Trampolines mean ‘fitness’ disguised as fun. Not only do they provide a thrilling experience, but also present an opportunity to improve strength, balance and agility while having a blast. Trampoline backyard playsets have always been popular among children and pre-teens; currently, it is gaining in popularity as a fun way to improve core strength and balance.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner looking to shake up your workout routine, incorporating trampolining into your workout can yield impressive results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why strength is crucial for trampolining and delve into a dozen exhilarating activities that will have you bouncing towards a fitter, stronger you.
Why Strength Matters in Trampolining
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s take a moment to understand why strength is essential for trampolining. Contrary to popular belief, bouncing on a trampoline isn’t just child’s play; it’s a very dynamic workout that demands strength, coordination, and balance. Here’s why strength is essential:
Safe BouncingÂ
While bouncing on a trampoline might seem effortless, it actually requires more strength than meets the eye. With each jump, you’re defying gravity, and without ample strength, maintaining control becomes challenging.
Calorie TorchingÂ
Trampolining isn’t just a fun activity; it’s also an effective calorie-burning workout. Studies show that bouncing on a trampoline can burn more calories than traditional cardio exercises like running (NASA research suggests it can be up to 70% more effective), making it an ideal choice for weight management and overall fitness. However, sustaining the intensity of trampoline workouts requires strength and endurance.
Precision and AgilityÂ
Whether you’re executing flips, twists, or complex jump sequences, trampolining demands precision and agility, without adequate strength, maintaining balance and executing movements with finesse becomes challenging, and you risk losing balance and potentially injuring yourself.
Twelve Thrilling Trampoline Activities to Build Strength
Now that we understand the importance of strength, let’s explore twelve exciting trampoline activities designed to enhance strength, coordination, and overall fitness:
Progressive Trampoline Jumps
Start with basic jumps and progress to more advanced ones like tuck jumps, straddle jumps, and 360° turns. Experimenting with different jumps is a fun way to challenge your muscles and coordination. Start simple and gradually progress to more complex variations as your strength and skill level increase.
Trampoline Running
Incorporate running into your trampoline routine for an intense cardio workout. Running in place or along the edge of the trampoline adds an extra layer of intensity to your workout. This activity provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout while strengthening leg muscles and endurance.
Dance Party
Turn your trampoline into a dance floor by syncing your jumps to your favourite tunes. Dance-inspired movements not only raise your heart rate but also improve rhythm, coordination, and flexibility. Invite friends and family to join for a fun-filled group workout.
Water Balloons
Beat the heat and add even more fun to your trampoline session with a water balloon battle. Dodging and jumping to avoid getting wet not only provides a refreshing challenge but also enhances agility, reflexes, and spatial awareness.
Action Sports FunÂ
Take your trampoline skills to the next level by incorporating bounce boards or trampoline scooters into your routine. These accessories introduce an element of challenge and excitement, stimulating core muscles and improving balance and coordination.
Memory
Test your memory and coordination with this engaging group game. Players take turns performing a sequence of jumps, with each participant adding their own unique twist to the sequence. The last player standing without making a mistake emerges victorious.
Yoga
Challenge your balance and core strength by practising yoga on your trampoline. The soft, springy surface adds an element of instability, intensifying yoga poses and improving proprioception and body awareness. Experiment with balancing poses, stretches, and mindfulness for a holistic workout experience.
Jump & Grab
Attach ribbons to the trampoline frame and challenge yourself to grab as many as possible while bouncing. This game improves hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and reaction time while adding an element of competitive fun. Assign point values to different coloured ribbons to up the challenge.
Basketball
Install a basketball hoop next to your trampoline and put your shooting skills to the test while bouncing. Whether you’re practising layups, dunks, or three-pointers, this activity will improve coordination, agility, and vertical jump height. Adjust the hoop height and distance for varying levels of challenge.
Obstacle CourseÂ
Set up an obstacle course around your trampoline, adding hurdles, cones, and balance beams. Completing the course will require oodles of strength, agility, and quick reflexes.
Medicine Ball Throws
Stand on the trampoline and perform medicine ball throws with a partner. Catching and throwing the ball while maintaining balance challenges core stability and upper body strength.
Resistance Band Workouts
Attach resistance bands to the trampoline frame and perform a variety of strength exercises like rows, presses, and curls. The instability of the trampoline surface adds an extra challenge to regular resistance band workouts.
Incorporating these trampoline activities into your routine not only makes workouts more enjoyable but also fosters holistic strength and physical fitness. Remember to prioritise safety by adhering to proper technique, increasing intensity gradually, and supervising younger participants. Start slowly, gradually increasing the intensity as your strength and skill level improve. With consistency and dedication, you’ll not only master the bounce but also build strength, balance and endurance along the way.
Trampolining isn’t just about bouncing; it’s about pushing your limits, testing your strength, and having a blast while doing it. So, grab oz trampolines and get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey towards a fitter, stronger you!
