6 Health Benefits Of Trampoline For Kids
The trampoline is so popular that it has become a standard feature of many backyards. It is a source of entertainment for children and adults alike. Jumping is one of the earliest functions we learn as kids. Think about it; even a baby bounces while sitting down! It is only natural that we gravitate toward activities that require jumping as we grow older.
Jumping on a trampoline is more than just fun. It can also be beneficial to your overall health, wellness and improve your level of fitness. Adults use the trampoline for low- impact aerobic activity. You burn hundreds of calories while jumping. It strengthens your bones, builds muscles, improves mobility, coordination, and agility.
However, the benefits for kids are a bit muted. Parents and doctors take a more cautious approach when it comes to trampoline exercises for kids. With improper use, a trampoline can cause serious injury to children. Thus, it may seem counter- intuitive to promote the benefits of jumping on a trampoline for kids.
In contrast, what other sporting activity does not carry an element of risk? Popular sports such as baseball, basketball, football, tennis, gymnastics, even something as basic as running can lead to injury. Does that mean we should keep our children locked up in our houses instead of venturing into the great outdoors?
How To Make Your Trampoline Safe For Kids
Like other sports, trampoline jumping can cause injury. For the reason that it is done within an enclosed space, the risk factors of trampoline use can be mitigated.
Are trampolines safe for toddlers? Yes, but only if you follow these guidelines:
- Set up the trampoline in a safe, secure area in your backyard.
- The setup location of the trampoline should be free of rocks and sharp objects within its perimeter.
- Make sure the trampoline is enclosed with a safety net.
- Don’t buy a trampoline just because it is cheap. Research on a brand before buying it. Check user reviews and read up on a brand’s durability and safety features.
- Strictly enforce the “One jumper at a time” rule for kids younger than 14 years old.
- When kids are using the trampoline, the area must always be supervised by a responsible adult.
- Trampoline surface must be kept clean and dry at all times.
Finally, you must buy a trampoline that can support the intended activity. For example, if you have jumpers older than nine years old and who plan to use it for gymnastics training, buy a rectangular trampoline instead of a circular one.
A rectangular trampoline has more surface area. It will give your jumpers more space to jump and execute techniques. Rectangular types will best develop trampoline skills.
6 Health Benefits Of Trampoline For Kids
As we mentioned earlier jumping is one of the first functions we learned as children growing up. You see babies who are sitting down attempt to jump up when they react to the stimulus that gets them excited.
The need to jump appears to be ingrained in our natural evolution as human beings. Aside from the physical function, there are biological reasons why we tend to jump even before we can walk.
Here are 6 health benefits of trampoline for kids:
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Stimulation of the Vestibular System
The vestibular system is responsible for children developing their natural movement patterns which include learning correct balancing techniques. It is located in the center of the inner ear and communicates with the brain through a specific nerve pathway.
The vestibular system is responsible for organizing all the information it receives from other senses in relation to movement. Regular trampoline use for kids, including toddlers, can help develop an effective vestibular system.
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Enhances Body Awareness And Sensory Perception
It may look like a simple activity, but jumping on a trampoline triggers many complex systems in your body. Doctors have found that one of the key benefits of jumping on a trampoline for kids is its ability to get different senses working at the same time. Increases sensory perception helps enhance body awareness.
What does this mean? In simple terms, it can help improve coordination and the natural ability of children to quickly learn other skills. Trampoline exercises for kids stimulate auditory- motor skills and visual- motor skills.
When a child attempts to do twists and turns in the air while jumping, it coordinates information from the muscles with neural pathways that help the child execute the specific movement.
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Increases and Builds Muscles
One of the first things you must teach kids before using a trampoline is correct jumping technique. While jumping is a natural movement, there is a correct way of doing it just like walking requires proper form and technique.
By getting your kids to jump correctly, they can develop good core strength. The core involves the abdominals, hips, and lower back areas. When your core muscles are strong, it will be easier to learn new activities and skills because you have better balance and greater stability.
Children who exercise on a trampoline at an early age are able to adapt and integrate movements required by other sports. If you want your child to excel in basketball, soccer, track, and martial arts, get them started early on the trampoline!
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More Efficient Motor Skills
Have you observed how a child jumps on a trampoline? Even with direct supervision, he/she will look to find the correct and most advantageous positions for jumping. The child will adjust his movements to accommodate changes in body weight shifts.
When they go through this process of adaptation on the trampoline, it triggers constant communication between their mind and body. Both systems are naturally working together to help the child find his/her correct movement on the trampoline.
Collectively, the activity of these different bodily processes and functions are contributing to the development of key motor skills: balance, agility, rhythm, and agility.
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Effective Way to Get Fitter and Stronger
Did you know that NASA recommends trampoline over running as a form of exercise? Yes, the world’s premier space research agency has conducted studies that show trampoline use leads to the following health benefits:
- Better digestion
- Improves blood circulation
- Protects internal organs
- Improves lymphatic function
- Enhances your immune system
According to NASA, improved blood circulation will ensure the regular delivery of oxygen and valuable nutrients to your child’s brain. A healthier brain means better focus, higher concentration, improved alertness, and a more pleasant disposition.
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Develops Productive Attributes
As the saying goes, “Learn to crawl before you can walk; learn to walk before you can run.” The same principle should be applied to trampoline use: “Learn to jump before you can learn to do a somersault.”
It takes time to learn a new skill. You have to do hundreds and thousands of repetitions before the mechanics required to execute skills wired into the correct neural pathways.
Children who use the trampoline to learn jumping techniques will develop attributes that contribute to productive behaviour. These attributes include:
- Persistence
- Dedication
- Patience
- Commitment
- Discipline
It could be frustrating at the start. However, as they keep at it and become better, they experience the joy of achieving success through constant progress. They will apply the same productive behaviours in other areas of their lives, particularly in school.
Conclusion
Thinking of buying a trampoline for your family? Go ahead! The benefits of jumping on a trampoline for kids far outweigh the risks. Consequently, keep in mind the safety guidelines we included in this article.
Trampoline health benefits carry over to both children and adults. For children, early trampoline use will help them prepare physically and mentally for the challenges they face as they get older.
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