting trampoline parks outside of peak hours. Not only do peak hours mean longer lines and potentially higher admissions prices, but the greater numbers increase the chances of jumper collisions.

Zi Qian Zhang, Real Estate

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