10 Fun Facts About Trampolines
Anyone who has ever climbed onto a backyard trampoline knows how much fun they can be. While you are out there enjoying your favourite activity, think about these fun facts that make trampolines even more interesting!
- Trapeze Artists Were the Inspiration for Trampolines
Trampolines were invented in 1936 by George Nissen and Larry Griswold. The pair were inspired by trapeze artists, or more specifically, the safety nets they used. The prototype was constructed using tyre inner tubes and scrap steel.
- The First Trampoline Was Promoted with a Kangaroo
To help market their creation, Nissen and Griswold rented a live kangaroo. They set up their invention in Central Park, New York City and used a kangaroo as part of the demonstration. Nissen found that if he jumped on one side of the trampoline while the animal stood on the other, it would bounce as well. We’re still not sure how the roo felt about it.
- Trampolines Can Make Your Eyes Stronger
Did you know that jumping can strengthen your eyes? Bouncing on a trampoline applies increased G-force. Regular jumping can help strengthen eye muscles and ocular nerves. This type of physical activity also stimulates cells to restore the shape and function of eye lenses.
- Trampolining is an Olympic Sport
Trampolining became an official Olympic sport during the 2000 Games in Sydney. There is a men’s and a women’s individual event. Competitors are judged based on their performance and height reached.
- The Record for Continuous Bouncing is 53 Days
The record for continuous bouncing was set by a six-person team from Cleveland State University’s Delta Epsilon fraternity in 1986. The group managed to keep bouncing for a total of 53 consecutive days. The team received a congratulatory phone call from frat alumnus and U.S. president Ronald Reagan.
- The Highest Trampoline Bounce Was 670 cm
The highest bounce was achieved by brothers Sean, Eric, and T.J. Kennedy. The siblings earned a Guinness World Record by reaching a height of 670 cm (22 feet). Their amazing feat was recorded and broadcast on the TODAY show.
- The World’s Largest Trampoline Measures 5,852 Square Metres
The world’s largest trampoline can be found at Flip Out in Glasgow, Scotland. It consists of smaller trampolines installed together to create a 5,852 square metre (63,000 square foot) bouncing surface.
- The Record for Most Backflips in a Minute is 49
Lucas Laurent holds the record for most trampoline backflips in one minute with a total of 49. He managed to perform nearly one backflip per second. He was recorded breaking the record in Ballerup, Denmark on April 18th, 2017.
- Jumping on a Trampoline Can Help Fight Osteoporosis
Jumping on a trampoline is good for your body – especially your bones! Regular trampolining increases bone density and can help maintain bone mass in older adults. This helps prevent osteoporosis.
- The Most People to Jump Simultaneously Was 375
Could you imagine jumping with hundreds of other people? A group from the U.K. set the record at 325 people in 2015. That record was recently broken by the Geylang Serai Community Sports Club in Singapore when they did the same with 375 people.
Trampolines are a great way to get exercise and have a good time. Check out Topline Trampolines to see the newest Aussie-made models and to find out which range is best for you.