Wednesday, January 7, 2009

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.

Every person knows that the best trampolines are set up on a completely flat surface. This ensures that when people are jumping, there is no risk of the trampoline tipping or rocking in place. There are several ways to keep the trampoline level, including digging.

If your trampoline is on a slope, the best trampoline position would be to dig a trench for the highest leg to rest inside. This would ensure that the trampoline would not slide down the hill or incline at any point in time.

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.

Once you've set up the trampoline properly it's time to have some fun and get in shape at the same time. Trampoline work stimulates the lymphatic system and thereby helps protect the body from viruses and other causes of illness. It's also a super way to start getting into good physical condition and getting used to regular workouts.

When you get started, find a few simple exercises to help you condition your body. Three very good ones are the toe touch, pike, and super jacks. They're easy to learn and fun to do. The toe touch, which can be done even if others are on the trampoline with you, consists of touching your toes three times while airborne. This is great for your midsection and stretches your muscles as well.

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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