Trampolines have become a popular source of fun for children in recent years. Of course, safety features have increased because, as with most things, accidents are a hazard. However, walking across the street can be dangerous but we still do it so with trampolines, we take all the precautions we can and then we go have fun. The springs are now covered and most children's trampolines come with the option of a protective net to avoid over the edge falls.

There is something that attracts most people to trampolines. Maybe it's the feeling of weightlessness that we get when bouncing. It is so unique a feeling that nothing else can replicate it. I defy anyone to use a trampoline and not smile! It's good fun, kids love it and the adults can't wait for the kids to go to bed so they can get on it.

Yet, there is much more to trampolines than a bit of fun. They are well disguised exercise tools that have many health benefits. Regular use of trampolines provides a great cardiovascular workout, increasing stamina over time. The stronger the heart is, the more oxygen will be pumped efficiently round the body and the healthier all the organs will be.

It also enhances the circulation of bodily fluids, eliminating toxins from body tissues and improving respiration. All these effects will contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight and fighting off obesity and all in a way that can be nothing but good fun. This is an excellent way to exercise for the people that hate the idea of trudging miles on a treadmill down at the local gym, surrounded by other unhappy, sweaty bodies.

Trampolines are available in so many different sizes that there is one to suit every garden. In fact, if you don't have a garden you can even get an indoor trampoline for the use of one person at a time. Gently bouncing away excess weight and improving heart health has to be so much more beneficial for you than sitting on the sofa watching your favourite soap opera.

Professional athletes will use trampolines for training. This is because they know the benefits of the cardiovascular workout as well as the fact that it is a great way of working the muscles in the lower half of the body. Thigh and calf muscles will benefit the most along with the glutumus maximus (bum muscles to you and me) and stomach muscles.

There is a certain skill to the trampoline that is usually harder for adults to master than children. Getting into a rhythm is the best thing as bouncing at irregular intervals can cause an imbalance. Getting the right amount of exertion behind a bounce is also important for long term stamina, as with most things, there is no point going for the burn in the first five minutes and flaking out shortly after.

The trick to professional trampolining is to get maximum height with minimum effort. When mastered, this can look extremely graceful. It also looks like fun and looks a lot easier than what it actually is.

Thankfully, most mistakes along the way are met with a soft landing but it is always recommended to have someone with you, even when bouncing for fun. Where children are concerned, difficulties can arise when more than one child is bouncing at a time, usually at different speeds which means that one will land when the trampoline is coming back up which will throw them off balance.

All in all, the trampoline comes with minimal risk when used properly, is great exercise and a lot of fun!