The Benefits of Trampolining for Kids

Here’s one for you – trampoline offers one of the best forms of exercise for both children and adults. In a study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), researchers discovered that workouts on trampoline, or rebound exercise, create up to 68% higher oxygen uptake in the body compared to just running. In addition, trampolining also distributes gravitational pull (G-force) equally between the ankles, back and forehead during landing, which reduces impacts to significantly below ankle rupture threshold.

But children aren’t really interested in facts like these. All they know is, the feeling of weightlessness when leaping on a trampoline is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Vertical bounces are easy. Literally any child who can walk will have endless hours of fun on a trampoline. However, it is advisable to limit the use of trampolines to children over the age of six. Younger children may not have sufficient agility and coordination to handle landings smoothly.

Benefits of trampolines

1. Physical Improvements: Playing on trampolines improves muscles and joint strength in the lower body. It also improves agility, coordination and balance, as well as motor skills in general.

2. Cardio vascular enhancements: An indicated above, trampolining demands significantly more cardiovascular resources from the body. As such, children will gain an increase in cardio vascular endurance much faster playing on trampolines compared to other types of exercises.

3. Emotional and Psychological Well-Being: Runners’ high is not a myth. People do genuinely get happier after exercising. The brain will reward the body with endorphins after intense physical workouts. Endorphins trigger a feeling of happiness which reduces stress and anxiety, and increases feeling of contentment. The effects will spill over to other aspects of their life. Studies have shown that physically active schoolchildren a more academically successful compared to their peers.

4. Strengthening Immune System: Exercise promotes more efficient lymphatic circulation, which translates to more effective removals of toxins from the body.

5. Improve Mental Health Issues: A few studies have shown that therapies which include trampolines are beneficial to children suffering from mental health disorders such as autism and sensory processing disorder

What kind of trampolines are best for homes?

Trampolines are inherently simple contraptions. They consist of a piece of fabric held between steel frames using coiled springs. There are very little differences between the practical performances of most modern trampolines.

However, there are still a few things you need to look out for when buying a trampoline for your children.

1. Size: Choose a trampoline that will fit well in your yard. Make allowances for the inevitable fall. The trampoline should have a grassy buffer area measuring at least six to eight feet in all directions. In addition, consider the age and number of users when determining the size of the trampoline you will buy. 8ft trampolines are perfect for young children, as the relatively small area will necessitate less energy to leap. If there are two children playing, a 10ft trampoline will work best. If there is a possibility of an adult joining in, then you should buy a trampoline measuring minimally 15 feet.

2. Enclosure: Having a built in enclosure (netting and padding) is necessary to prevent injuries from falls and awkward landings, particularly for younger children.

3. Safety Certification: Before buying, please ensure that the trampoline has an EN 71-14 certification.

Under no circumstances should children be allowed to use the trampoline unsupervised. Always make sure an adult is present whenever the trampoline is used. In addition, children under the age of six should not be allowed to use a trampoline. Parents can buy bouncy castles for them instead. It is much safer for young children, and equally fun!