Trampolines and Depression

The standard way of thinking with trampolines is that they are only used in kids’ playtime. Certainly, owning a trampoline provides endless enjoyment for children and adolescents, but careful observers may also note that the motion of the rebounding appears to be addictive. In fact, it is. Adults and children alike can reap both the mental and physical benefits of rebounding on a trampoline and the addicting effects of the motion. However, unlike other habits, the feel-good effects of rebounding on a trampoline have no negative side effects and bring a myriad of health benefits for both the mind and the body. Here’s why: Continue reading

Trampoline Myth Busters Edition 2

Welcome to the second edition of Trampoline Myth Busters!

This week has been filled with weird and wonderful questions about trampolines.

Here are some of my favourite questions… busted.

  • Wil grass grow under my trampoline?

Yes! In fact, grass tends to grow greener and faster under the trampoline as the trampoline mat still allows some sunlight through. When mowing your lawn, simple drag your trampoline out of the way.

  • Is there anything I can do to make my  trampoline last longer?

Consider investing in a trampoline tent, like the Vuly trampoline tent (suitable for all sized trampolines). A shady position will also help to minimise sun exposure to the components of your trampoline.

  • Can I sit my trampoline or uneven ground?

Provided that the slope is not too  great (less than a gradient of 20%), it is possible to level your trampoline by digging a little trench into the ground to support the uphill trampoline leg. The downhill leg base can then be supported on timber blocks. For extra security, considering investing in a Vuly anchor kit, which can be used to further secure your trampoline into the ground.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Trampoline Myth Busters!

Trampoline Mat Game: Trampoline Twister!

Hex Vex™ is an interactive game structure printed on the trampoline mat of Vuly Trampolines. Hex Vex™ was originally based on “Add-ons”, a training tool used by elite trampolinists to improve their co-ordination and reaction time. Now adapted for Vuly, Hex Vex™ helps jumpers to enhance their balance, increase their memory and learn sequence.

We’ve developed a new trampoline mat game to play with your Hex Vex™ icons. Adapted from a childhood favourite, we think you’ll love it!

Trampoline Twister

Players: 3

Player 1 and Player 2 begin the game by standing in the centre of the trampoline mat. Player 3 remains off the trampoline mat to act as the “referee”. The referee closes his or her eyes and chooses a random icon and body part that Player 1 and Player 2 must touch together eg, “Left Leg, Alien.” The winner is the player who stays up for the longest without falling over.

Readers, let me know if you have a chance to play this trampoline mat game and whether you like it or not! We’d love your feedback!

Trampoline Tent Fever!

Add another dimension to the hours of your family’s bouncing fun with Vuly’s Trampoline Tent!

To assembly your Vuly Trampoline Tent, you’ll need to stand inside on the trampoline and line up the inside squares of the tent with the top of the net poles. Then, jump onto the safety padding and pull the tent down over the net poles.

Trampoline tents serve two main purposes:

  • They are UV resistant, so eliminate all risk of sun exposure to your trampoline and to the jumpers inside
  • They are a fantastic cubby house for your family, or an outdoor camping tent

Does your child want to have a sleepover? No problem. Why not use your Vuly Trampoline Tent as an outdoor tent for your children and their friends? It’ll make them feel like they are on a holiday, but give you the peace of mind that they are within the safe confines of the Trampoline Tent only metres away! Vuly Trampoline Tents come in classic blue and are UV-stabilised, meaning harsh UV rays will no longer be a deterrent to your family’s bouncing fun.

With Vuly’s Trampoline Tent, your family can jump for longer, more safely and double their bouncing fun!

Please note: Vuly Trampolines recommends removing your Trampoline Tent in heavy rain conditions. If not assembled correctly, water can pool in the roof and may cause damage to the product. The tent is not a weather cover, the design is intended to provide shade and a playful environment for children.

Vuly Trampolines Tricks and Tumbles Contest: Congratulations Sam Sendel!

It’s not every day that we see such exhilarating talent and boldness on the trampoline like Sam Sendel’s winning entry in the $1000 Vuly Trampolines Tricks and Tumbles 5 Contest!

Sam took out the coveted title of Tricks and Tumbles Champion with a Full Twisting Double Cody from the roof! Not to mention, a wicked Superman backing track!

See below for Sam’s winning entry in the Vuly Trampolines Tricks and Tumbles 5 Contest. Congratulations Sam!

Trampolines and Sports Mascots

We talk about trampolines and sports fairly often, but one topic that we have not covered yet is how frequently sports mascots use trampolines in a lot of their stunts.

Think about it— a lot of the major sports teams who use mascots often make them perform some pretty crazy stunts on trampolines. I think this is especially true when it comes to American basketball teams.  Now, I think that they are a little nutty, but they do have some really interesting halftime shows.  Almost all American basketball teams have a trampoline dunking halftime show. These teams hire very talented gymnasts to jump through rings of fire or other similarly crazy feats.  To add to the insanity, most of these trampoline stunts are done without the use of high quality trampoline safety pads or trampoline safety nets!

I have to give them props. It would be really hard to dunk a basketball when you’re flying off of a trampoline, and it would be even harder to do it whenever you are in a gorilla costume!

Has anyone ever seen this on TV?  Would you ever be willing to be a sports mascot?  Would you ever do a trampoline halftime show (or, a better question might be how much would they have to pay you! haha)

NBA Trampoline Mascot

NBA Trampoline Mascot, trying to slamdunk off a trampoline.

Have a happy Monday, everyone!

Tramp Stamp– Trampolines on iPhone apps!

Hi readers!

We have already discussed the Doodle Jump trampoline application for iPhone, but we have not yest discussed Tramp Stamp!  The basic premis of Tramp Stamp is this: boxes need to be stamped before leaving a giant warehouse.  Your job, as a player, is to use a trampoline to launch yourself to great heights so you can stamp the departing boxes as they move towards the loading dock.  You can control the bouncing ball by tilting the iPhone.  Tap the screen to stamp the box.  With each trampoline launch comes a successful stamp to increase your power.   If you jump on the trampoline but miss the box, you lose power. Each departing box must be stamped at least one time before it leaves the warehouse.  If it is not stamped, you will be penalised.

Behind The Scenes With Cirque Du Soleil's 'Dralion' In Auckland

Behind The Scenes With Cirque Du Soleil's 'Dralion' In Auckland

Users rate the game’s sound effects, quirky graphics, and addictive nature.  It has been described as very challenging, but suitable for the whole family.

White House Trampoline Game with Obama

White House Trampoline Game with Obama

Okay, readers, it is your time to speak!  What do you think about these trampoline-inspired iPhone games?  Have you ever played either Doodle Jump or Tramp Stamp?

….Am I the only one who is seeing a trend here?  I think trampoline games are going to be a very big marketing tool for iPhone!

Need a fundraising idea? How about a trampoline bounce-a-thon!

Sponsored marathons have always been a popular way to raise money.  Dance-a-thons, walk-a-thons, running marathons, rock-a-thons, and other endurance tests are commonplace for organizations and groups all across the world.  The basic idea is this: a contestant collects money from sponsors who pledge to give them a certain amount of money if the contestant participates in a contest.  The contest atmosphere may be one of great competition (as in a 5K race for charity) or may be casual and group-oriented (a ladies club that agrees to knit for 3 hours and talk).  The result is a highly-social, fun fundraising idea in which the contestants push their abilities to the limits and the charity or organization greatly benefits from the profits.

Often, enthusiastic volunteers engage in a bounce-a-thon in which the contestants agree to jump on a trampoline for an alloted amount of time.   Frequently, bounce-a-thons have a silly, fun atmosphere in which the contestants may dress up in crazy costumes to wear while bouncing on the trampoline. The trampoline bounce-a-thons may be composed of individuals or of teams.

I think this is a great idea!  Really, as long as the supervising adults make sure that the trampoline fun is safe, this sounds like  a great idea to raise money and have fun at the same time.

Why not try a trampoline bounce-a-thon for your next fundraiser?

Circus Acadamies and Trampolines

Have you ever wondered where tight rope walkers learn their skills or where trapeze artists learn the tools of the trade?  The answer is simple– circus academies!

Most circus academies are small but very welcoming institutions that teach students all about the circus business.  They can range from the very prestigious to the small, grassroots organizations. They frequently offer aerial training, gymnastics/tumbling, hoop training, trampoline skills, and clowning classes. As an added bonus, many circus academies offer classes for children.

One of the most popular classes in circus academies is the trampoline training classes.  Under the safety of professional supervision, students can perfect the flips, turns, spins, and tricks needed to secure circus employment.  Students range from individuals who dream of the spotlight to stay-at-home moms who desire a hobby.  The trampoline skills classes are especially popular because most people have at least some experience with trampolines.   Some may find the skills to be daunting, while other remain unfazed by the acrobatic feats that they must perform.

Students learn the tools of the trade gradually and use professional equipment.  Many students describe being very terrified at first, but they are thrilled to have learned exciting new skills by the end of the lesson.

Doodle Jump–Trampolines go mobile!

If you have an iPhone, you have probably heard of Doodle Jump.  Doodle Jump is one of the most highly successful iPhone applications to date.  In fact, Doodle Jump has sold more than 5 million games and is rapidly becoming the most successful iPhone application ever made.This simple but catchy game features Doodler, a scrawled figure of indiscernible origin.  Aptly named, Doodler and his fellow characters resemble the bored scrawl of individuals who have too much time on his or her hands.

The point of the game is simple, and therein lies its appeal. Players must help Doodler reach a series of platforms without falling.  There are monsters to defeat and high scores to attain—a very addictive combination!

To get around these platforms, Doodler heavily depends on power ups to propel him to the next level.  Power up options include a jetpack, propeller hat, spring, trampoline, spring shoes, the orb/force shield, and the rocket.  Arguably, the best power up is the trampoline. It bounces Doodler higher up than a normal platform while he performs a backflip.  Awesome!

Who knew trampoline enthusiasts could now take their love of trampolines on the go?  We will definitely have to give it a try!

What did you think of the power ups?  Do you have a favorite (other than the trampoline, of course ^_^)?  Let us know!