Not only is trampolining a very popular way of spending one’s free time, an increasing number of people, such as gymnasts and acrobats, are engaging in this activity professionally. As they have a special set of skills and abilities, finding the right trampoline is all the more difficult.
And because performing various acrobatic elements is part of being a gymnast, you can be sure they won’t be doing just basic jumps on their trampolines. A classic, good-quality trampoline is perfect for such users, but if they want to improve their skills outside the gym, they shouldn’t pick the first model they see. Here are a few important things to consider if you want to choose the best gymnastics trampoline.
Choose the right shape for your gymnastic trampoline
A quick look at any Trampoline park will tell you that most trampolines are rectangular. If you’re choosing a gymnastics trampoline, you should go with a rectangular one, too. This is important for two reasons:
- With round trampolines, repulsive forces draw the jumper towards the middle, but in rectangular trampolines, these forces are the same in all directions. This enables gymnasts to achieve a stable bounce and controlled landing.
- Because rectangular trampolines provide optimal bounce, they make the best possible gymnastics trampolines. With a higher level of bounce, gymnasts have more options for executing certain tricks in the air without having to have strong legs with explosive power.
What is the perfect size for your gymnastic trampoline?
When choosing the size of your gymnastics trampoline, everything depends on the size of the jumper and the kind of acrobatic elements they want to perform. For illustration, the size of an Olympic trampoline is 520 x 305 cm (17 x 10 ft), but it’s safe to say you won’t be needing such a large trampoline for home use, especially if you lack the necessary space.
For acrobatic elements, a trampoline measuring 11 x 8 ft or 14 x 10 ft is more than enough. The choice also depends on the gymnast’s age, as young gymnasts won’t do as well on the largest trampolines.
Remember to consider the safety functions
Even if a trampoline is used by experienced gymnasts, safety is still paramount. Indeed, given that gymnasts perform more daring and potentially dangerous acrobatic tricks than less skilled users, it’s all the more important for their trampolines to feature a safety net.
Although this is especially true when the jumpers are younger, it’s very likely that adult gymnasts will also try out new tricks on such trampolines. In such cases, a safety net creates a protective wall of sorts that prevents gymnasts from falling off the trampoline.
Safety pads are also vital. When performing more demanding tricks, it’s more likely that landings won’t always be ideal. That’s why it’s important for springs to be covered with protective pads, which can prevent many unnecessary injuries.
For optimum bounce - springs and jumping mat must be of sufficient quality
The springs and the jumping mat affect the trampoline bounce the most. It should be noted that the forces created when doing high jumps are extreme, which can eventually lead to joint problems.
That’s why the springs must ensure long-term elasticity, quiet functioning, and optimum bounce with minimum impact on the body. The jumping mat must be of sufficient quality so as to enable a great many jumps, as well as jumping safety.
Choose a gymnastic trampoline with a high-quality frame
Regardless of whether you’re buying an in-ground or freestanding model, it’s important for the frame to be of first-rate quality and resistant to all external factors (rain, wind, and UV rays).
The forces generated when performing individual acrobatic elements are tremendous, and you don’t want your trampoline to become wobbly after just a few months of use. So be sure to pick a trampoline with a reinforced double frame, which will provide you with optimal stability and long service life.
Gymnastics trampolines are indispensable for gymnastics training
Trampolines often serve as a springboard for mastering the basic techniques and controlling one’s body. To this end, many other athletes also like to exercise this way, not just gymnasts. It’s a fact, however, that trampolines are all the more important for gymnasts, as this is the only way they can learn certain new acrobatic elements in the air.
Although choosing a trampoline for gymnastics is more difficult than choosing one for simpler exercises, we’re certain that our advice will help you pick the best possible model for your purposes.
Discover our ultimate guide where we compile all the essential details you require to find the ideal trampoline tailored to your specific needs.
