Straddling the Tramp (Trampolining in General)

Member Name: zoe_page_1

Product:	Trampolining in General
Date:	14/08/01 (166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: In op

Disadvantages: In op

When I arrived at UMIST last September I was delighted to find that they had a trampolining club, albeit one run by Manchester University. Still, we were all invited and since it was free I managed to drag a number of my friends along to their trial session. They had t-shirts which read “We straddle for Manchester” which we all found highly amusing as you can imagine. They also advertised themselves by saying “Can you perform 10 positions on a bed in less than a minute? We can” or words to that effect. Hhmm, were they trying to gain members by using suggestive adverts which they knew would appeal to mad, up-for-it students ?

I got started with trampolining back in primary school when I was at a gymnastics class and for a treat we got a go on the huge trampoline that had appeared in the corner of the gym for a week or two. My interest really kicked off though at secondary school where we had an after-school club frequented by myself and my sister among others. When it rained in winter and we couldn’t go outside and play hockey we sometimes managed to convince our PE teachers to let us have a good old tramp in the upstairs gym instead of hitting each other with our sticks in the comfort (and I use the word loosely) of the sports hall. I got called on to demonstrate moves since a certain teacher who will remain nameless couldn’t and I loved this being the little show off that I was (and still am to some extent).

Anyway, some questions and answers now.

*** Who can trampoline? ***

Anyone really, unless you are wonderfully unfit or have a broken ankle or two. Seriously, it’s like all sports, check with your Doc first but you should be fine. You don’t need lots of stamina or flexibility although it’s handy if you can send your legs off in weird directions.


*** What do I need? ***

Well a trampoline would be a good place to start. Next, some spotters – peopl
e to stand round the side and push you back on if you bounce too near the edge. If you’re in a somersaulting mood (as I am all too often) it sometimes helps to have crash mats around, especially when you’re starting off.


*** What should I wear? ***

Clothes are only limited in way of comfort (tracksuit, shorts if you’re mad, t-shirt, leotard). Oh and don’t forget your socks unless you want to break a toe or 10.....


*** What do I do? ***

The idea is simple. You jump up and down waving your arms appropriately, and try not to fall off. If you do, try to do so gracefully, and remember, point your toes and keep smiling!


*** What sort of moves are there? ***

Simple ones include:

Tuck – pull your knees up to your chest and then stretch them out again just before you land

Straddle / Straddle Pike – as if you’re sitting on the floor with your legs at right angles to each other, but in the air.

Pike – as above but legs straight out in front of you

Half turn – jump up in the air, turn round and land, all while keeping your body perfectly straight.

Full turn – as above, but go all the way around

Seat drop – like a pike but you bounce down so you’re sitting on the bed in the position and then up again to land.

Swivel hips – combination seat drop and half turn – seat drop, bounce up in the air and turn round and land sitting down again.

Front drop – kick your legs out (don’t dive forwards) so you’re lying on your front, then back up to standing again

Turn-tables – front drop, bounce up and half turn and land in another front drop, all without putting your feet down

Back drop – hold a pretend beach ball, kick it, land on your back with your legs in the air and then bounce back up to standing

Somersaul
ts – front and back, should need no explanation


*** What I recommend ***

Straddle front drop (ie straddle to land in front drop) and normal straddle. Have to be my favourite moves – and no rude comments, ok? I know what you’re thinking.... ;-)


*** What I don’t recommend ***

Trying a double front somersault on a pretty crappy trampoline as a result of a dare from the school bully, and ending up bouncing on your neck. It hurts like h***. I know. I did it.


*** Where can I trampoline? ***

All over! Sports centres often have clubs for adults and children, as do schools. If you’re looking for just a few goes for your kids and not a regular affair, check out seaside and tourist areas, especially the promenade at St Annes (near the swimming pool), Stanley Park in Blackpool, and, well, all over Vienna.....


*** And it costs....? ***

Varies, from 1 pound for non instruction places to maybe 4 pounds per session depending on where you live.

*** I’m hooked. What now ? ***

Believe it or not there's an active trampolining competition circuit both within the UK and internationally. Who knows, today crummy little sport centre in the back and beyond somewhere, tomorrow the world?

*** Verdict? ***

Great sport as it’s soooooooo much fun. Very tiring though and shows you how unfit you are but a great cardio-vascular work out and also good for boosting your circulation and giving you a healthy glow for hours afterwards. It’s also very sociable as you get to chat with others while keeping your eye on whoever’s bouncing away like Tigger after too much of Roo’s formula.


*** More info? ***

For starters, check out

www.trampolining.org or www.tramp-net.com

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