In the article “Trampolining” you will learn why this sport develops not only the body, but also the brain, and how ordinary jumping can replace a full cardio workout.
#Trampolining #Trampoline #TrampolineJumping
In summer, in parks and city playgrounds, you can often see children bouncing merrily on trampolines. Adults watch them with a smile, but few people think: what if a future Olympic champion grows up among these kids? After all, trampolining is not just an entertainment, but a serious sport, included in the Olympic Games program since 2000.
From ancient traditions to the circus arena
The origins of the trampoline go back centuries. Eskimos used to toss children on stretched walrus skins, the English used blankets for this purpose, and Indian tribes created a trampoline out of elastic materials. However, the real popularity of this projectile gained thanks to circus performers.
More than 200 years ago, acrobats began to include jumps on a spring net in their performances. They performed double and triple somersaults, impressing the audience with their dexterity. Over time, not only circus performers but also athletes became interested in trampolines.
From an astronaut simulator to an Olympic pedestal
In the middle of the 20th century, trampolines were used in the training of pilots and astronauts – they helped to work on coordination and vestibular apparatus. Later, jumping became an independent sport.
The first Olympic trampoline champions were Alexander Moskalenko and Irina Karavaeva. The Russians won the first gold medals in this sport in 2000 in Sydney.
Irina Karavaeva is the most titled trampolinist in history: 5 gold medals at World Championships, 6 European Championships and 5 victories in the World Cup.
Alexander Moskalenko is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of 14 gold medals at World Championships.
Interesting fact! The world’s largest trampoline – Bounce Below in Wales – is located in an abandoned quarry. Its net is stretched at a height of 25 meters!
Types of trampolining
Although only individual jumps are included in the Olympics, other disciplines are represented in other events:
- Synchronized jumps – two athletes perform the same elements at the same time.
- Team competition – 3-4 competitors take turns jumping and their scores are totaled.
- Acrobatic track – a series of jumps with acrobatic elements.
- Double minitramp – an athlete sprints, jumps onto a mini-trampoline and performs difficult elements.
How are performances judged?
Judges evaluate three key aspects:
- Technique – clarity and cleanliness of execution of elements.
- Complexity – the number and riskiness of tricks.
- Height – the longer the athlete is in the air, the higher the score.
Professional trampolinists take off at 7-8 meters, performing 10 complex jumps in 20 seconds. One mistake and the exercise does not count.
Physics and physiology of jumping
Many people think that in trampolining only the legs work, but in fact all muscle groups are involved. Athletes must have incredible endurance:
- 5-7 minutes of jumping replaces a kilometer run.
- One of the basic exercises is 80 jumps in a row without stopping (it is only 3 minutes, but even professionals take a break after it).
Interesting fact! 10 minutes of jumping on a trampoline burns as many calories as 30 minutes of running. At the same time, the load on your joints is 4 times less!
Why does jumping fade without pushing off the trampoline? It’s all about friction – it’s caused by the trampoline’s springs and air resistance. If you don’t push off, the energy of the jump turns into heat and the movement slows down.
How to start trampolining?
From the age of 6-7, you can enroll in a section.
For children aged 4-5, coaches recommend that they first take up dancing to develop their sense of rhythm.
Jumping on a trampoline develops coordination, strength and agility, and also builds character. It is a sport for those who want to be fast, strong and fearless!
Important: Never try to perform complicated tricks without training – it’s dangerous! It is better to start with training under the guidance of an experienced coach.
About trampolining
FAQs
Why do trampolinists perform in tight-fitting costumes?
Loose clothing creates resistance to air, and tight uniforms allow you to jump higher and more accurately. A professional costume, on the other hand, fits snugly to the body without restricting the performance of difficult elements. In tight-fitting suits, the technique of performing tricks is clearly visible, which affects the score.
How does a sports trampoline differ from a leisure trampoline?
The difference is enormous, and it's not just the size:
Springs - in professional trampolines they are longer and made of high quality steel, which allows them to store and release more energy. Amateur models have shorter springs with less elasticity.
Load - sports equipment can withstand up to 6 times more force, providing a powerful push and high flight.
Safety - professional trampolines have a reinforced frame and safety netting to reduce the risk of injury.
Is jumping on a trampoline dangerous?
During a jump, a trampolinist experiences an overload of up to 3G, so for the average person sharp jumps can be traumatic, but in professionals the body is adapted to the loads, as daily training strengthens the muscles, vestibular apparatus and nervous system. Athletes spend years perfecting the technique of landing and controlling the body in the air.
