Gym Class #10: 4 Trampoline Development Centers

Photo by Krenda

Want to get their hearts pumping?  Go to a trampoline facility and let them soar.

According to CNN, trampoline is one of the 10 strangest Olympic Sports, along with 1) solo synchronized swimming, 2) club swimming, 3) tug-o-war, 4) live pigeon shooting, 5) swimming obstacle course, 6) roller skating, 7) la canne (canes, similar to fencing), 8) rope climbing, and 9) race walking.  The vast majority have not been included in recent Olympic games.  However, trampoline is fairly recent.

London England held the first Trampoline World Championships (1964).  Sydney, Australia hosted the first Olympics to feature trampoline (2000).  Did you know the inventor learned from a kangaroo and actually jumped with a kangaroo on his trampoline?  Your little joey can have so much fun too. 

Trampoline offers much more challenge than who can jump highest.  Try a half turn, tuck jump, straddle jump, and seat drop.  For the gymnasts, they may jump as high as 33 feet and show off other tricks: 
1) Barani - front somersault with a half-twist
2) Cody - backward somersault from the front
3) Quadriffis- any quadruple somersault from the front.

USA Gymnastics chooses a limited number of clubs as Trampoline Development Centers, encouraging competitive trampoline sport.  In 2016, USA Gymnastics chose the following four clubs:
1.  De Veau's School of Gymnastics in Indianapolis, IN
2.  Mini Hops Gymnastics in Plymouth, MN
3.  Legacy Training Center in San Luis Obispo, CA
4.  International Gymnastics Centre Inc. in West Sacramento, CA


We've used trampoline facilities in Fort Wayne, IN and Buffalo Grove, IL (near Chicago).  Both offered more than jumping.  Both offered a foam pit and dodge ball games.  No need to bring a team.  Just join the fun.  Safety first.  The facilities provide safety videos and signs.  Always good to reinforce the message yourself with your kids.

Tips:
1) Bring comfortable clothes, but not too much stuff - you'll likely want to rent a small locker.  Facilities often require socks with grips and sell them at a reasonable price.  2) Set a realistic time.  You can purchase 2 hours, but you may not need it.  One hour or even 30 minutes may suffice.  Especially if you use competition rules - routine terminates if you touch the side panel or stop (-:

When you go on vacation, sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate.  Pack your grip socks.  If you are vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, check out Top Jump Trampoline Park in Pigeon Forge (between light #8 and 10).  If you need to rent a luxury cabin, check out our rental nearby named Indigo Moon Lodge www.indigomoonlodge.blogspot.com.