Not just a game, but also a workout; let’s see how to choose one of the most sought-after items in recent years.
The trampoline has gone through various phases throughout its history. So let’s see how to choose the most suitable model.
Over the years, we have seen many examples of sports equipment that have ultimately proved to be huge commercial successes; not only for fans of the discipline, but also for those who have turned them into a game. If we think of skateboards, scooters, bicycles, it is easy to understand the example; but the trampoline is one of the lesser known, yet, most desired of all.
In fact, it is not uncommon to pass in front of a garden or private courtyard and find one perfectly set up and cared for; they are often the centre of attraction of playgrounds and leisure areas for children (and not only). In addition, in recent years, XXXL-sized models have been created, set up for fairs and fairground rides, where you can have fun both alone and in groups.
But how do we choose one for our home or gym? Very simple: by following ProduceShop’s comprehensive and practical guide! Our team of experts, with the help of the best models in our catalogue, wanted to give you these useful tips for the moment of purchase.
So what are you waiting for? jump on!
One trampoline, a thousand activities
As mentioned in the introduction, we’re not talking about an item intended for just one use; in general, we can say that there are different destinations for trampolines, depending on where we decide to mount it and the purpose for which we buy it.
As a game, it is perfect for both private and public use. We can therefore set it up in our garden, in a courtyard or (if we have the space) in a playroom at home (although we must ensure adequate safety conditions).
On the sporting side, there are several activities for which a trampoline can prove to be an excellent workout:
- cross-training: this kind of training (called cross-jumping or fit jumping) works on cardiac activity, and improves muscle tone, reflexes and balance, as well as burning a lot of calories;
- board sports: for skateboarding, longboarding, surfing and windsurfing, the trampoline is a great way to work on balance, coordination and endurance;
- parkour: parkour enthusiasts can train on jumps and falls, which are fundamental to their sport.
Newsflash: There is no ideal user
Still talking about trampoline use, we see that, unlike other sports equipment and toys, we don’t have a defined and stagnant final target; in fact, the beauty of trampolining is that it is a product suitable for everyone, with few limits regarding age or ability.
Thinking of it as a game, children are certainly the first users we think of, and the models designed for them, smaller and with accentuated protections, are designed to last forever, with high protection nets and padded profiles, as well as zips to close the entrances. For families, we have larger models, so that size and age are not a problem when mum, dad or even granddad want to jump in.
Finally, the sports and professional models, which are more carefully designed in terms of their shape and the response of the mat, are sold both to individuals for home training and to gyms and sports centres for targeted workout sessions and courses.
How do we choose a trampoline?
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Materials
Carefully consider the materials used for the construction of the trampoline; these are essential not only for the durability, but above all for the safety and correct use of the trampoline. While the mat and protective net are normally made of plastic materials (polypropylene and reinforced polyethylene respectively), the frame is made of galvanised metal, preferably painted. The suspension springs must necessarily be made of galvanised steel, to ensure elasticity in the jump and resistance to time and wear.
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Dimensions
These must be decided on the basis of two variables: who will use the trampoline, and where it will be placed. If we consider round models, we take into account the diameter, normally 185, 245, 305, 365 and 425 cm; for rectangular models, between 185 and 550 cm per side. The height from the ground must be at least 40 cm, as must the height of the bedsprings from 150 to 200 cm, especially for children’s models, so as not to compromise safety during use. Finally, the maximum load capacity, i.e. the weight that the rug can bear; we start from a minimum of 45 kg to a maximum of 190 kg for the widest models.
Trampoline Elastic Carpet 185cm Safety Net And Padding Kangaroo S -
Shape
The choice of shape also influences the purchase, as it depends on the use you will have to make of it. If quadrangular models (rectangular or, more rarely, square), are suitable for professional use and in specialised centres, circular ones are best not only for private use, but also for personal training or cross-training courses. They are also easier to position.
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Safety
As this is a piece of equipment that involves jumps and “acrobatics”, safety must come first. If children are going to be using it, this is even more important. Therefore, make sure that the edges, joints and posts that support the outdoor fence are padded with high-density foam covers to prevent bumps and shocks should you bump into them. The netting must be solid and resistant, to prevent it from tearing and thus risking falling out. Finally, the structure’s feet must be firm and possibly suitable for maintaining the right grip with the ground.
Trampoline Elastic Carpet 427cm Safety Net And Padding Kangaroo Xxl -
Maintenance
Correct maintenance of the trampoline will ensure that it not only lasts for years, but that it always meets the necessary safety standards. So always check the condition of the net, mat and padding for cuts and scratches, the health of the springs and frame for rust or other structural problems, and make sure the mat is always covered if left out of the house and unused, so that it is not damaged by the weather. Finally, be careful during assembly; always get help, and make sure that you not only follow the instructions faithfully, but also check at least twice that everything conforms to the design of the trampoline.
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Budget
CAs always, an eye on the budget. If it’s a piece of equipment you’re going to be using for training, try to reward quality over savings (something to keep in mind anyway). If it’s just for fun or play, make sure you don’t spend too much on a product you won’t get the most out of. In any case, choosing a well-stocked and qualified online retailer like ProduceShop allows you to buy quality trampolines at very attractive prices, especially if we’re talking about reliable brands like PlayTown.
Trampoline Children’s Elastic Carpet 140cm Mesh And Safety Padding Frog
Bonus History!
Do you know where trampolines come from?
It’s actually a fairly recent invention. In the 1930s in the USA, two gymnasts named George Nissen and Larry Griswold created the first prototype in Nissen’s garage after observing how the safety net of circus trapeze artists worked.
Moreover, a similar game had long existed among the indigenous Inuit people, who used animal skins for jumping and fun during the spring festivals.
Within about 10 years, it became very popular in the USA, where the first championship (the Nissen Cup) was held in 1948. In addition, the trampoline was also used by World War II airmen, and later by Soviet cosmonauts, during training for their missions.
In 1998 it was finally promoted to an Olympic discipline, and today tournaments and championships are held in every country in the world. Not bad for a gymnastic toy, right?
So what are you waiting for? Hop on your trampoline now, after carefully selecting it from the ProduceShop catalogue!