Why Your Child Should Be Involved in Trampoline.

In 2000 there were over 600,000 trampolines purchased with little or no real safety instruction. In spite of the negative reports about injuries, sale continue to climb. The driving force behind the growing popularity is that trampolines are FUN. More importantly, there are a number of benefits provided by trampoline of which most people, including those in the industry, are unaware. Once you know these benefits you'll understand why every family should own a backyard trampoline.

Enhanced Vision and Learning

As a youngster Steve had severe problems with motor control, focusing his eyes and dyslexia. Needless to say he had problems reading, learning and adapting socially. The first doctor he visited prescribed glasses but fortunately his parents did not stop there. His second doctor recommended that his parents invest in a trampoline because of the fact that many visual therapists have used rebound exercise for years as a means to stimulate visual development.
Dr. G.N. Gettman O.D., one of the top visual therapists in the country wrote an article entitled "The Use Of Trampoline In Developmental Visual Guidance." In this article Dr. Gettman stated "The trampoline provides opportunities for the acquisition of basis movement control, which is essential to coordination. Clinical and research studies of rebound exercise indicate that the trampoline can provide experiences that influence a child's academic success . . . The trampoline contributes more to the organization of visual perception then any other known device."
Fortunately for Steve, his parents invested in the purchase of a trampoline. As a result within a few weeks his coordination and vision improved. His comprehension and academic skills increased and he eventually went to college on a gymnastic scholarship. Watching the precision control with which he executes soaring, graceful trampoline skills, one would never guess this talented man was once one of those children that seemed destined for a life of academic struggle and emotional pain that so many children with these difficulties experience. How can such a simple activity provide such dramatic results?

Train Your Brain

Dr. Carla Hannaford in her book Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head, does a wonderful job of describing how the brain and nervous system develop. She points out that physical movement is essential for the building of neurons in the brain and throughout the entire body. The degree of neurological development has a direct effect on a child's ability to gather, synthesize and utilize sensory information coming from the environment. In other words, physical movement helps a child build the internal neurological mechanism critical to learning.
If this movement does not happen, especially at an early age, then neurological development is thwarted. The physical mechanism for gathering information through the senses and the transference of the thought impulse in incomplete This leads to a host of problems from learning disorders to behavioral problems.
Development of the vestibular system, the mechanism in the inner ear that is responsible for spatial awareness, is like wise important. The vestibular system is the key to balance and motion and plays a very important role in our ability to be aware. This system plays a significant role in a child's ability to understand and learn as well.
Excessive television at a young age can drastically impair the development of the vestibular system. The reason for this is that movement of the head is necessary for the development of the nerves that are a part of this system and that transfer information to other parts of the brain and body.
When a youngster is engrossed in a television program the head is usually locked in a set position and there is very little movement. This restricts stimulation that will enhance neurological growth and consequently the vestibular system is under-developed. This same problem can be a result of excessive video games. Children need physical play as a part of successful development.
By its very nature trampoline is one of the best activities for engaging the body in total movement. Rebound exercise will help develop balance, coordination and sensory acuity. The various individual and combination skills will safely put the body through a range of motion it couldn't experience any other way. This movement will help stimulate both the vestibular system and the other senses, as well as helping your child stay physically fit. Hopefully one day the use of recreational trampoline will be as wide spread as television. The result of this will be an enhancement of the developmental processes necessary to learning.
Dr. Jacob Liberman O.D. in his excellent book Take Off Your Glasses and See introduces a number of different exercises to be done on a trampoline that will enhance ones vision and learning ability. These activities helped him overcome some of the learning challenges and self-doubt that goes with them enabling him to take the learning process to a whole new level.

Youth Health Crisis

Why is the health benefit of importance to youngsters today? An alarming trend shows that obesity in children between the ages of 6 to 11 has risen 54%. This condition lays the foundation for heart disease, diabetes and cancer later in life. The key causes of this are poor diet and lack of physical activity. A Harvard study found that poor diet and physical inactivity were among the leading causes of premature death in the USA each year. The surgeon general's report on Physical Activity and Health in 1996 pointed out that a sedentary lifestyle leads to a deteriorating physical state and potentially caused as much damage as smoking.
Perhaps television remote controls should start carrying a warning that states "Caution, extended use of this apparatus can lead to degenerative disease and cause learning disabilities." Fun and convenient physical activity in youth can help to offset these problems later on in life. The recreational trampoline is one of the best tools that can fulfill this need.
It is recommended that adults check with their Doctor or Chiropractor before starting a rebound exercise routine. Some people who have never used a trampoline before may feel some tightness in their back or their chest at first. This is because they are working muscles they have never used before. Listen to your body. If it hurts, back off a little bit. Gradually build up so the cells that make up the muscle and supportive tissue have a chance to adapt to the new force being placed upon them.
Sometimes women who start rebounding find they have to urinate after a short time because of a weak bladder. Continue to exercise lightly and gradually increase. All of the organs will gradually tighten up. If you have structural problems such as bad knees or minor back problems take extra care and pay close attention to the messages your body is sending you.
Your body's cells have a remarkable ability to adapt to their environment. By subjecting them to the increased force of gravity each cell will strengthen itself and adjust to the added tension. All this is accomplished without the jarring trauma caused by some other forms of exercise.
This is a point to consider if you're one of the people who are paying the price for pounding the pavement while running over the years. You may find trampolining to be just the exercise you need to keep in shape and spend quality time with your kids.

Know The Difference

There are two categories or uses of a trampoline. The most common use in the past has been as a gymnastic apparatus and competitive sport. The second purpose being discovered by more and more people, is for personal and family enjoyment as a piece of recreational equipment.
Unfortunately, there has never been a clear, defining separation between trampoline as a piece of gymnastic equipment and trampoline as a fitness and leisure item. When people think "trampoline" they automatically think of somersaulting and acrobatics because those are the activities that have always been associated with it.
When people take on that mind set to a backyard trampoline, which was not designed or intended, for somersaulting, the result can be unnecessary injury. This association will dramatically increase in the year 2000 when trampoline makes its debut as an Olympic event. It is imperative that the trampoline industry and those who enjoy the activity of trampoline make a clear defining break between backyard recreation and acrobatic, competitive use. If people want to learn inverted skills it needs to be done in an organized gymnastic or trampoline program.
With a trained instructor and by using the correct technique and learning progressions, inverted skills can be learned safely. To locate a competent, trained instructor in your area contact the United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association. Keep in mind that by choosing to do acrobatic skills without proper instruction YOU are taking an unwise risk that could result in a serious life time disability.
There are a number of safe non-somersaulting combinations and skills that can be learned with the help of a good safety video.
A good trampoline video that was designed for backyard trampolines will teach correct skill technique, learning progressions and help your children avoid acts that can potentially cause injury. This will increase the level of safety, maximize the many positive benefits of trampoline, raise the fun factor for kids and provide a solid foundation for those who want to move into the acrobatic, competitive arena.
Keep in mind that any activity involving height and motion carries with it the possibility of injury. However, with proper instruction and a commitment to put safety first, this can be drastically reduced in frequency and severity. When properly used, the benefits of trampoline far outweigh the risks.
Properly used, a trampoline will provide years of fun, fitness and enjoyment. It will be one of the best investments your family will ever make. Spend a few extra dollars, invest in a quality unit and do not let price be your determining factor. You'll be glad you did.

THINK, BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN

Michael Brook was a State Trampoline Champion, a High Diver, and World Class Aerial Acrobatic Freestyle Skier. He is an expert in personal growth, motivation and the author of Creating Wellness. He presents entertaining and informative programs on health, wellness and a high performance living to schools and businesses.
Drawing from his athletic expertise, training in Accelerated Learning and Psychological Kinesiology, Michael has integrated tips and techniques that will enhance health, achievement and personal growth into an entertaining, informative trampoline safety video. High Performance Techniques for Trampoline Safety will enhance the quality of your trampoline experience and help your kids Play it Safe. For more information: http://www.highperform.com/home.html