Are Trampolines A Safe Exercise Method?

You see trampolines in backyards across the country now, and you’re probably used to hearing your kids talk about friends’ trampolines, and how cool they are. And you are probably used to hearing other people talk about the fact that trampolines aren’t all that safe. You may be thinking your kids would benefit from the exercise—but are trampolines actually safe?

Trampolines are both safer than most people think, and far safer than they used to be. Early “trampoline” safety primarily consisted of putting your trampoline in a spot that was as level and smooth as possible, and preferably covered in grass, so when the kids fell off, they wouldn’t hurt themselves badly. Parents used to cower at the idea of a trampoline in the backyard, and most insurance companies charged extra for homeowner’s insurance when a trampoline sat in the backyard.

Today, trampoline safety is a lot more sophisticated. First, you can buy a spring-free trampoline, which eliminates the minor injuries of cuts and pinches from landing on a spring, and insures that kids don’t hit a spring and bounce off. This is a very good first step, though spring-based trampolines are also safe when used with the correct pads to cover the springs.

You should still place your trampoline in a safe, smooth, level spot covered with grass if at all possible; that’s just common sense. In case there is an accident, a good location can minimize injuries.

You should also place a safety net around your trampoline. This keeps jumpers from bouncing off the trampoline and hitting the ground, and is a requirement on most insurance policies. It’s also just a good investment in your kids’ safety. It is not uncommon for kids to bounce off of un-netted trampolines, so putting a net around yours will keep your kids on the trampoline and safe.

Trampoline safety pads cover the metal poles and the springs, so that if your kids happen to bounce into either they’re protected from pain and possible injury. This makes the whole trampoline a soft, bouncy, safe surface.

You can often find trampoline packages that include the trampoline, net and safety pads for a discounted price over buying each part separately. Even if your dealer does not carry pre-bundled packages, they will often offer a discount when you buy the safety equipment and the trampoline together. If you’re putting up a trampoline, you need to put the appropriate safety measures in place right from the start, to make sure no one gets hurt.

Can kids get hurt on a trampoline? Sure. They can also get hurt on bikes or using colored pencils, if they fall or stab themselves. But as safe play goes, trampolines are over-engineered for safety these days, and the protective gear available makes them one of the safest pieces of play equipment most kids use. Sure, there is always the possibility of an accident, but if your trampoline is well protected and well placed, there should be no problems.