So, you want your kids to exercise, why not use an outdoor trampoline?
Kids have a tendency to turn their back on anything that might be “good for them“. We do our best do get them out on walks, enrol them in clubs and generally do anything possible to keep them away from the TV. So how do we get our kids to unknowingly exercise in a safe and secure environment whilst still in your back garden ..
Enter .. the outdoor trampoline!
Imagine, your two boys who have been running you around all day are still bursting with energy and all you can wish for in the world is 15 minutes on your own with a good cup of tea!
It’s not much to ask for is it?
Outdoor trampolining provides you and your family with one of the most efficient exercise activities whilst being safe and convenient in your own home. Your kids can bounce and bounce and bounce and bounce (depending on their energy levels) until they drop .. and they all do eventually!
Kids Sports & Health
Outdoor trampolining is a great form of aerobic exercise which is great for the heart, circulation and respiratory systems. Trampolines have shown to also help improve balance, co-ordination, posture and muscle tone.
What should I look for?
The recreational trampoline tends to be made of waterproof canvas nowadays. Most trampolines are left outside for extended periods so this is pretty important to consider. Other areas to look into are ;
* Frame Pad. This is the padding around the main frame. It goes without saying that better frame pads provide better protection. Check the width, thickness and quality of material used.
* Jumping Mat. This is the part your feet touch when you are bouncing up and down. The mat should be strong enough to carry the weight of the person using the trampoline and be properly stitched. There are numerous grades of mat available and they will differ from supplier to supplier. Try and get the best you can afford.
* Springs. The longer the spring .. the better the bounce.
*Frame. Good trampolines should not bend or bow whilst in use. More than one child is likely to be bouncing around on the trampoline at any one time. Therefore, as a general rule the frame should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of more than one person.
*Enclosures. Kits are now available which allow a retaining net to be fixed around the circumference of the trampoline. A very good idea to stop your children ending up in next door’s pond 🙂
*Indoor Use: Mini-trampolines are very good for indoor use. They are typically under 1 meter in diameter and are sometimes referred to as trampettes.
* Size. Common diameters are 8′, 10′ & 14′. I would recommend looking at a 10′ for the typical family trampoline. 14′ is great but this may be impractical for the size of your garden? Take a tape measure into the garden and see what space you have. Remember .. you don’t want it too close to your pond or prized roses.
*Price. Look to spend around £150 for a simple 8′ trampoline and upto around £450-500 for a decent 14′ trampoline complete with enclosure and accessories.
So, you want your kids to exercise? Get bouncing!
Hi, I know that you've talked about round trampolines in this articles, but what do you think of rectangular ones? Why are they more expensive? Safer? Bouncier? Worth the money?
Rectangular trampolines certainly do offer a bigger surface area for bouncing.
Most of the trampolines designed for the home are round and are not as bouncy as their rectangular counterparts. These rectangular models often have more and/or stronger springs and a more flexible trampoline bed. They can sometimes be a little too bouncy for the uninitiated.