Tag Archives: Trampoline Sports

George Nissen and Trampolines

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On April 7, 2010, the world lost George Nissen, the inventor of the modern trampoline. Mr. Nissen was a beloved member of the gymnastics community and was best known for his passion for trampoline sports.

Nissen invented the trampoline after he observed trapeze artists use their safety nets as a tool to rebound and perform additional gymnastic feats.  In a brilliant revelation, he realized that this would be a fantastic training tool for gymnastics coaches and students.

Nissen’s trampoline invention was immensely successful, and he toured the US and Mexico performing and areas and carnivals.  Nissen promoted the trampoline for most of his life and enjoyed a strong presence in trampoline and gymnastic centers.

Nissen was also famous for his wacky portraits depicting him bouncing on his trampoline in unusual circumstances.  Perhaps the most famous of these pictures features him bouncing on a trampoline with a kangaroo.  Other notable features include him using a trampoline that was placed on the Egyptian pyramids.

Mr. Nissen lived until the ripe old age of 96 before succumbing to complications from pneumonia.

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Dodgeball

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This sport basically combines two of my favorite, nerdy things– a trampoline and the sport of dodgeball.  Put them together and you have one seriously awesome sport.

Basically, it goes like this:  The rules are very similar to traditional dodgeball, but it requires much more athleticism and skill.  There are trampolines on the floor and sides of the arena and the players basically try to annihilate each other in midair.  There are trampoline dodgeball leagues popping up all over the world for those who like to plan their fun, and there are also arenas that offer pickup games.

For other competitive people out there like me, this sounds amazing.  I have been known to be a pretty aggressive dodgeball player, and I’m sure adding a trampoline to the mix will only increase my competitive nature.  The agility and balance that you would have to posses to be a trampoline dodgeball enthusiast would have to be incredible.

Whoever invented this sport has to be a serious genius.

Alright, ladies and gents, it’s your turn to speak.  Would you ever be interested in forming a trampoline dodgeball squad?  What do you think the best thing about this trampoline sport would be? What do you think the worst thing would be?

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Parks

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I just discovered the most amazing thing. This. Is. Going. To. Be. Epic.

Has anyone ever heard of a trampoline park?  Apparently, it’s like a skatepark, but filled with trampolines. There are trampolines on the floor and even on the sides of the park.These parks feature food, drinks, field lights, and, of course, trampolines. You can even have a subscription for a yearly fee.

There are several locations around Australia and the United States.  Hopefully, there will be one coming in a nearby town soon, or I think the excitement is going to be too much for me!

How awesome is this?

The only problems I can see with a trampoline park is 1) the close proximity you have with other jumpers and 2) the lack of netting that could really save you from getting hurt.  If you combine the two, you could have other jumpers nearby who might accidentally jump into you (I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like fun to  me!).  From a business perspective, I can’t imagine the cost of insurance that a trampoline park would have to pay….sheesh!

What do you think?  Have you ever been to a trampoline park?  Would you go to one/let your kids go to a trampoline park if there was one close to where you live?

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampolining and Cheerleading

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Summer try outs are just around the corner, and the cheer spirit is heating up!  What are you girls doing to prepare yourselves?  Make sure you eat right, get a lot of exercise in, and keep that cheer spirit strong!

FHS uses a lot of trampoline and gymnastic training in our cheerleading workouts.  A lot of the girls have been gymnasts for years and are really comfortable with the flips, turns, and twists needed to be at the top.  If you’re afraid of heights, you  may want to reconsider trying out for the squad.  We use some heavy duty gymnastic trampoline models, and cheerleading isn’t for the faint of heart!  If you’re not used to gymnastic trampoline routines, you can become more comfortable with the height by using a backyard trampoline until we can get you on the larger one.  All trampoline models aren’t created equal, and you will have to eventually get used to the larger ones.  In the meantime, kick your little brother off of his trampoline and show him how a real athlete does her flips!

Cheer tryouts are a stressful time, but don’t worry-  you’ll be  trying out among friends!  It’s the most exciting time in any young cheerleader’s life.  I can’t wait to see who all will be there!

Go Falcons!

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Tina’s Trampoline Pageant Training

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Tina has been so nervous about her pageant, and I know she’s wondering if she’s going to do a good job for the judges.  Her routine is good, her dress is finally in, and we’re getting all of the final touches to her shoes done next week.  I know she’s going to do a great job..I just wish that she knew that, too.

She’s been doing her cartwheels over and over on her trampoline and is really trying to make sure that they’re done right.  She has always loved her trampoline, but she’s using it more now than she ever has before.  It’s been a good investment for us.  That trampoline has really helped with her pageant preparations.  Plus, you can tell that her trampoline has made her even more confident  with her balance and coordination– a must for any budding beauty queen!  (Trampoline…beauty queen…. maybe I should give up the stage mum life and become a poet! haha).

I know things will come together for her if she just works hard enough.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  At this rate, she’s got a little over three weeks with her coach (and, of course, her trusty trampoline!).  I know I’ll be cheering her on, no matter what!

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Art

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Hello, all.

My art show is falling into place. Finally. After 2 years of working, uni, and painting, I think it’s finally going to happen.  Get ready, guys and dolls, because it’s going to be a great show.

The most-rated piece I’ve done is a chalk piece on an old trampoline mat.  It’s an abstract piece with vibrant reds, yellows, and blacks and it’s the feature piece in the gallery at the moment.  It’s got a gritty, industrial edge that I just love and I think it’s really reflective of the time of my life right now.  It represents my evolution from childhood (days spent on the trampoline, eating watermelon, hanging at the coast) to the edgy, fabulous person I am today.  Around the edge, I’ve included fabrics from other trampoline accessories to top it off. The trampoline mat made a great surface and I really like the uneven edges and distribution of color.  Plus, it’s a trampoline mat— what’s not to love about unusual canvases?

My parents are really excited about the unveiling of the show, especially the trampoline piece.  I’ve already sent out invites to all of my family and friends, and hopefully more of the publicity will bring a larger crowd.

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Exercise Plan

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I’ve had such a busy few weeks, and it seems like I haven’t even had a moment for myself.  The wedding plans are coming along beautifully, and I hope to have everything in place in two weeks.  I guess it’s time to start thinking about my exercise plan before the wedding.  I’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of strength training and cardio when you’re trying to get toned, and I’ve been looking for some activities that will combine the two.

I think the best plan I’ve seen so far is exercising on a trampoline.  It seems like it’s pretty easy, and I know it’s definitely fun.  I know I’m going to like it so much more than running outside or lifting weights.  I’m not sure about how much it will work out my arms, but I should have some really nice, trampoline -inspired legs before the ceremony.  It’s going to warm up soon, so hopefully I can get a trampoline by spring and have my body in shape before the wedding next year.

Now that the fitness routine is out of the way, I have to focus on the flower arrangements.  It seems like they charge an arm and a (trampoline -toned) leg for everything related to the wedding!

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline and Reluctant Children

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Lately,  I’ve been thinking a lot about how a trampoline is a fantastic tool to get reluctant children involved in physical activities.  Think about it– many children are hesitant to try new things, because they feel like they may not be skilled enough, or it seems scary, or maybe they are just shy around new kids.  As a result, these kids may be more sedentary than other children, which can lead to scores of health problems and mental anguish.

Bouncing is excellent for these shy kids because it provides an immediate result.  They can control the height of the bounce, the time spent exercising, and level of intensity.  Almost anyone can bounce and have a good time.  Aside from balance and coordination, which come naturally, there are no skills that you absolutely need to know.  Shy kids may also benefit from bouncing since it is not recommended that more than one person be allowed on the the trampoline at one time.  They can make their own rules and regulations for any games that they may create and not have to worry about competing with more athletically-gifted children.

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Weight Loss—yahooooo!

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So, readers, you will be proud of me.  I did my weekly weigh in this morning and I’ve lost a total of 43 kilos in the past two years!  It’s been a lot of hard work, but with the right food and a consistent workout plan, I’ve been able to lose weight and keep it off.   What a journey!

My trampoline workout is really what keeps me going every evening, and I really think that working out on it is what has kept the weight off.  Bill has it set up in the garage, so every evening before dinner I turn on the TV he hooked up for me (how sweet is he?!) and bounce away for an hour.  Sometimes I dance around like a maniac; other times, I do little spins around while listening to music videos.   Other times, if I’m in a quiet mood, I leave the music off and let the bouncing be my only entertainment.

I think the best thing about working out on the trampoline is just how fun it is.  I always used to dread going to the gym, using all of those sweaty treadmills, feeling dirty and germy when I left…but I can work out in my own home, in my own time, and I can bounce away the pounds.
Only another 10 kilos until I reach my goal!

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline and Leg Muscles

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My leg muscles are so sore this morning. I spent all day yesterday playing with my kids and I have to tell you—I haven’t had that much exercise in a long time.  All of that running around just about killed me.  Kerri keeps telling me that I’m more of a kid than my sons are, and she’s probably right!

I forgot how much exercise you can get from a trampoline.  I didn’t realize that they provided so much of a workout, but I was wrong.  The weather was so nice and I was having such a good time that I didn’t realize how much I had exercised until this morning.  I think I’m just getting old!  I’ve always wondered how the kids have as much energy as they do.    They just want to keep jumping until dark. I can’t really complain, though; it’s good for them to be so active and they look really healthy.  They’re growing so fast–we might have to get them a larger trampoline soon before they’re too big for this one!  My boys are going to be men before I know it.

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/