With the advent of technology and frenzy working schedules, people are increasingly falling prey to the merciless clusters of time. A big part of one’s day is spent glued to the screens of the electronic gadgets or slogging implacable hours in their workplaces. This leaves people with little or no time for engaging in physical or outdoor activities. Let alone the adults, the perils of technology haven’t failed to devour even on the tender minds of kids. This is not only making one sluggish but also negatively affecting their physical and mental health.
An excellent discovery of mankind that can provide both fun as well as some serious exercise is the age-old trampoline. A daily dose of fifteen minutes of bounce on the trampoline is as good as thirty minutes of your cardio exercise. It is also known to increase one’s bone density, improve blood circulation and relieve stress. A great way to distract your child from the screens of those toxic video games, the trampoline can end up being your child’s next best ‘toy,’ albeit with his daily portion of physical nourishment.
Thus, having a trampoline of your own can be an uber fun way to get accessible exercise for your whole family. However, improper usage of a trampoline can lead to serious injuries, especially to the kids. Thus, it is essential to invest in a right trampoline and know its correct usage. Here is a list of the safety tips that you need to consider while buying a trampoline for your home.
Set up your trampoline in a safe habitat
Place your trampoline in an area of abundant clear space. Make sure the ground is flat and sturdy, preferably covered with soft grass, wood chips or sand, to avoid sinking in of the trampoline. Slopes or hills should be dodged, and a safety perimeter of at least nine feet should be maintained around the trampoline. It should be placed away from objects that may obstruct the jumping such as walls, posts, trees or fences. You can lay down ground safety pads and softening materials to ensure that your children do not fall and even if they do, there’s a lesser chance of damage.
Check the surface of the trampoline.
The jumping mat is the most abused surface of a trampoline and therefore should be routinely examined. Though it shouldn’t be attached too tightly, however, it should be tough and well secured. Ensure that there are no holes, fraying or loose stitches on the mat. If present, do not try home tricks to fix them as they interfere with the spring function and bounce of the mat. Invest in a better quality mat, do not jeopardize your safety.
Net it up
An enclosure net is a wonderful way to prevent injuries while bouncing on the trampoline. It protects both the jumper as well as the springs of the trampoline. Most trampolines come with in-built safety nets, and if not, you may want to buy one and install it to make bouncing on trampoline safe fun. Make sure to buy a net compatible with the size of your trampoline and attach it properly to the springs and frame to avoid any ugly falls. Parents can curl up in a quality Trampoline Chair 2018 for fun and watch as their kids summersault away to glory, albeit safe!
Check those bolt and springs.
Bolts, springs and the jumping mat work hand in hand in creating a durable surface which can absorb force and handle tension to give you the exhilarating jumping experience. However, loose or rusted springs may turn the fun into trauma. Thus, routine checking of the springs and bolt should be done to ensure that they’re securely fastened and intact. Loose springs affect the dynamics of the trampoline and may throw off the jumper, in case they detach. Also, look out for overhanging springs under the protective padding as they can cause ripping off of your clothes or skin.
Consider buying a springless trampoline.
Hitting or snagging by its springs causes most of the injuries in a trampoline. The latest innovation in the world of trampoline has brought to you the springless variety, which, as the name suggests, is devoid of springs and works on flexible composite rods, thus eliminating the dreary spring concerns.
Pad the necessary areas
Encasing the frame, bars, springs, hooks, safety net poles with protective safety pads ensures complete security to the jumpers using the trampoline. Examine the jumping mats and pads routinely to ascertain that they’re intact and in good condition. Even if you forego the protective pads, install the trampoline in a safe space and use softeners or sand to avoid injuries in case of falls. Also, keep the height of the trampoline at a low level to maintain a better equilibrium and minimize the risk of injuries in case of a fall, as it will be closer to the ground.
Clear up
Strictly ensure that there is no one beneath the trampoline while someone is on it. The area around and under the trampoline should be clear of pets, toys or people!
Jump single
While it is fun to climb up on to the trampoline to bounce together, it is not safe. Jumping one person at a time helps you stick to the given weight limit and eliminates the risk of collisions while bouncing up in the air.
Ladder your way up
While it may seem like a fun idea to jump on and off a trampoline, ugly falls may result in bruises, broken bones and even serious head and neck injuries. To avoid these mishaps, it’s best to use the ladder provided by the manufacturer to climb up and down your trampoline.
Dress smart
Akin to working out, trampolining too requires the right kind of clothing. Loose, baggy or long dresses may get caught in the springs, poles, and frames of the trampolines and cause you to trip. Do not carry any accessories while jumping. Remove any jewelry or sharp clips and watches. Ensure your pocket is empty and remove shoes before jumping to refrain from ruining the mat. Trampoline socks can, however, be used.
Lay rules and supervise
This is especially true when the kids turn acrobats. Parents must teach them proper moves, starting with easier ones before they devise their own flips! They should be taught to land in the center rather than the edges of the trampoline. They should be prohibited from carrying toys or pets on the trampoline.
If you follow all these safety tips, you can be assured that you will be able to prevent all the trampoline accidents.
