Trampoline: Benefits, Shapes & Questions Answered

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: February 12, 2023

A trampoline is a tightly stretched sheet on which one can jump for sport or relaxation and perform antics.

Jumping on the trampoline is also part of the gymnastics sport.

Jumping on a trampoline is wonderful, when you are in the air you are weightless for a while and you feel free.

Trampolines are not only fun but also have many other benefits, for both children and adults.

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Benefits of trampolining

Did you know that jumping on a trampoline is not only great fun but also healthy? It has a host of benefits for both adults and children!

• Weight loss and stronger muscles
• Good for muscles, bones and joints
• Good for lymphatic system
• Less back pain because stronger abdominal and back muscles
• Improved balance and coordination
• Increases energy and vitality
• Greater muscle mass
• Improved fitness and cardiovascular (blood) system

Shape of the trampoline

Trampolines come in 3 shapes: rectangular, round and oval. Each shape has its own advantages.

The shape you choose depends on the shape of your garden and what you already have in the garden.

A rectangular trampoline

Do you have an elongated garden? Then is  a rectangular (or oval) trampoline is a better choice.

Jumps on a rectangular trampoline are also more controllable.

It turns out that you don't jump into each other or get on the edge that quickly.

In this regard, a rectangular trampoline is safer than a round trampoline. Have you noticed that professional trampolines are also always rectangular?

However, rectangular trampolines are in most cases slightly more expensive than other shapes.

This has to do with the extra material (steel) that is incorporated in the frame.

When jumping on a rectangular trampoline, the most pressure is on the middle part of the frame.

To prevent buckling and possible tearing, extra steel has been placed on those parts.

Although this extra material provides more strength to the frame, it does mean that the trampoline will cost more.

Advantages rectangular trampoline

• Children are less likely to jump against each other or on the edge
• safer
• Handy for elongated garden
• Jump higher: The surface and the extra material allow big kids to jump higher on rectangular trampolines

Disadvantages rectangular trampoline

• More expensive because of extra material
• safer
• Handy for elongated garden
• Not suitable for little ones or inexperienced jumpers
• Fewer options: this shape has fewer sizes and choice options than, for example, a round trampoline

Having an round trampoline

With round trampolines there is equal pressure all over the frame. As a result, the frame of a round trampoline does not need any additional material.

The tension on the springs is evenly distributed and ensures that you automatically jump to the center of the trampoline.

This makes your child less likely to jump off the trampoline.

If several children are jumping on the trampoline, the chance is greater that they will bump into each other.

With round trampolines there is equal pressure all over the frame. As a result, the frame of a round trampoline does not need any additional material.

The tension on the springs is evenly distributed and ensures that you automatically jump to the center of the trampoline.

This makes your child less likely to jump off the trampoline.

If several children are jumping on the trampoline, the chance is greater that they will bump into each other.

Benefits round trampoline

• Good for the little ones
• Because the springs are all equally tensioned, the jumper is 'pushed' to the middle, so less chance to jump on the edge; so a round trampoline is safer in that regard
• Often in many different sizes and price ranges

Disadvantages round trampoline

• Takes up more space
• More difficult to do tricks

Having an oval trampoline

An oval trampoline has the best of both worlds.

With a combination of features of a round and a rectangular trampoline, the oval version offers a more controllable jumping experience.

The child is still centered, but never quite centered. The chance of colliding is thus considerably reduced.

In general, an oval trampoline is more expensive than a round because it requires extra reinforcement.

Advantages oval trampoline

• More controllable jumps, so fewer collisions
• You will not be pulled to the middle, so jump safer
• Good for a narrow garden

Disadvantages oval trampoline

• More expensive! This is due to the frame, an oval trampoline needs more material

Frequently asked trampoline questions

What are the most common trampoline sizes?

The most common formats for round trampolines are:

• 183cm
• 244 / 251 / 253cm
• 366cm
• 427 / 430cm

The most common sizes for rectangular trampolines are:

• 153x214cm
• 214×305 / 366cm
• 244×366 / 396 / 427cm

What are the safest trampolines?

Springless trampolines are touted as 'the safest trampolines in the world'.

Instead of using metal springs, flexible composite bars are placed under the SoftEdge mat, so little fingers and hands don't get caught in the springs.

Fiberglass trampolines have become a bit more popular in recent years, but are they better than spring trampolines?

The answer is no.

Here's why: Unlike steel spring trampolines, springless fiberglass rods require a high degree of force to generate a good bounce.

Which size trampoline is best?

The best size depends entirely on the space you have and what you want to use the trampoline for.

Trampolines in the category about 4 to 5 meters in diameter are the largest you will find in a round shape.

If you're a daredevil or plan to get all your friends to join you, you'll want a trampoline that's at least 4 feet in diameter.

A 4 meter trampoline is also necessary if you want to have fun as a parent too.

How do I choose a trampoline?

When considering a trampoline, measure the width and depth of your yard and check against the size of the trampoline, not just the size of the mat.

If you have limited space, you can opt for an oval trampoline or one where the springs are located under the trampoline, making it smaller than other trampolines!

What should I pay attention to when buying a trampoline?

Safety nets are important.

The weight limit of the trampoline is an important consideration when buying a trampoline. The frame must be robust and the shape is also important.

The installation should be simple.

Why should every child have a trampoline?

Jumping on a trampoline gets your blood pumping and your lymphatic system working, which strengthens your immune system and promotes good blood circulation.

Because jumping is considered low-impact, it's also safer and less strenuous on the joints than other forms of exercise.

How long should a trampoline last?

In general, you can expect an outdoor trampoline to last an average of 3 to 8 years, with higher quality models potentially exceeding this.

The life of your trampoline largely depends on the level of care and maintenance and the quality of the materials.

Is it okay to leave the trampoline outside in winter?

If your trampoline has been exposed to harsh weather conditions, there is a chance that the springs will rust.

This reduces the bounce of the trampoline because the springs cannot stretch much more.

Rust causes the springs to lose elasticity. If you can cover it, that would be better.

Do nets make trampolines safer?

Trampolines are a great activity for kids when used properly.

Safety nets around trampolines reduce injuries by up to 50 percent. But safety nets don't prevent all injuries.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.