News & Events

Introduction Flips are exciting and challenging, but for beginners, they can feel intimidating. Whether you want to learn for fun or progress in your trampoline skills, starting with a solid foundation is essential. This 5-day beginner flip training plan will guide you step-by-step, combining expert tips and video tutorials to help you safely level up your flipping skills.   Day 1 — Build Air Awareness Goal: Develop strong air awareness, the foundation for safe and successful flips. Practice Tip: Focus on balance, body control, and spotting your landing while in the air. 📹 Video Tutorial:This video offers seven simple trampoline skills designed to improve your air awareness — a crucial skill for every beginner. Practice these daily for 10–15 minutes.     Day 2 — Master Flip Preparation Goal: Strengthen your core and improve your jump control to prepare for flips. Detailed Practice: Core Strength Exercises: Off-trampoline exercises such as planks, hollow holds, and crunches improve control in the air. Jump Drills: On the trampoline, practice jumps where you focus on even height and landing in the same position every time. Rotation Drills: Practice slow rotation flips by doing tuck jumps while focusing on pulling your knees to your chest and controlling your spin. Breathing Control: Keep breathing steady — exhale as you rotate and inhale upon landing. Tip: Spend at least 15–20 minutes on preparation drills before moving to actual flips.   Day 3 — Learn Basic Flip Variations Goal: Master different variations of basic flips to broaden your skill set.Practice Tip: Focus on body positioning, rotation control, and smooth execution. 📹 Video Tutorial:This video demonstrates five back flip variations designed for beginners to practice safely and improve technique.     Day 4 — Focus on Landing Skills Goal: Perfect your landing technique to ensure safety and confidence.Practice Tip: Work on soft, controlled landings with proper body alignment. 📹 Video Tutorial:Landing is a critical part of any flip. This video teaches safe and effective landing methods for flips, helping you avoid injury and improve control.     Day 5 — Combine Skills and Challenge Yourself Goal: Integrate all learned skills into sequences and work toward continuous flips. Detailed Practice: Flip Combos: Combine tuck, pike, or straight flips in a sequence. Consistency Drills: Aim for 3–5 flips in a row while keeping form consistent. Spot Challenges: Try landing at a specific point on the trampoline without adjusting mid-air. Record Yourself: Watching your flips helps identify areas for improvement. Safety Reminder: Always train with spotters or use safety mats for advanced sequences.   Conclusion Flipping is a skill that takes patience, focus, and consistent practice. By following this 5-day flip training plan, you’ll improve your air awareness, jump control, flip variety, and landing safety. Pro Tip: Consistency is key — even 10–15 minutes of practice every day will yield great results. For safe and effective training, having the right trampoline makes all the difference. Our Springless Trampoline uses a bungee cord system for superior safety — No spring injuries No pinching of feet or hands Full enclosure net for complete protection It’s designed for both beginners and advanced users, making it perfect for practicing flips while ensuring safety. 🔗 Shop Springless Trampoline Trampoline Start your flip journey today and experience safer, more confident training with our innovative trampoline. 🚀

Description: Discover 10 trampoline games kids love and learn essential safety tips. Compare spring and springless trampolines to choose the perfect fit for your backyard fun.  Why Trampoline Games Are Great for Kids A trampoline can turn your backyard into the most exciting spot in the neighborhood. More than just bouncing, trampoline games help kids develop important skills while keeping them active and entertained.   Physical Benefits Improves balance and coordination Strengthens muscles and boosts cardiovascular health Builds flexibility and body awareness   Social Benefits Encourages teamwork and cooperation Sparks creativity through imaginative play Boosts confidence as kids learn new tricks and games   10 Fun Trampoline Games to Try in Your Backyard Here are 10 kid-approved trampoline games, each with a safety tip for worry-free play.   1. Popcorn One player sits hugging their knees (“kernel”) while others bounce to make them “pop.”Safety Tip: Keep jumps controlled and stay in the center.   2. Crack the Egg Similar to Popcorn, but the “egg” tries to stay tucked while others bounce to “crack” them.Safety Tip: Avoid overly high jumps to reduce impact.   3. Trampoline Tag One player is “It” and tries to tag others while everyone keeps bouncing.Safety Tip: Safety nets prevent accidental falls.   4. Hot Potato Bounce Pass a soft ball around while bouncing — drop it and you’re out!Safety Tip: Use a lightweight, foam ball. Shop AiryBounce 14ft Trampoline   5. Simon Says – Trampoline Edition Follow commands like “jump twice” or “spin once” — get it wrong and you’re out.Safety Tip: Keep actions age-appropriate.   6. Bounce Basketball Attach a mini hoop to the trampoline and dunk with style.Safety Tip: Use a soft, secure hoop. Shop Trampoline Basketball Hoop 7. Ring Toss Jump Bounce while tossing rings onto a cone or target.Safety Tip: Use foam or fabric rings.   8. Trampoline Obstacle Course Set up safe challenges like “bounce to this spot” or “crawl under the rope.”Safety Tip: Keep obstacles soft and secure.   9. Freeze Bounce Bounce until someone calls “Freeze!” — move after that and you’re out.Safety Tip: No pushing or shoving during the stop.   10. Distance Game One person stands on the trampoline while others take turns tossing a ball from different distances. The challenge? See how far away you can stand and still make a perfect catch!Safety Tip: Always make sure only one child jumps at a time to avoid collisions. Make sure your trampoline has a safety enclosure net to prevent the ball-chaser from losing balance and falling off. Shop AiryBounce trampoline-10ft×17ft   How Trampoline Design Makes Games Safer and More Fun The right trampoline design can make every game better: For Spring Models: Thick padding over springs and sturdy enclosures keep play safe For Springless Models: Bungee cords remove metal edges and create a smooth, quiet bounce For All Models: A strong frame, high-quality mat, and secure safety net make the biggest difference   Final Tips from the Trampoline Expert Set clear rules before play starts Supervise younger kids Check your trampoline regularly for wear and tear   Safety First — Choosing the Right Trampoline for Your Family When it comes to trampolines, safety depends on more than one feature. Both spring-based and springless trampolines can be safe for kids if they include the right protective elements.   Key Safety Features to Look For Safety Net: A full enclosure keeps kids from bouncing off during play Padding & Soft Edges: Covers springs or cords to reduce pinching and impact injuries Stable Frame: Ensures the trampoline stays steady during active jumping   Spring vs Springless — What’s the Difference? Both spring trampolines and springless trampolines are fun for games, but each has benefits:   Spring Trampolines: Classic bounce, durable, widely used. Springless Trampolines: Quieter, softer edges, no exposed springs (extra safe for kids).   👉 At SkyBound, we offer both, so families can choose what works best for their backyard and their kids. Shop Springless Trampoline Shop SkyLift Curved Pole Trampoline   Final Thoughts  Trampoline games turn ordinary bouncing into unforgettable memories. With the right trampoline — whether spring or springless — and a few fun game ideas, your backyard can be the ultimate playground for kids.  

The mini trampoline comes with lots of benefits. Kids use trampolines for fun and get energy at the same time, it helps to keep them active and increase their coordination. Mini trampolines are designed for little ones to have a blast with safety. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about mini trampolines for kids and what to look for when you buy one. Also, will share safety measures and how to use them to ensure your children can enjoy themselves fully. What Makes Mini Trampolines for Kids So Popular Mini trampolines are not just toys to have fun, It’s an effective way to stay active and healthy. These trampolines are designed for indoor and outdoor use. It can fit in small indoor/outdoor spaces, making it a perfect tool for your kids to enjoy all year round. A Safe Outlet for Boundless Energy It is specially designed for you kids to have a blast while in full safety. It provides a controlled environment where your kids can play without any risk. It has padded covers for springs and frames and also lower bounce heights so that your little one can jump to the fullest. Fun and Fitness Combined Children want to play all day long with endless energy and therefore mini trampolines come with an excellent outlet. Where your children can have fun and can get the exercise they need to stay active. Mini trampolines can give your little one lots of benefits such as your child’s balance, motor skills, and better coordination which are important for their development. How to Choose the Best Mini Trampoline for Kids Before buying mini trampolines you have to consider the following facts to ensure the best one for your child. Size and Types Mini trampolines come in various sizes and styles, including mini trampolines with handles and indoor mini trampolines with nets. The mini trampoline with handles is specifically designed for young children, providing extra stability and safety. The handles are adjustable in height to suit children of different ages, helping them maintain balance while jumping. This trampoline is built with a sturdy structure and durable materials, ensuring long-term safety and durability. It is an ideal choice for fun and healthy indoor exercise, helping to develop children's coordination and balance. The indoor mini trampoline with a safety net features an all-around net to prevent children from falling while jumping, offering additional protection. It provides a space for children to play independently without being affected by the surrounding environment. This type of trampoline is very popular among children aged 3-10 and children with autism. It is a perfect combination of safety, entertainment, and exercise.   Shop Mini trampolines with handles Safety Features Safety comes first when buying mini trampolines for your little one. Before buying look for a trampoline model with a sturdy frame, safe net, and durable jumping mat with padded covers. Padded covers are protected shields from exposed springs and edges. Durability and Quality When buying something new we invest our hard earned money in the best quality material stuff possible for durability and safety. So, when investing in a mini trampoline look for trampolines which are with rust resistant frames and UV protected mats. Also, get one with safety nets to prevent any accidental fall damage. Weight Limit Each mini trampoline is designed to support a certain amount of weight. Choose accordingly for your child and make sure for future use as your children will grow fast. Additional Features Some trampolines come with added features such as basketball hoops, Which can make your child’s bouncing experience even better  Top Safety Tips for Mini Trampolines To keep your child safe while using these mini trampolines we will share some safety tips to ensure your child can enjoy to their fullest. One at a Time The most important tip is to make sure just one child can use the trampoline at a time to prevent collision injuries. The mini trampolines are designed with smaller space for solo uses, not for multiple jumpers. Regular Maintenance Checks Before your kids start bouncing, make sure the trampolines are in great shape and ready to use. Check the mats, loose springs, or any peeking edges. Regular maintenance is necessary for your kid's safety. It will also help to extend the trampoline's durability. Set Clear Rules Make rules for your little ones such as no rough play. Make sure they understand and obey the rules of their parents. Communication and consistency will help to prevent injuries. Where to Buy Mini Trampoline SkyBound® is a trampoline specialty store with over 7 years of experience, selling fitness trampolines for adults and kids trampolines, including indoor mini trampolines and outdoor trampolines. It is a highly cost-effective trampoline supplier with quality and safety certifications from Europe and the United States and has received numerous patent certifications. If you are looking for a safe trampoline suitable for children aged 3-7, please check out the SkyBound mini trampoline. If you are looking for an outdoor trampoline with a safety net, please check out the outdoor trampolines. Additionally, you can do fun exercises at home with your child. Please check out the SkyBound adult mini fitness trampoline. Conclusion Mini trampolines are an excellent tool for your kids to enjoy and get their daily energy. When getting the right trampoline for your child prioritize safety first. Make sure it is made with high-quality material and get the perfect size for your little one. With proper maintenance and supervision, your child can enjoy its benefits and develop a better future. Remember to follow the safety tips to prevent any unwanted injuries. These trampolines are available online and offline everywhere.

A swing frame can be an amazing addition to your backyard to create new and unbound memories with your family. SkyBound USA offers a range of swing frames that can fit perfectly in your backyard with your requirements. We believe in creating and sharing unforgettable memories with your family and close ones. Benefits of Swing Frames   Endless Fun and Adventure: The Joy of Swinging   A swing frame can offer endless hours of entertainment and adventure for your family. It adds an additional way of fun for the children and even adults alike. Here we are going to discuss the key features that you need to know before buying the best swing frame for yourself.Why should I buy Swing frames？   Family Bonding: Swing frames can increase your family bonding by sharing the unforgettable moments you make. Physical Activity: Swing can boost physical activity that can improve balance, coordination, and strength, making it a great form of exercise. Mental Well-being: The swinging motion can reduce stress and promote relaxation for both kids and adults.

Trampolines are a great addition to your indoor outdoor workout or playtime! Not only do kids have endless fun on it, but it’s also a medium for betterment of physical and mental health. Whether you're looking for a kids trampoline for indoor or as an outdoor option, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we are going to help you find the best trampoline for your kids by covering up everything there's you need to know for buying trampolines for kids. Below you will find a guideline for choosing the best trampoline for your kids - Kids Trampolines Benefits Physical Health: Trampolines can activate and benefit your kid's physical health since trampoline is known to be a great cardio workout for kids. It can enhance body balance, and coordination, strengthen muscles, and boost athletic abilities and features in your kid. Mental health: Playtime on a trampoline can boost your kid's mental health. It releases endorphins which help in reducing stress, improving mood, and improving overall mental well-being. Entertainment Factor: Let’s not forget the sheer joy a kid feels while jumping and playing on the trampoline. By following some safety guidelines you can make these memories positive to last forever. Features to Look for in a Kids Trampoline Safety Features :  Enclosure Nets: It’s important to look for a trampoline with Enclosure nets which can prevent any unwanted fall or jump from the trampoline area. It can prevent any injury that can cause possible trauma to your kids.Padding: Padding on a trampoline makes sure the playtime on a trampoline is as safe and playful as possible. To enhance the fun time of your kids, it’s a must!Stability: A trampoline must have stability to be able to endure the weight and jumps of the kids. It ensures that the trampoline has a strong core construction to prevent tipping. It's important for preventing any unexpected flipping or breaking of the trampoline. Size and Space Considerations Ideal Sizes: A 3-5 foot mini trampoline is quite enough for toddlers and kids for their weight and size. And 8-foot, 10-foot trampolines might be the best option for older kids.Space Requirements: A trampoline needs enough space around the setup as well, so it’s important to make sure you have enough space in your indoor or outdoor space where you will accommodate the trampoline.Weight Limitations: For space and fun use, always make sure the weight capability of your trampoline is enough to hold your kids weight and size. It’s one of the most crucial things to keep in check while buying a trampoline for kids.Choose the right type of trampoline: There are various types of trampolines to choose from, like - Mini Trampolines, Outdoor Trampolines, and Springfree Trampolines. Mini Trampolines are perfect for your kids or toddlers for indoor or outdoor adventure. Outdoor trampoline is available in various shapes like round, square, or rectangular suitable for various play areas and ranges. Springfree Trampolines are trampolines without the spring designed to reduce the risk of injury. Safety Tips for Trampoline Use Supervision: Keeping supervision on children while they are playing on the trampoline is crucial for ensuring safety and enforcing rules to avoid any unwanted events or injuries.Rules and Guidelines: Establishing rules and guidelines can help in controlling the playtime in a safeway. One jumper at a time, no flips or somersaults, and always closing the enclosure net before jumping to ensure you do not get injured are some basic rules for safe trampoline time.Regular Maintenance: Be sure to always check for wear and tear before jumping onto the trampolines. A small tear can result in big accidents, so it is important to make sure all parts are in good condition and get regular maintenance when needed. Kids Trampolines Recommendations In SkyBound USA, we offer a wide range of trampolines for all your needs. Our trampolines are of high quality with safety and durability in mind. We offer trampolines fit for both indoor and outdoor activities.Budget-friendly options: For parents, looking for a budget-friendly but reliable trampoline option, we offer safe and budget-friendly options which won’t break your bank!High-End Picks: If you are looking for top-of-the-line trampolines with advanced features, then you can also find the SkyBound USA premium trampoline models. They come with enhanced safety features and fun accessories like basketball hoops, etc.

Sharing from 80-year-old Christopher and his 77-year-old wife Coralin. Christopher is a retired podiatrist, and his wife is a retired nurse. Christopher says: "I came across rebounders when researching exercise to help oedema in the feet and legs. I then had the task of which one." In the end, the SkyBound Boogie Bounce fulfilled my fitness needs and eliminated all the concerns I had before using a fitness trampoline. Initially, when searching for fitness tools on Amazon, I saw many fitness trampolines, but the reviews mentioned difficulties in installation, which was a concern for both me and my wife. The design of the SkyBound Boogie Bounce fitness trampoline is truly advanced – the trampoline only requires attaching the legs, and I could use it immediately. The assembly of the legs also doesn't require any wrenches or cumbersome tools. Christopher continued, "I have fallen in love with the SkyBound Boogie Bounce. The fitness trampoline is the right choice – it not only helps with edema but is also very gentle on my knee joints. It doesn't cause harm to my knees like the hard floor would."   Bouncing is a great full-body exercise. Coralin said, "When we were younger, we didn't enjoy exercising. Both of us have had surgery for spinal stenosis and suffer from osteoarthritis. Now we realize the need for fitness, and fortunately, everything is still manageable. Many thanks to SkyBound.       Benefits of trampoline exercise: Promotes Blood Circulation: Trampoline exercise is an aerobic activity that enhances cardiovascular function, boosts the immune system, increases resistance, and reduces the risk of illness. It also stimulates overall lymphatic circulation, aiding in detoxification.   Improves Joint Flexibility: Trampoline exercise, with its zero-impact nature, causes no harm to various joints in the body. It contributes to enhancing joint flexibility.   Aids Fat Burning: With its high intensity, trampoline exercise consumes a significant amount of energy, facilitating fat burning. It is an excellent exercise for weight loss.   Enhances Coordination and Balance: Rebounding forces you to engage your core muscles and build strength in your lower body; both of which are critical to balance – especially as we get older.

Trampolines have long been a favorite for both children and adults, offering a fun and energetic way to engage in physical activity. Trampolines have become a must-have for many families. Trampolines are not cheap, and a trampoline usually lasts 5-10 years. However, traditional spring trampolines will age and rust over time, posing many safety hazards. A neighbor's son was struck by an aging spring and penetrated deeply into his back. Some toes are caught by springs. With the development of science and technology, people have developed safer and more advanced "springless trampolines"   What is Spring-Free Trampolines? The SkyBound team has designed a patented spring-free trampoline that eliminates the need for traditional metal springs in the design. It can be said that this is the safest and more advanced springless trampoline I have found so far. This is a trampoline well worth purchasing. Skybound's unique spring-free trampoline uses double-layer elastic ropes with rollers instead of traditional springs. Its service life is 4 times longer than that of spring trampolines, and it eliminates the shortcomings of low elasticity caused by the original spring-free trampolines made of glass-reinforced plastic rods.   How to choose a springless trampoline 1. Can Trampoline Accessories Be Detached There are a variety of springless trampolines on the market. Some springless trampolines sew elastic ropes and jumping mats together, but this can easily cause the sewing interface of the jumping mat to tear. Traditional spring trampolines are very easy to disassemble, not only for better replacement of springs or jumping mats. The detachable link method can protect the jumping mat, extend its service life, and make installation easier. The same is true for elastic cord trampolines. You should choose a trampoline with elastic cords that are easy to remove. Detachable springless trampolines are more expensive and of better quality. They usually use more design details. 2. Bounce performance The absence of metal springs contributes to a quieter bouncing experience. Spring-free trampolines, often using bungee cords or other elastic elements, produce less noise compared to their traditional counterparts. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a trampoline without the disruptive sound. 3. Weighing limit The maximum weight of a springless trampoline is usually less than the maximum weight of a spring trampoline. This is not because the elastic cord is of poor quality, but because the combination of the elastic cord and the jumping mat results in greater elasticity than a spring trampoline. If the weight is too heavy, it may cause the bouncer to contact the ground while jumping. Because of the risk of injury due to contact, springless trampolines are typically tested for a safe distance upon landing and are labeled with the safest and most comfortable user weight.   Best spring free trampoline Top1: SKYBOUND SPRING-FREE TRAMPOLINE Skybound spring free trampoline uses double-layer bungee cord and bearings to link the jumping mat, which has a good bouncing experience and reduces the friction of the elastic ropes. The jumping mat is zippered to the fence, which not only makes installation easier, but also keeps it in good shape like new no matter how long it is used. There is a circle of reinforced fabric around the edge of the high-grade jumping mat to extend its service life. The maximum weight limit is 256lbs-330lbs for 10ft-14ft. Advantage High elasticity, comfortable bouncing experience Zipper design is easy to install and remove There is no gap between the jumping mat and the net, eliminate the pinch points that trap toes and feet Reinforced net with pvc, cushions jumpers and prevents falls tothe ground Shortcoming Without wind stakes   Top2: BOOGIE BOUNCE MINI TRAMPOLINE Advantage Easy to fold, store and assemble Good bouncing experience Sturdy steel frame No spring, more suitable for doing exercises on it Shortcoming not discovered yet   Top3: Fiberglass springless trampoline Fiberglass springless trampoline uses fiberglass struts instead of springs, because fiberglass has better willfulness and can be bent to replace the elasticity of the spring. Advantage Trampolines come in many shapes Seamless splicing of jumping mat and trampoline frame Shortcoming Little elasticity Poor bouncing experience high price

Trampolines have evolved over the years to cater to different user preferences, varied purposes, and diverse age groups. As a result, there's a wide array of trampoline shapes and sizes available in the market. In recent times, manufacturers have introduced a new type of trampoline - the spring-free trampoline. What material makes the best trampoline? We've compared two different materials used in trampolines - traditional spring-based and spring-free models - to assist you in making a more informed purchase decision! 1. Safety Features: Spring-Free Trampolines: Without traditional metal springs, the risk of users getting caught or scratched by springs is eliminated. This design significantly reduces the possibility of injuries, making spring-free trampolines a safer choice, especially for families with children.Spring-Based Trampolines: Traditional trampolines with metal springs may pose safety hazards, as users might inadvertently come into contact with or get caught by the springs while playing. And when choosing a spring trampoline, you need to choose one with more spring coils and thicker ones.     2. Bouncing Experience: Spring-Free Trampolines: The innovative design of spring-free trampolines, often using elastic bands or bungee cords, provides a quieter and less disruptive bouncing experience. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to enjoy trampoline activities without generating excessive noise. Spring-free trampolines, with their elastic cords or rubber bands, offer softer bouncing suitable for various activities, including fitness, leisure bouncing, gymnastics, low-impact exercises, dance, and children's games.Spring-Based Trampolines: The metal-on-metal interaction of springs in traditional trampolines can produce noticeable noise, potentially causing disturbances in the surrounding environment. The impact felt during bouncing is more intense, suitable for users seeking challenges and stimulation. The elastic spring system provides users with a more forceful feedback during bouncing.   3. Structural Stability: Spring-Based Trampolines: Spring-based trampolines adopt a classic metal spring structure, providing a more stable framework capable of bearing greater weight and pressure.Spring-Free Trampolines: The structural stability of spring-free trampolines is also high, but there might be greater limitations regarding weight-bearing capacity. When choosing a springless trampoline, it is best to choose a trampoline with two or more elastic cords in one bayonet. View spring trampolines    View springless trampolines   4. Maintenance Requirements: Spring-Free Trampolines: With fewer components prone to wear and tear, spring-free trampolines generally require less maintenance. The absence of metal springs reduces the need for frequent inspections and replacements.Spring-Based Trampolines: Traditional trampolines may demand regular checks and replacements of metal springs to ensure optimal performance and safety. Over time, springs may lose their elasticity and become susceptible to damage.   5. Lifespan and Durability: Spring-Free Trampolines: The materials used in spring-free trampolines (such as elastic cords or rubber bands) are typically durable and resistant to wear, contributing to an extended lifespan of the trampoline.Spring-Based Trampolines: Over time, metal springs might experience wear and tear, potentially reducing the trampoline's overall durability. Regular maintenance and replacement of springs may be necessary. In conclusion, both spring-free and spring-based trampolines offer unique advantages. Spring-free trampolines prioritize higher safety, quieter operation, lower maintenance, and longer lifespan, making them an attractive choice for individuals and families seeking an upgraded trampoline experience. These innovative designs not only prioritize safety but also cater to the changing preferences in the realm of recreational and fitness equipment. Spring-based trampolines offer a more stable structure capable of bearing more weight and providing a more intense bouncing experience, suitable for high-intensity activities and vigorous workouts. View spring trampolines   View spring free trampolines

Your destination for premium safety certified trampolines and accessories. SkyBound USA is excited to launch its new website with updated product sections, easy one-click shopping, with a faster web experience for our customers. We have added updated product descriptions, product details, product gallery images, site FAQ's, special offers, and much more! Easy shopping, easy returns, Member's Club and more. Have a look around and enjoy!

A piece of gymnastic equipment that children use in the backyard has an illustrious history that shows its importance for athletes and fitness-conscious adults. Two gymnasts at the University of Iowa invented the trampoline in 1934, and competitive trampolining allows men and women to compete at the Olympics. The benefits of “jumping for joy” can belong to anyone who uses a trampoline for fun or physical exercise. Working Out on a Trampoline While exercise on a rebounder or trampoline may seem easy, it requires more energy than one imagines. The effort that goes into it produces about “70 percent more effectiveness” in fitness than jogging for the same amount of time, according to Live Strong. Each bounce fights the pull of gravity, making it use more energy than walking or jogging. WebMD suggests a basic exercise on the trampoline that starts with a simple bounce that burns “a lot of calories.” Steps: Stand on a trampoline with your feet comfortably apart at about 6 inches. Bend your arms while you keep your elbows close to your sides. Bend your knees slightly, and start gently bouncing up and down. Continue the exercise for 30 bounces. As you get familiar with the equipment, you can advance to doing prances that increase your heart rate and let you feel the effect of working out. Steps: Start with the basic position with your feet about 6 inches apart. Place your hands on your hips, and bend your knees slightly. Complete your bounces on the balls of your feet. Mimic running-in-place by lifting one knee and then the other to hip level. Continue the exercise for 30 repetitions for each leg. Getting an Effective Cardio Workout on a Trampoline Alternating periods of rest and exercise lets you manage the rate of increase in your heartbeat as you do your workout. Some fitness experts recommend working out for a minute and resting a minute, or you may prefer small increments of 30 seconds of exercise and 30 seconds of rest. The exercises may look simple, but they require a significant amount of exertion. When you do a cardio workout, you need to prepare for the intensity by calculating your recommended maximum heart rate. Mayo states that it changes with age so that you need to start by subtracting your number of years from 220. Keep your heart beats per minute below the number that results from the calculation. Considering the Muscles that Trampoline Workouts Affect As soon as you start exercising on a trampoline, you become aware of its effect on your whole body. Healthy Living enumerates the effects on the muscles that work together to give you a healthy exercise routine. Cardiac Jumping up and down on a trampoline creates a high-intensity cardio exercise that increases the blood and oxygen supply to your muscles. The benefits of cardio include keeping your heart healthy, lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of blood clots and heart attack. Legs Without impacting your joints, a trampoline exercise gives your legs an intense workout. The jumps that you do on a rebounder or trampoline involve your hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves as they refresh the muscles with vital nutrients. The exercise helps build strength in your knee and ankle joints. Glutes Many muscles in your hip and butt benefit from a trampoline exercise, and they provide the force to lift you up and help you land when you do jumps. The gluteus maximus seems more widely known than the others that work with it. Essential for balance as you jump, they rely on the hip adductors and flexors as well. Abdomen The muscles in your abdomen make up the core group that affects your balance and supports your back. As you strengthen them, you can lose belly fat and build the muscles that prevent backache. Cardiovascular exercises help you trim weight from all areas of your body as well as your abdomen. Deciding How Long to Work Out Time magazine reported on study findings by the American Council on Exercise that equates 20 minutes on a trampoline to running 6 miles per hour, riding a bike or playing basketball. It qualifies as a “moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise,” but students in the study thought it felt like light-to-moderate. Make sure to include warm up and cool down periods of a few minutes each before and after your workout. Fortune cites recommendations from the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control for adults to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of “vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.” The study found that less than 25 percent of Americans get enough exercise. Comparing Calories Burned The amount of calories that your body can burn depends on how much you weigh and heavier bodies can burn more than lighter ones. A half-hour on an elliptical trainer burns 335 for a 155-pound body. A period of 30 minutes in a round of golf with a cart burns 130. Mowing a lawn with a push mower for the same time uses 167 calories. If you weigh 150 pounds and work out on a trampoline for 30 minutes, you may burn 125 calories. The amount that you can burn depends on genetic and other factors that you cannot control, but you can increase the intensity of trampolining by holding weights or swinging your arms. Online calculators for calories burned while trampoline jumping can give you a fairly precise estimate. Determining the Effectiveness of a Trampoline Workout Almost every kind of exercise produces effective results, but trampolining has benefits that make it a valuable addition to your workout routine. The springs or bungee bands that make a trampoline or a small version called a rebounder to absorb the impact on your joints and the soft tissue that surrounds them. In a NASA study cited by Dr. Axe, he notes that the activity distributes G-forces more evenly to the forehead, back and ankle than running that places most of the pressure on the ankles. The reduction of joint pain and injuries makes trampolining a wise choice. Aerobics Significant benefits come from aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart. An increase in oxygen that nourishes the cells seems to produce more effectiveness on a trampoline than on a treadmill. Immune System Exercise on a rebounder may increase the circulation of lymphatic fluids which enhance the immune system by generating more activity in white blood cells. Your body depends on the lymphatic system to flush out toxins, and the gravitational pull that you experience on a trampoline may help influence it. Balance Exercises on a rebounder or a trampoline improve physical strength and the development of muscles that help you sense the orientation of your body. You may want to check your balance by closing your eyes and standing on one leg, and then try it again after two months of trampoline exercises. Brain Endorphins that the brain produces when you exercise make you feel good naturally. Bouncing on your rebounder when you get home after a workday increases your blood circulation and helps relax your muscles. The stress of the day can disappear when you clear your mind and escape from tension by bouncing on your workout equipment.

By FINDINGCOOPERSVOICE / JANUARY 29, 2019   One of the pieces of advice I have received over the years from therapists, educators and even parents of adult autistic children, was to make our home sensory friendly. In my mind that sounded overwhelming. Did that mean more stuff in my living room? Did that mean spending more money on stuff my son wouldn’t use or even try? I already felt like our house was kid friendly. It was covered in toys, Legos, balls, and Nerf Gun bullets. We had kid size chairs, blankets and fidgets everywhere. Wasn’t that enough? Well, as Cooper got older, we quickly learned that more stuff wasn’t the answer. In fact, more stuff typically caused him more stress. What he needed was the right tools in the right spaces readily available. He needed to crash, roll, and push. He needed to swing. He needed to jump. We learned that if we accommodated his sensory needs, he felt better. When we saw him getting anxious, we’d encourage sensory play/breaks. It made a world of difference. One problem that we found though was winter in Minnesota. Going outside for Cooper wasn’t an option many months out of the year. So, we resorted to our basement. It’s a wide open space down there. Here are a few of the tools we added to our home to make it ‘more’ sensory friendly. EOS Trampoline Cooper loves jumping. Besides swimming, it’s one of the only physical type activities he likes to do willingly. In the summer, we have an outdoor trampoline that keeps him busy, active, and entertained. The winter in Minnesota makes that a challenge. Thankfully, I found an option that would work in our basement. Cooper’s trampoline came from SkyBound. It is the perfect size to fit in our basement. He LOVES it! Jamie even said it was easy to set up. That’s a huge win. Click HERE to see this model. When I choose products for Cooper, I make an effort to choose products that come from good companies. SkyBound does just that. Through their community outreach efforts, they realized there existed a need for a high-quality mini-trampoline that could serve both therapists at centers and families at home alike. This direct involvement with the community led them to create their first-ever sensory trampoline, the Eos, designed specifically for children with Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders in mind. And in December, they even donated several new Eos sensory trampolines to help promote motor skills development, and provide a fun outlet to release energy for children with Autism. Pretty amazing if you ask me! Swing Cooper also really enjoys swinging. Yet another activity that is traditionally done outside. Swinging has a way of calming him and clearing his brain. It’s a good reset when he needs one. I found this option at Fun and Function. It was a very good price and seemed sturdy. It also wouldn’t take up too much room in the house. We were able to screw the swing into the wooden beams in the ceiling. Cooper and his brother love this swing. They have a blast playing on it. Click HERE to see this model. Quiet Space Our house is loud. We have five people living in it and two dogs. The baby is loud. Sawyer is loud and busy. We always have kids over. There are times when the noise gets to be way too much for Cooper. He is learning to tell us that by covering his ears. We really wanted to be able to give him a space that he could go, relax, and take a time out. But we knew it would need to be cool, comfortable and space he could have all too himself. When I saw this tee-pee I knew it was perfect. We put it in his room, filled it with blankets, pillows and a bean bag chair. He has the option to turn on his sound machine or use his noise-canceling headphones. And somedays, he even requests his nightlight to be turned on. Now, when he’s overwhelmed, he will head up to his tee-pee to take a break. Click HERE to see this model. I hope this post can help you create a sensory-friendly space for your own child. In our world, it was all about finding the right sensory inputs that Cooper needed and purchasing those. And figure out a way to make them work in our home. Good luck! Click HERE to see the Sensory Sack. Interested in writing for Finding Cooper’s Voice? LEARN MORE Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

By: Judi Ketteler@ketteljm My ten-year-old kid, Maxx, doesn’t stop moving the entire four-hour flight from Cincinnati to L.A. Fidgeting, rolling his wrists, straightening and bending his legs, leaning forward and backward, twisting, cracking, stretching. All movements in all directions. And the talking. So much talking. Trying to contain his energy is like trying to bottle a star. Maxx’s restlessness is understandable, though, because he knows we’re en route to his version of Disneyland (different, in every way possible, from the middle seat on a plane). For one weekend in october, a small slice of Venice Beach is being transformed into a pop-up trampoline park called Gravalanche. More than 500 athletes from around the world will swarm the seaside haven for the event, which is less a competition and more an athletic showcase. As for what these athletes are going to do on the dozen or so trampolines in the sand? It’s pretty simple. They’re going to flip. Maxx is a flipper. I didn’t make that name up—it’s the term used to describe the athletes who partake in this newish sport known as Gtramp (short for garden trampoline). Maybe you’re familiar; perhaps your kid has shown you a YouTube video of someone jumping off a roof onto a trampoline and doing a triple backflip or a clip of someone maneuvering an urban landscape by bounding over walls and leaping from concrete pillars. That’s all fair game in Gtramp. The sport is purely freestyle (pointed toes, for example, are unimportant), and, like skateboarding with its ollies and tic-tacs, flipping has its lingo for tricks: kaboom, cody, ball-out. Flippers have established a kind of hierarchy for the hardest way to do a trick—double bounce, when one flipper utilizes the force of his or her bounce to send another flipper higher, is the easiest, with tower bounce, one bounce, and standing following in order of difficulty. Quadruple flips are becoming more commonplace, with some flippers even doing quintuple flips (quints). Maxx does flips everywhere and anywhere but mostly on one of the four (yes, really) trampolines we have in our backyard. It all started with him teaching himself a single backflip and then exploded into more complicated forward, backward, and twisting tricks. He learns by watching videos and connecting on Instagram (under my watchful eye) with other kids around the globe who are part of this movement. The Gtramp community started to gain traction on Instagram around 2016—a quick search of the hashtag #gtramp brings up about 93,000 posts and counting—with YouTubers like 18-year-old extreme flipper Tanner Braungardt playing a big role in the sport’s growth, too (Tanner currently has about 4 million subscribers). Instead of teams and coaches, Gtramp has brand sponsorships and athlete meet-ups, with some trampoline companies sending flippers to do their thing in a slew of different countries. Gravalanche has billed itself as the “biggest flipping event of the year,” but it’s hard to know whether or not this is the case since such things aren’t tracked in Gtramp—not in an official capacity, anyway. And while some of the brands will host exhibition-like contests—take the Gtramp Games created by Greg Roe Trampoline and cosponsored by trampoline company SkyBound USA—on the whole flippers reject traditional competition-based sporting constructs in favor of an all-inclusive, supportive community. Gtramp can be a solitary pursuit until a bunch of flippers get together and show off, which is exactly what’s happening at Gravalanche. Entrants have come to sunny Los Angeles from places as varied as Michigan and the Netherlands.Mike Friedman (left) and his son Andrew observe the scene at the inaugural Gravalanche in Venice Beach. Both are repping their company, Gravitated Equations. We arrive on Friday and spend our first day sightseeing and relaxing at the beach. But Saturday is reserved for Gravalanche. Maxx is ready to roll around 6 a.m. even though the event doesn’t begin till 10. When it finally becomes reasonable to do so, we set out from our hotel near the Venice Beach Boardwalk, and within a few minutes Maxx spots a kid wearing a pink T-shirt with bold, graphic palm trees on the back. “Look, he’s wearing Grav, too!” Maxx says to me before running toward him. “Grav” is an abbreviation for Gravitated Equations, one of the most visible brands in Gtramp. I catch the eye of the kid’s dad and smile. He introduces himself as Karl Mueller and tells me he drove up from San Diego with his son, Finn, who looks close to Maxx’s age. Our kids have never met, but they are already chatting away. Their matching T-shirts mean that Karl and I understand a lot about each other, too. Like me, he’s familiar with attempting to explain these wild flips his kid spends hours every day perfecting, not for a team or competition but for the joy of doing it and sharing it with others. “There is this moment when you meet another parent who just gets it,” Karl says. I know exactly what he means, and I feel like I could cry. The four of us cruise the boardwalk, passing hot spots like Muscle Beach and the pickup-basketball courts. Though it’s barely midday, the strand is already buzzing with grunge, color, and texture. We spot someone flipping about 20 feet in the air and know we’re in the right place. “Finn was a little nervous this morning,” Karl says. But all trace of that is gone. He and Maxx are already “seshing” (their word for doing flips) in the sand with a half dozen others near the entry queue. The exuberance is palpable. It’s going to be a great day, and I know it by looking at Maxx, who is in his element. These are his people. The music is thumping, the temperature is warming up, and L.A.’s iconic palm trees are swaying in the salty breeze. By the way, the palm trees on the back of those pink Grav tees are not a thoughtless design. In fact, they’re sort of why we’re here at all.Wyatt Pedersen (above) takes a spin at a complicated maneuver. Palm trees represent paradise because vacation for me was always somewhere with palm trees,” Solomon Berg tells me. “So I thought: ‘Why can’t I live with palm trees every day?’ ” Solomon is 16. On Instagram, he is @soloflow7, “because I’m flying solo.” He’s also a cofounder of Gravitated Equations, the brand sponsoring Gravalanche. Solomon was 13 and living in Boston with his family when he connected on Instagram with Andrew Friedman (@afriedman15), who was then 15 and living with his family in Brentwood. They were two of the first flippers to push the limits of backyard trampoline tricks, which didn’t go unnoticed on Instagram (together the pair have amassed more than 200,000 followers). Early on they started a group chat on the social media platform and named it Gravitated Equations—because it was a “puzzle of language,” Solomon says. He likes random wordplay, flipping words around the same way he flips his body. The group chat would morph into its own Instagram account and eventually a popular clothing brand of the same name, one that has acquired international recognition and become inextricably linked to the flipping community. But before all that, one very key thing happened: A few adults paid attention to something their kids were saying. To hear their parents tell it, Solomon and Andrew have always been natural athletes, both with a tendency to throw themselves into whatever sport they tried. “Anything Andrew decided to take up, he hyper-focused and excelled and became incredibly good at it,” says Andrew’s dad, Mike Friedman. The Friedmans encouraged Andrew and his brother, Jason, to find ways to move from an early age. Debbie Friedman, their mom, tells me that when the boys were young, she and her husband installed a zip line and ball pit in their basement (talk about being the fun parents on the block). Mike shares how he always tried to make fitness a game in which the only thing to beat was your own best record: How high can you jump? How many push-ups can you do in 30 seconds? How far can you throw the ball? “It was always about setting new goals,” Mike says. When the Friedmans got a trampoline, flipping was simply an extension of that ethos for Andrew and Jason. Across the country, Solomon was cultivating the same passion for challenging his body, says Alisa Berg, Solomon’s mom. “But as he got older, he lost interest in structured sports and wanted to use his athleticism in a way that was meaningful to him.” Solomon started flipping—doing many of the same tricks Andrew was doing on his trampoline in L.A.—and the pair followed each other on Instagram (the Gtramp community was relatively small back then). When Solomon commented on one of Andrew’s posts, the two struck up a conversation. Soon Solomon announced he was going to L.A. to stay with his friend Andrew and went as far as buying a plane ticket on his own. Like any reasonable set of parents, Solomon’s mom and dad asked him to slow down and let them do some research. First they called the Friedmans. “They seemed like a high-quality family determined to let their children follow their own path—within parameters,” says Eli Berg, Solomon’s dad. They agreed that Solomon would go stay with Andrew for a few weeks that summer. (“It was Alisa and Debbie who really figured it all out,” Mike Friedman admits.) Solomon wound up visiting Los Angeles seven times between 2015 and 2016 before he moved out for good in January 2017 to live with the Friedmans. “We knew L.A. is where he could pursue his passion and artistry,” says Eli Berg. “It would have been a fool’s errand to try to box him in.” Before I met these boys and their parents, I would have thought that was, well, nutty. But in talking to them—and now going through this with my own kid—keeping Solomon and Andrew apart seems like it would have been the nuttier option. Solomon arrived at the Friedmans and settled in fast. He and Andrew and Jason would spend hours flipping on the Friedmans’ trampoline, hanging out, and visiting iconic L.A. landmarks. They christened every location on their list—whether it was the Walk of Fame or the Hollywood sign—by doing a flip. Andrew is naturally soft-spoken and reluctant to be in the spotlight, but Solomon’s energy was just what he needed to bloom. For fun, Jason, Andrew, and Solomon wound up creating a logo for their Gravitated Equations Instagram account. After that, using a heat press in the basement left over from one of Mike’s previous business ventures, they made T-shirts to wear to Tempest Free­running Academy in Hawthorne, the local parkour and trampoline park that catered to flippers. Soon other kids at Tempest wanted the shirts, so the trio started a small e-commerce website (by then Jason had mostly lost interest in flipping but was intrigued by the business side). When flippers across Instagram saw these kids wearing the Gravitated Equations shirts, they wanted them, too. “I thought they were playing around with a logo just to have their own thing, but I realized what they meant to the kids in the community,” Mike says. “I thought, ‘This is skateboarding 20 years ago, and you guys are Tony Hawk, so we may have something here.’ ” The Bergs became bicoastal in the fall of 2017 and joined forces with the Friedmans to run Gravitated Equations, which is now a bona fide apparel company. Nobody gave up their day jobs—Eli is a physician, Alisa is a full-time mom, and the Friedmans own a real estate appraisal company—but they tapped every resource (and family member) to build Grav. Jason, now a high school junior, was instrumental in designing the look of the Grav brand and innovating the designs of the clothing (shirts start at $26; sweats can run as much as $48). Zeke Berg, Solomon’s older brother and a junior at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, helped strategize on website development. Having shipped its merchandise to all 50 states and 33 countries since the company’s inception a little more than a year ago, Grav is the leading lifestyle brand for the flipping community.A crew of young flippers practice their sport at Gravalanche With a permit you can paint the graffitied walls of Venice Beach on the weekends, and I already spot a few artists with their aerosol cans as we make our way into Gravalanche. Maxx immediately hops on a trampoline and feels at home, but it takes me a few minutes to orient myself. There are close to a dozen trampolines, a 12-foot-tall tower—yeah, like for jumping from—with an airbag at its base, a ninja course, and an 80-foot-long, extra bouncy inflatable tumbling strip called an AirTrack. I quickly spot the Gravitated Equations-sponsored athletes, including Jack and Bailey Payne, charismatic brothers from South Carolina; Z Zoromba, the daring former gymnast originally from Egypt; and Dom Lewis, better known as Domitrick. At 26 Dom is the old man of the group and serves as a mentor and unofficial big brother to many young flippers, including Tanner Braungardt. Dom has an easy smile and a compact frame punctuated by calf muscles that pop out like baseballs. His flipping skills are self-taught, and he got serious about training when he was in college at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan (he has a B.A. in international business administration). Flipping and inspiring kids is now his full-time job, and he spends about 75 percent of his time traveling to Gtramp events, trampoline parks, and gyms. His signature move is a back handspring from a sitting position. “This is a sport where you can create your own style,” he tells me before stepping onto the AirTrack and punching out something like seven backflips in a row with a grand finale of a double twisting backflip. Maxx’s eyes widen to the size of dinner plates because he’s only seen guys like Dom on Instagram. “I love that Grav events give kids the chance to interact with each other on a more personal level,” Dom says. Many of the influencers pushing the sport forward and capturing imaginations are from humble backgrounds, but they are all self-made in one way or another. Brittany Hertz, 22, presses up into a handstand while a partner supports her over his head. (Women in the Gtramp community are few and far between, but the contingent is growing. I spot a few dozen at Gravalanche.) She’s a former national cheerleading champion who’s built a huge social media following for her skills in dance, martial arts, and tricking. “I do this because I want to promote being healthy since my dad has heart disease and diabetes,” Brittany says. “Flipping is all about intrinsic motivation.” A few hours in, I spot Karl Mueller on one of the shady couches provided for tired parents. As I plop down next to him, Finn comes over. I ask him what his favorite part of the event is so far. “Everything,” he beams, and runs back to the AirTrack to tumble more. Karl tells me that earlier this year one of Finn’s flipping friends—a girl about his son’s age who lived 40 minutes away—invited some fellow flippers to her house for a meet-up. Meet-ups involve flippers descending on the home of patient and agreeable parents so the athletes can do flips all day, eat pizza, and spend the night (or the week). For Finn, it was the first time he got to be around other flippers, and for Karl, it was the first time he started to understand the community that these young athletes have forged and that his son had become a part of. Maxx spent a few days at flipper Colby Iverson’s two-week meet-up in Waterford, Michigan, this past summer, and I experienced the same dynamic. Though flipping found popularity on social media, the in-person events, whether informal or brand-sponsored, are what help solidify these kids’ cross-country—and sometimes intercontinental—friendships. This is obvious when I watch Maxx meet his Instagram friend Jonah Schwinnen, 11, in person for the first time. Jonah is a good-natured kid from Boulder, Colorado, and his mom, Rachel McLaughlin, has brought him to Gravalanche. When she got a postcard promoting the event in the mail in August (anyone who had ever purchased Grav merchandise got the postcard), Rachel, a single mom with a lot of responsibilities, thought the same thing I did: “No way can we make this happen.” Then she remembered some family members—relatives of her estranged poet-hippie father whom she’d only met twice—who lived in San Clemente. She’d been meaning to visit, so she decided to combine seeing them with a Gravalanche trip. Watching Jonah and Maxx together, Rachel is delighted she decided to come. “One of my favorite things about the flipping community is how supportive the kids are of each other,” she tells me. “There is so much positivity. They really want everyone to do awesome things.” She’s right. All day long, Gravalanche participants are cheering on and motivating their friends new and old. They are the ones making the sport, and they are each other’s coaches. Rachel and Jonah aren’t the only ones who felt especially drawn to the event. Jannine and Gordon Sandmeier, who hail from Long Beach, New York, surprised their son, Kieran, with a trip. “Kieran hasn’t been into organized sports,” his dad tells me. “He is more enthusiastic about flipping than anything else.” Flying across the country for Gravalanche seemed like a needless splurge until the family realized they could tie it in with a memorial for Gordon’s sister, who died in 2017 and had lived in the area. They held a service for her in New York this same week last October, and it only made sense to have one in L.A. exactly a year later. “It was fate,” Jannine says. I tear up a little because I know the feeling. I made the decision to come to Gravalanche on August 31—the five-year anniversary of my father’s death. I went from saying, “We can’t possibly” at noon to “What if we just went?” by 3 p.m. Did some cosmic force bring us all to Venice Beach? A bunch of middle-aged parents trying to figure out this thing our kids do and looking for clues from our departed loved ones? Maybe. I really like the idea. But it might also be the incredible pull of Gravitated Equations. “They are bringing this world to life,” Jannine says. When they first conceived of Gravalanche in early 2018, Mike Friedman, Eli Berg, and the Grav boys—Solomon, Andrew, and Jason—knew exactly where they wanted to hold the event. “Venice Beach is the kids’ stomping ground,” Mike says. “It’s the soul of everything.” SkyBound USA, the backyard trampoline company, immediately came on board as a sponsor. But then Mike wondered if Provo, Utah-based CircusTrix, the largest developer, operator, and franchisor of trampoline parks in the world, could engineer a trampoline grid in the sand. CircusTrix owns Defy, a new breed of trampoline parks that cater to the Gtramp athlete. They liked Mike’s challenge, according to Ty Nielson, regional vice president of CircusTrix, since the company wants Defy to be the brand that innovates for the flipping community. CircusTrix tapped its network of partners and built out a version of a Defy park right there in the sand. Flipping does come with risks, but, I’m happy to see that the brands are encouraging as much safety as possible. Even the cautious parents join in: Toward the end of the day, Debbie Friedman jumps off the tower into the giant airbag, and Mike goes through the ninja course as the crowd cheers. “In my appraisal business, I deal with suits all day,” he says. “This is something much more exciting and rewarding because it involves my kids and their sport.” He waves his hands around. “It’s a movement.” The movement is precisely what brought Pamela Stefanowicz and Matt Janusz to Gravalanche all the way from Poland. On Instagram, they are @fit.lovers, and with almost a million followers, it’s possible they are the most popular people in their homeland. They came on a whim because they wanted to experience Gtramp—and Venice Beach—firsthand. “It is paradise,” Pamela says through a thick accent, and I know she means all of it: the balmy weather, the ocean, the Grav energy, and Solomon Berg’s idyllic palm trees. I’m far too Midwestern to get attached to palm trees, but there in the sand, surrounded by their lanky trunks and weighty fronds (not to mention hundreds of kids cultivating their passion), I see what Solomon saw—the soul of something purely and spontaneously athletic with a freedom of movement that slips right through any system that wants to control it. No one here is being put in a box—unless you’re counting Instagram’s square frames. Judi Ketteler contributes regularly to The New York Times. She is currently writing a book about honesty to be published by Kensington Books.

We're sharing an amazing essay written by Jeffrey V., owner of a SkyBound Stratos trampoline. With his permission, Jeffrey has allowed us to publish his essay on our blog for our fans and friends to read! Read more about Jeffrey's experience with his SkyBound Stratos below

Are your kids bouncing off the walls this winter? We definitely understand when the weather outside is frightful! If having your kids bouncing around outside on your backyard trampoline isn’t an option, give them an outlet for their energy by letting them bounce on an indoor mini trampoline!

Learn about common trampoline injuries and treatments and how to help reduce the risk of injury while using a trampoline!

At SkyBound USA, we truly believe in the importance of giving back to the community. This is why we’ve partnered with organizations nationwide that focus on providing educational resources for families of with children with autism. Working with The Center for Autism and Neuro-developmental Disorders in Irvine, CA. www.thecenter4autism.org over the past two years, SkyBound USA had donated mini-trampolines, swings, and other outdoor play products to the center to support families and children in need. From parents and therapist feedback, we learned that our Mini-4 trampoline wasn’t designed to withstand the rigorous hours of use as a therapy and sensory needs training device. This led us to develop the Eos mini-trampoline for the sensory needs community. Prior to the Eos mini trampoline, very few options existed in the market that focused on promoting sensory play and sensory regulation. Other brands of sensory trampolines were far too expensive for families to purchase for home use. In developing the Eos sensory trampoline, SkyBound USA set out to achieve a more budget-conscious sensory needs mini trampoline that didn’t compromise on quality, safety, or performance. Through our community outreach efforts, we realized there existed a need for a premium mini-trampoline that could serve both therapists at centers and families at home alike. The Eos mini trampoline was designed for just this purpose. With a welded dual-frame design for superior strength and stability, a removable dual-handlebar design to support children’s’ balance and coordination, and a proprietary safety mat skirt to limit user contact with steel parts, the Eos truly delivers as one of the safest mini-trampolines for children on the market today. Personal Customer Success Story: Frank L., a local parent in Orange County, reached out to SkyBound after his autistic child, Broxton, broke three different SkyBound Mini-4 trampolines in under a year due to his daily hours of extended usage. Broxton, a passionate fan of SkyBound, loves his Eos mini trampoline and was very happy to report that his Eos was holding up strong after months of usage. Frank, Broxton’s dad, says the Eos is a regular part of Broxton’s daily routine at home and has provided his son with a positive outlet to self-regulate his mood and energy levels, day or night. Do you have story to share with us about your Eos and sensory needs child? Or, are you an Autism resource center or special needs childcare center interested in the Eos for your children? Please connect with us and tell us how we can help! Click to read more about the SkyBound Eos Mini Trampoline 

The trampoline offshoot blends the countercultural aspect of skateboarding with the raw daring of parkour and freestyle snowboarding, all of it fueled by social media.

What an amazing community and group of people to work with! We are so thankful to have been invited by CircusTrix, the largest trampoline park company in the world, to sponsor and support FLIPCON 2018 in Las Vegas! This year's FlipCon 2018 features some of the best acrobatic, tumbling, gymnastics, parkour, freerunning, and Gtramp athletes from around the world for an action-packed, fun-filled weekend at the Las Vegas strip to promote the flipping community.  Our partnerships and collaboration with CircusTrix, Greg Roe Trampoline, Tanner Braungardt, AirTrack US, and Gravitated Equations has helped to make this world-class meet-up event a major success for the flipping community. To celebrate our partnership with FLIPCON, SkyBound and CircusTrix have created limited edition co-branded FLIPCON socks that will ensure you won't slip or fall when bouncing on an indoor or outdoor trampoline! We're also hosting a free SkyBound x FlipCon 2018 sweepstakes contest for your chance to win our newest flag-ship trampoline, the SkyBound Horizon rectangle 11x18 ft trampoline! Runner up winners will receive exclusive SkyBound x DEFY FLIPCON socks! Join our free contest now at www.skyboundusa.com/promo for your chance to win a brand new SkyBound Horizon trampoline. Contestants will also receive an email with a 20% off single-use discount promo code that will expire on 12/31/18!  SkyBound x FlipCon 2018 Contest ends on 8/24/18. Contestants will receive a 20% discount code via email upon the conclusion of the contest on 8/24/18. Discount code is applicable until 12/31/18. Single use coupon per order.  www.skyboundusa.com/promo/ www.flipcon2018.com/ www.circustrix.com/ www.gravady.com/ www.tbraungardt.com/ www.gravitatedequations.com/ www.trampolinecoaching.com/ www.freestyletrampolineassociation.com/  

 The SkyBound GT Games goes Global! Presented by GRT Inc. & SkyBound USA  Media Press Release    May 29, 2018 - Escondido, CA.  SkyBound USA, a Fuloo LLC company, has partnered with Canadian Trampolinist  Greg Roe of GRT Sport Events to establish themselves as the leaders in the freestyle and garden trampoline community movement (#GTramp). SkyBound USA launched the world’s first official garden trampoline competition with support from Greg Roe Trampoline in summer 2017. In 2018, the US version of the GT Games will return to the Escondido Sports Center on June 29 - July 1, 2018. One month following the USA event, the GT Games will travel to Denmark for the first ever GT Games in Europe! GRT and SkyBound USA have been the trailblazers in the garden trampoline community, creating events around the world and providing the freestyle trampoline community an outlet and a platform to showcase their incredible athleticism, skills, and abilities.   The SkyBound GT Games, short for “Garden Trampoline Games,” is an annual event to promote the freestyle garden trampoline community of athletes.  Each year, the GT Games invites the top athletes around the world whom demonstrate not only outstanding skills but also control, creativity, and style.  The judges review through hundreds of online video submissions using the hashtag #GTGamesUS2018 or #GTGamesEU2018 and registering to officially compete at www.gtrampgames.com/registration. Greg Roe, a former Olympic-level trampolinist for Team Canada, will serve as co-host and emcee of the event as well as providing mentorship and support for the young athletes whom will be competing in the GT Games from all over the world. Over 1,000 submission entries were received for the SkyBound GT Games this year, with the selected athletes invited to compete in a friendly competitive tournament. Many of these young athletes (age 11 - 21) are excited to have the chance to demonstrate their unique skills and talents in front of their peers and spectators, their social media followers, and their fellow freestyle Gtramp athletes. Some athletes as young as 11 years old have already become social media influencers, developing a YouTube following spilling over from their Instagram and SnapChat accounts where they post highlights of impressive tricks and skills, as well as their unique ‘daredevil’ style stunts. The GT Games is expanding to a three-day event this year with Friday, June 29 being the ‘Media and Training Day’, including a press conference at 12:30 pm at the Escondido Sports Center in Escondido, CA. All media partners are invited to attend this exclusive event conference featuring Greg Roe and some of the top sponsored athletes in the sport for a ‘Question & Answer’ segment and live demonstrations of their skills on the SkyBound trampolines provided for the GT Games. Lunch and refreshments will also be served.  The competition will start on Saturday June 30 at 2:00 pm PST and will last until approximately 9:00 pm PST. Sunday morning at 10 am PST, the top ten finalists from each division will compete for the first, second, and third place prizes for their respective competitive event. On Friday, registered athletes will have the opportunity to free-bounce and test out the new flagship SkyBound ‘Horizon’ rectangle trampoline that is about to hit the North American consumer market, as well having their free-bounce sessions coached by Greg Roe. “The Horizon trampoline is SkyBound’s newest flagship model trampoline. Rectangular in shape, it’s the largest garden trampoline of its  kind.  SkyBound’s engineers have extensively tested the bounce quality, enclosure safety, performance, and durability of the Horizon trampoline to develop one of the bounciest and strongest garden trampolines in the world.” - Ricky Lai, Marketing Manager, SkyBound USA SkyBound USA’s corporate philosophy is closely aligned with the message GRT has been delivering to the trampoline community worldwide -- creating a fun and safe environment for ‘flippers’ and Gtramp athletes, achieved through a safe and educational trampoline training program. Based on Roe’s step-by-step approach to training and putting safety first, SkyBound USA believed in aligning with GRT’s mission for bridging the gap between the recreational trampoline enthusiasts and professional trampoline athletes. “Over the past few years, the Gtramp community has been faced with criticism for allowing kids to perform multiple flips and tricks on their backyard trampolines without supervision and coaching. What the general public don’t realize is many of these young athletes actually learn the skills from well known and respected trampolinists by watching on-line tutorials, taking classes at local gyms or trampoline parks, but still many are self taught;” explains trampoline professional Greg Roe.  “ The fact that they can achieve the skill level we are seeing today is a testament to their perseverance and the improvements in the quality of equipment available. Both SkyBound and GRT Inc. see them as true athletes in their own regard and want to give credit to the GTramp community through the creation of the GT Games.” – Greg Roe, GRT Inc. Greg Roe is a well known former gymnast, Team Canada Trampolinist and Level 3 Coach, who will also be hosting a trampoline skills camp training with the athletes invited to the GT Games. Greg Roe respects the skills and the style that the Gtramp athletes bring to the bigger trampoline community as a whole. Rather than patronizing the Gtramp community for their perceived ‘dangerous’ tricks and flips, Greg Roe believes there is value in coaching and reinforcing safety and positive mental training for all trampoline athletes attending the event and viewing the event across the live stream and social media partner networks. “This is an amazing sports opportunity for the GTramp community!” added Trish McGeer, GRT’s Director of Marketing and GT Games organizer, “Greg and I began working in partnership with the SkyBound USA last year, bringing his unique style of coaching and enthusiasm to the brand. We are thrilled to bring this unique event to California for the second time. Last year was an a amazing event and it will be even bigger and better this year.” The SkyBound GT Games is growing this year to include Europe! Taking place on August 4 - 5, 2018 at the world-famous gymnastics school, Ollerup Gymnastics, located in southern Denmark, European freestyle garden trampoline athletes will be treated to a state of the art facility, dorm rooms, and beautiful accommodations. For more information on the SkyBound GT Games presented by GRT Inc., please visit their website at: www.gtrampgames.com   GT Games USA event hosted by: Escondido Sports Center (Kit Carson Park), California GT Games EU event hosted by: OllerUp School, Denmark, Europe   For more information please contact:  Trish McGeer, GRT Inc.  - email /  trishmcgeer1@gmail.com Ricky Lai, SkyBound USA   - email / rlai@skyboundusa.com

Austin ( @itsaustin2005 ) suffers from a rare condition called Mitochondrial Disease. This means that his mitochondria are unable to completely convert food and oxygen to generate energy, which is essential for normal cell function. As a result of this, overexertion can tire Austin out really quickly. He also has heat intolerance, which can be difficult when living in a place like humid and sunny Florida. Austin and his mother, Tonia ( @mitomommy ), drive to Houston, TX from Florida to receive treatment for his condition every six months.For Christmas, Austin asked his mother if he could have a SkyBound Trampoline just like Tanner Braungardt’s ( @tannerbraungardt ), whom he is a huge fan of! As a single mother, this proved to be difficult to manage so Tonia reached out directly to us at SkyBound in the hopes that we could offer some level of assistance. After learning about Tonia and Austin’s story, we offered to donate Tonia and Austin one of the Stratos trampolines that we used at the first annual SkyBound GTramp Games!Needless to say, Austin was ecstatic to get the trampoline! We’re so glad that we could help Austin get exactly what he wished for Christmas this year – a SkyBound Stratos trampoline and a chance to speak to his favorite Youtuber, Tanner Braungardt!