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The Amazing Trampoline " Its Origin
The trampoline, an almost ordinary device that is used by children for tumbling, by gymnasts for practice, and by health buffs for exercise has a very colorful history behind it. If you have found yourself in the airport at Anchorage, you probably have a good idea on where the trampoline came from originally. Although there have been reports that drawings of trampoline"like devices have been found in archeological dig site, you'll never find something as clear as Eskimos jumping up and down on treated Walrus skin depicted on postcards from Alaska.
What were olden trampolines used for?
Some of the theories about what trampolines were actually used for are just spectulation. Most of the uses are for sport and recreation. Trampolines, in the early days of the theater, were also used to amuse the audience as part of their act.
When the circus came to town they used a more bigger trampoline for thier trapeze acts. In Illinois during the late 1930's the circus performers would stay during the cold months. It was at one of the acts that two coaches for gymnastics discovered the wonders that jumping on a trampoline can do for this particular sport. If the trapeze artists fell the catch net would act like a trampoline and rebound the artist with somersaults and other amazing moves. Nissen realized how this could benefit his gymnast to do more complicated and almost acrobatic movements.
Of the two gymnastic coaches George Nissen, spent lots of time with the trapeze artists that were mending the bouncy nets they use as catch for their acts. Nissen got the idea from the big nets to create a mini-trampoline, something that is more convenient than the bigger catch nets and more use full for the gymnasts. This lead to the trampoline to become one of the events in competitions from the late 40's to '67.
The trampoline in 1967 became a sport, even though it was only recognized as such in the United States. It wasn't until 2000 that it became a world -wide sports event as it debuted in the Sydney Olympic Games.
Trampolines of today
Since the early days, many American families chose to buy their own trampolines for recreational use and fun for the whole family. Trampolines of traditional design are the rounded canvas sheet attached to a strong steel frame and attached by springs. Trampolines today come in many shapes and sizes. There are rounded, square, rectangular and the option to have your trampoline fitted with a safety nets so your kids are kept safe. Schools now days have trampolines on the playground.
Of course, you can still see many athletes using the trampoline as a way to exercise movements that can make them more agile and flexible. Gymnasts still use this as a way to practice complex movements as they can keep on rebounding and perfecting the movements.
The trampoline is recommended as a fitness and health device. There are many videos out that swear of the effectiveness of "trampolining". Give it a try you just might become toned and loose weight, or just to keep fit.
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