Trampoline Explained: What Your Child Can Learn From One of the Newest Olympic Sports

Gymnastics has been part of the Olympic Games since 1896. That’s 120 years of twisting and tumbling, at least for the men. Women’s gymnastics first appeared in 1928, and has been included in every Olympic Games since 1936. The specific events have changed a bit over the years. For instance, rope climbing has fallen by the wayside, as has club swinging. The newest gymnastic event is trampolining, added in the 2000 Games at Sydney, Australia.

If you’re wondering if the trampoline is something your child would enjoy, let’s just say this: Jumping on a trampoline is fun! No doubt about it! However, there’s a lot more going on with every jump than you might think. Trampoline as a sport, is beneficial in several important ways. For one thing, it improves cardiovascular function more than running, according to a 1980 study conducted by NASA, without the negative impacts on legs and joints. Jumping also involves the entire body and forces the right half to work with the left in order to stay balanced.

While jumping on a backyard trampoline is fun and gets your kids moving, a structured class or workout will add greater benefit. Close supervision by trained coaches will help your child learn:

•    Greater muscle control leading to improved coordination and learning. Yes, learning! Kids with better motor control are better able to pay attention in school.
•    Spatial awareness, a skill that comes into play throughout life. Think about parking your car at the supermarket; that’s using spatial awareness.
•    Persistence, which grows with practicing a new trick repeatedly.
•    Self-confidence that comes with a sense of achievement and physical self-awareness.
•    That a healthy way to de-stress is the best way.

Your child will also learn that some activities are best done in a safe and structured environment. Remember how your mother yelled when you jumped on your bed? Mom knew it was dangerous. A well-run gym with experienced instructors has the proper equipment so your child leaves in the same condition as when she arrived.

Learning flips and twists under the eye of an experienced instructor means your child knows how to do them correctly and safely. And knowing the risks are minimized will help you breathe easier as you watch the latest trick demonstration.