Saturday, December 6, 2008

Isstalled Correctly, A Trampoline Offers Fun And Fitness

By Jane Bracken

When placing a trampoline in your yard the surface of the trampoline must be level. Otherwise this wonderful fitness tool can become a hazard instead. Either the ground must be level or raised or lowered properly such that the trampoline surface is level.

If the jumping surface of the trampoline is not level, the trampoline will tend to tip, rock, or slide when someone is jumping on it creating a dangerous situation. This situation can and must be avoided by adjusting the height of the ground where the trampoline is resting

It is possible to set up a trampoline on a slope. Your yard may be such that this is a necessity. If you're faced with this situation the best approach is to dig a trench or holes where one or more of the trampoline bars or legs will sit, thus giving the trampoline a level surface once set up.

Another way to ensure the safety of the jumpers would be to pour sand underneath the lowest leg of the trampoline. This would raise the leg and, in turn, stabilize the trampoline. This can be more complicated than digging a small trench.

Is your trampoline surface nice and level? Then it's time to start having some fun. Trampoline workouts are a great way to start a program of physical fitness. These workouts also have the benefit of improving the lymphatic system and increasing your protection against virus infections and related problems.

There are some great exercises which are easy to learn, fun to do, and provide excellent physical conditioning. The toe touch, pike and super jacks are three great ones for beginners. Toe touches consist of touching your toes three times while in the air. Of course you have to have achieved some height to do this but this exercise works your mid-section while stretching your muscles at the same time. The toe touch can be done even if there are others on the trampoline at the same time.

Pikes and super jacks are best done with no one else on the trampoline. For pikes, while airborne pull your legs in front of you three times before landing. This is not easy but works wonders for your arms and midsection. In super jacks you perform three jumping jacks in mid-air before landing. These two excercises require good height and coordination and are also quite strenuous, but very rewarding.

You should have a safety net installed as part of your trampoline. Landing on the edge or missing the trampoline and hitting the ground instead can cause serious injury. A safety net is therefore highly recommended. Another good piece of advice is to do some stretching before beginning your workout. This will stretch and warm the muscles and lessen the chance of a strained or pulled muscle later on - 16004

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