Recent years have seen a rise in the use of trampolines in homes and gardens. This is because a trampoline provides a great opportunity for fun-filled exercise. The rebounding fun is not only beneficial for kids, as it helps increase coordination, balance and strengthens muscles, but it is just as advantageous for adults.
However, if you do not equip your trampoline with the proper safety features and take the needed precautions, this well-meaning activity can turn out to be very harmful. That is why buying the safest trampoline becomes very important.
According to the American Academy Of Pediatrics, children are especially at great risk of head, neck and spine injuries if there is a lack of proper precautions and supervision.
Similarly, in a study spread over a few months in the US, the hospital reported a mean of 131 injuries every month, of which one-third were fractured resulting from trampolines. This is why it is critical to use the trampoline in a proper manner.
Are you trying to look for features that really make a trampoline safe?
Have you heard any horror stories from any of your peers or neighbors about kids falling from a trampoline and sustaining injuries?
Does that probe you to dig deeper into the do and don’t about using a trampoline?
If your answer to these questions is a yes then read on…
Top Safety Features for Trampolining
When it comes to safety features in a trampoline, there are some standards you should always look for. Below is a comprehensive list of these:
Should The Frame be Heavy or Light in Weight?
A frame is the most important part of your trampoline. It is what keeps your trampoline together. A heavier frame with multiple connections is more likely to retain its shape after a rebounding impact, than a lighter frame with lesser connections. The material of the frame should be sturdy and rust-proof to ensure maximum safety.
How important is Pad Covering?
The pad is what protects you from the hard impact when you land from a jump. A good density, a pad of an appropriate weight would help you protect from the high energy of the bounce, whereas a low density one would lose its ability to absorb the impact. Make sure the pad covers all the springs properly, and the stitching is of good quality to ensure there is no shifting of the foam while jumping.
How Many Springs Are Enough To Give A Smooth And Safe Bounce?
Longer springs have the ability to give you a smooth, safe bounce. Springs are the most critical element of your trampoline; a good spring will give an even, centered bounce which will be stretched over a longer time, as compared to an instant, unsafe bounce.
Significance Of Bottom Net Connections
Bottom net connections provide safety to the user while holding the net and pad in place at the bottom. They are secured at the bottom to make sure the user cannot accidentally come in contact with them.
Is Safety Enclosure A Big Deal?
A good safety netting is made up of thick braids which protect the inner strands from sun damage. This ensures netting longevity. Safety net enclosures have been shown in numerous studies to prevent head injuries, neck fractures, and other injuries, so they should be incumbent while trampolining. Do not use mesh nets with thin exposed strands, as they will not last long and the sun damage can cause them to break on impact.
System of Entry
Zippered entries are considered safe because you can quickly unzip the netting and enter, however overlapping entries are the safest because children can use it as well and there is no risk of forgetting to close the entry as it closes upon itself.
Safe Trampoline Zones
All manufacturers agree that trampolines are designed for one person at a time. However, the reality is a lot more people use it at the same time. This is why safe zones are important. These give ample area for one user to stand on the side while another is jumping.
Safest Trampoline Exercises
A mini trampoline can be used for trampoline exercises. The best and safest trampoline exercises are low-impact exercises. Trampolining is 70% more effective than jogging for the same amount of time. Below are three safest and basic exercises:
1. Vertical Bounce
This simple vertical bounce tones muscles improve the lymphatic system and elevate the heart rate. Your bounce should be hard enough to help lift your feet into the air each time. A simple vertical bounce is done at the center of the trampoline.
2. Vertical Elevation Dance
This is a variation of the vertical bounce. At the top of the jump, introduce a dance movement, a full body twist of a kick, or simply pull up your knees and hug them. However, these should not be tried by kids.
3. Jumping Jog
This combines jogging with jumping. Each time you land, jog on an alternate foot and lift each knee as high as you can. This provides great intense exercise.
More: Keeping Everyone Safe With This Trampoline Safety Checklist
Precautions to be taken while Trampolining
- Make sure the trampoline is not installed near trees, poles or fences.
- There should be a safety perimeter of at least 3 meters.
- Check springs and bolts each time before use to ensure nothing is loose or exposed.
- Do not let kids under six years of age use a trampoline with adults, as in multiple uses the person with the lightest body weight falls and receives an injury.
- Remove jewelry and any sharp objects from pockets and clothes before using a trampoline.
- Do not let children do somersaults on a trampoline.
- Put trampoline on the leveled ground to ensure proper balancing.
- The safety net should not cover the area under the jumping pad.
- Always land at the center when using a trampoline
- Don’t leave ladders, chairs or other such objects near a trampoline.
- Children should always be supervised.
Safest Indoor Trampolines
Indoor Trampolines come in all sizes, from mini exercise trampolines to trampoline for kids to athletic trampolines. The safety features for indoors include
- Controlled bounce. Springs with too high a bounce can cause injuries indoors.
- Safety netting is needed even indoors.
- Good padding coverage to ensure no gaps are left for arms or legs to get stuck into.
- Appropriate weight for the frame; this depends on the size of the trampoline.
- Springs with a centered bounce.
- Covered springs, bolts, and connections.
- Tight net connections.
Safest Outdoor Trampolines
Outdoor trampolines should have the following.
- Weather protection to help stay away from rust, moisture, and deterioration.
- Safety Net Enclosures to prevent falls.
- Tight net connections to prevent netting from coming undone.
- High-density pad to guard against impact.
- Covered Springs to guard against injuries from landing on sharp or uncovered springs.
- Durable Frame to ensure stability.
- Covered bolts and welds to prevent injuries.
- Ladder to help get on and off safely.
Safest Kids Trampolines
Safe Kids trampolines have the following features:
- Handrail to hang onto for balance.
- Covered springs.
- No cords or parts where arms or legs or clothes can get stuck.
- Even, centered bounce.
- Round shapes, and not too high.
- Adult sized trampolines are not recommended for children under six years of age.
- A heavy frame that keeps the shape.
- Ample padding to prevent impact injuries.
- A good safety net.
Safest Fitness Trampolines
Fitness trampolines are often known as mini trampolines and are used indoors as well as outdoors. A good safe, fitness trampoline should have
- Handrails to hold onto during special forms of exercise.
- Long springs to create an even, slow bounce.
- Covered springs and bolts.
- Safety netting for non-mini versions.
- High-density padding for comfort.
- A-frame should be sturdy enough not to twist.
Hope this information answers some of the questions you had in mind. Also, don’t forget to read ourguide for choosing the best trampoline, this will make it a lot easier for you to make your buying decision.