Trampolines

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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?
There are several theories about what the trampolines were really meant for, but there are a lot of stories that have circulated that they were already utilized for recreation and sports. In the early days of theater, trampolines were also used as part of a comic act to amuse audience.

Then, the circus came and used a bigger trampoline for their trapeze acts. In Illinois during the late 1930s, many circus performers stayed during the cold months. It is at this time that two coaches for gymnastics discovered the wonders that jumping on a trampoline can do for this particular sport. The trapeze artists fell on the catch net and then rebounded with somersaults and other amazing moves. Nissen realized how much this could benefit gymnasts to do more complicated and almost acrobatic movements.

Of the two gymnastic coaches mentioned above, George Nissen, he spent a lot of time with the trapeze artists that were mending the bouncy catch nets used in their act. Nissen had the idea to create a smaller mini-trampoline, this was more convenient to have around the gymnasium. The gymnasts then learned how to use the mini-trampoline and this became 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 today
Since then, many American families have chosen to buy their own trampolines to use in their recreational activities. The traditional design of trampolines is a rounded canvas sheet attached to a strong metal frame by springs. Now, trampolines are available in many designs and sizes. There are rectangular trampolines, rounded, and trampolines fitted with safety nets for the use of children. You may have also seen small trampolines in different play areas around your kids school.

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