Trampoline Exercise Routines

Trampoline exercise routines are perfect for anyone who is interested in enhancing their dynamic balance, strength, aerobic fitness and agility. Although they were once used exclusively by gymnasts, in the past decade, they have become a popular form of home and group exercise.

Archaeological cave drawings depict members of the Inuit tribes using walrus skins to toss each other into the air. It's possible, that centuries later, the trampoline was used as part of a circus performance. In fact, the Beatle's song, For the Benefit of Mr. Kite was supposedly inspired by a late 19th century circus poster, which featured an apparatus that resembled a trampoline. According to circus lore, there was an acrobatic performer by the name of Du Trampolin, who created the trampoline as safety device, that is similar to what firemen use for rescue.

While there is no documented proof of the validity of this story, we do know that in 1934, two University of Iowa students created the first modern version of what is now called the trampoline. George Nissen was a gymnast and a diver. Larry Griswold was a gymnastic tumbler. After observing the safety net used by trapeze artists, they decided to experiment and have some fun with the concept. Nissen and Griswold attached a stretched canvas, along with a set of coiled springs to an iron frame. At first, they used it to practice their tumbling routines, but eventually, it became a form of entertainment in its own right. A new sport was born.

Years later, the trampoline would be used as a means of training US Navy fighter pilots and as a means of training United States and Soviet astronauts to adapt to the various body positions that are common in space travel.

In the early 1970s, trampoline exercise routines were extremely popular amongst fitness enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the home-fitness models were poorly made and many injuries occurred. Then, in 2000, a fitness trainer named J.B. Berns created a piece of equipment called the Urban Rebounder, which is a mini trampoline. Although the Urban Rebounder has a sturdier design than most mini trampoline, it's the modifications in technique that make it safer for home use. In rebounding, you focus on the downwards, as opposed to the upwards, movements. As such, there is less of a chance of falling off the equipment, which makes it a safer workout. Most of the rebounding movements can be performed on any type of mini trampoline.

There are four types of trampoline exercise routines:

• Trampoline aerobic workouts
• Trampoline balance workouts
• Trampoline strength and toning workouts
• Trampoline agility workouts

If you have never used a trampoline, it's best to start with a balance workout. Remove your shoes and stand on the trampoline. Lift one leg and try to maintain your balance. When you have mastered the balance on each side, try it with your eyes closed. Then, stay on the trampoline, but kneel on all fours. Simultaneously lift your right leg and your left arm, and then your left leg and right arm.

The trampoline can be used for a variety of jumping moves, which include:

• Jumping jacks
• 45 degree jump turns
• 90 degree jump turns
• Full circle jump turns
• Cross country ski moments
• Side to side hops

You can add agility training to any aerobic workout, by having a friend toss you a medicine ball while you perform a jumping pattern.

You can place one foot on the trampoline and perform a series of lunges. For the upper body, place your feet on the trampoline and your hands on the floor. This will provide added depth and challenge to the push-up. For abdominal exercise, you can perform a reverse curl while lying on the trampoline. Since the surface is unstable, your core muscles will need to work harder.

Next time you want to add variety to your workout, consider trampoline training. It will make you jump for joy.

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