Archive for the ‘Trampolines’ Category

Trampoline + Fitness Class = “Airobics”

Two popular physical activities merge

Trampoline parks are the fastest growing segment of the amusement business and personal fitness trainers are getting in on the action. And their clients are flying to trampoline parks fitness classes, happy to switch their routines up and add novelty moves to their workout regimens.

Why work out on a trampoline?

In addition to experiencing a new workout routine and venue, there are other perks for participants. When the body engages in explosive moves or when jogging in place, 80 percent of the shock is absorbed by the trampoline. This makes for much lower impact that’s easier on the joints and ideal for anyone recovering from an injury.

Another benefit to exercising on a trampoline is the full-body workout it offers. An unstable surface such as a trampoline requires many muscles in various parts of your body to engage for balance control, which makes for an extra challenging workout.

“Working out on a trampoline can improve your coordination and agility and, since it puts your musculoskeletal system under slight stress, promotes stronger bones and can ward off osteoporosis,” according to Natalie Rado, a New York City personal trainer.

Adjusting to a new environment

Many of the exercises practiced in a regular gym environment, such as lunges, jumping jacks and kicks, and push-ups are easily done on the trampoline. Sometimes the entire trampoline is used to run laps and some activities are done with a small area. Equipment such as medicine balls, stretch bands, and small weights can also be easily incorporated into workouts, and the intensity scaled up or down to meet individual fitness levels.

There are valid concerns about trampoline safety in general. Only certified fitness trainers should be leading exercise class and be certified in CPR and first aid. Trainers should closely monitor participants at all times. Beefing up the workout shouldn’t require jumping at great heights or dangerous acrobatics, only intensifying the level of the regular workout.

Trainers and trampoline park operators, please visit our Trampoline Park Insurance page that includes tips on risk management. Or call us at 800 (622-7370).

Sources:
  • Caitlin Carlson, “The New Workout You Have to Try,” WomensHealthMag.com, 16 July, 2013.
  • Briana Wipf,  “Trampolines add intensity to aerobic workouts,”greatfallstribune.com,  24 June, 2014.

 

 

Trampoline Parks Business Jumps 700 Percent

Entrepreneurs weighing whether to pounce

Trampoline parks are the fastest growing segment of the amusement industry with an increase of 700 percent over the last three years. Enterprising investor types are on the sidelines waiting to see if if the public’s interest in pay-to-jump fun will continue to soar or drop with a thud.

The International Association of Trampoline Parks is an organization whose focus is to advance growth and develop industry safety standards.”We’re getting inquiries from new or potential parks every day and more are opening every month,” said Tracey Sarris, executive vice president

Smart investors know they can’t determine long-term profitability only by the long waiting lines to get into these parks, popularity of kids’ trampoline parties, and growing interest in trampoline fitness workouts. Injury and liability risks are also a serious factor.

The issue of safety

There are currently no mandatory national industry safety standards, and so far only Arizona and Michigan have passed regulation legislation. ASTM International, the globally recognized leader in the development of standards for testing and materials, recently published its ASTM F2970-13standard.  However, these standards are only voluntary at this time. Some of the franchised trampoline park companies have created a task force to establish uniform safety standards.

It’s common practice among trampoline parks to have guests review the safety rules and sign a waiver before jumping, have those rules posted, and station staff around every jump zone to ensure everyone follows the rules and assist jumpers when necessary. But not all parks employ best practices, such as emergency medical training for employees, setting limits on number of jumpers, or age/size limits of jumpers.

The cost of doing business

The start-up cost of a new park can run $750,000 to $2 million. That can get paid off fairly quickly with average fee of $10 per half hour of jump time and revenue from trampoline parties and other events, including adult trampoline basketball and trampoline aerobics classes. However, maintaining the park and keeping it safe and well-staffed could cut into profits.

The insurance fees park owners pay can be 6 to 7 percent of  their gross revenues.  Some of the larger franchise operators have arranged group insurance programs for their franchisees.

If you want more information on trampoline parks or are a trampoline park operator looking for insurance, call Sadler Sports and Recreation and Insurance at (800) 622-7370.

 

Source: Joan Verson, NewJersey.com, 27 June, 2014.

 

Trampoline Park Safety

Park owners, physicians and ASTM weigh in

If your kids are bouncing off the walls, why not take them to a trampoline park where they won’t tip over a lamp? Trampoline parks, usually located within large warehouses, are filled with a variety of trampolines. Customers can bounce and jump in any direction, slam-dunk basketballs, do flips and other gymnastics moves, and play dodgeball with foam balls. What’s not to love?

Trampoline parks are popping up in cities all across the nation, but with them come questions of safety. Evidence of their popularity is the fact that they are the fastest growing segment of the amusement park industry.

Don’t jump to conclusions

The medical community is concerned about the popularity of the parks because of the risk factors. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that trampolines should not be used by any child except for training programs and certain sports – and only then when supervised by a trained adult. The most recent statistics furnished by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are from 2010 where 92,000 injuries were treated in emergency rooms. However, that number doesn’t distinguish between residential or trampoline park sustained injuries. A better gauge would probably be by counting ambulance visits to trampoline parks.

Trampoline enthusiasts will tell you there is chance of injury in any sport, and that the risks are minimized in trampoline parks by the equipment, rules and supervision provided.

Trampoline ParkMany parks mix ages for jumpers and/or don’t limit number of people jumping at one time. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver, so customers jump at their own risk to the extent that courts will uphold waiver/release agreements. With reports of broken necks, shattered leg bones, concussions and one death, some doctors believe that the risks overshadow any benefits.

Setting standards

Governments are starting to take notice of the injury rates, Utah and California were among the first states to address concerns about safety in the burgeoning industry. Michigan passed legislation earlier this year. Also, the new ASTM F2970-13 standard set the bar high for trampoline park safety standards that are contained within the 22-page document. However, these standards are voluntary at this time.

Don’t jump right in

Before visiting any trampoline park, follow these safety tips to minimize your risks:

  • Before heading out, visit the park’s website. Read their safety information.
  • Talk to your children in advance about safety issues.
  • When you arrive at the park, read the posted safety information with them.
  • Avoid peak hours, especially in the evenings and on weekends and holidays.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and leave dangly jewelry at home
  • Instruct kids to stay away from larger participants and to avoid crowded situations.
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