Trampolines: 5 top tips Thinking of buying a trampoline? Here are five things you should consider before you commit yourself. Trampolines for the garden are now one of the most popular sporting equipment purchases. They offer a fun way to get fit, and children can bounce on them for hours without even realising that it’s doing them good. What’s more, the larger models can handle adult weight, so you don’t have to be a kid to get a kick out of trampolines. There are, however, things to consider before you buy, and here are our top five: 1. Where’s the trampoline going? You need to know where you’re going to put your trampoline as this is likely to determine what size trampoline you can buy. Trampolines should always be on a flat area, not on a slope or uneven ground, and should be away from overhanging trees, so that jumpers cannot hurt themselves on branches. Your trampoline should go on a grass surface, not on tarmac, gravel or any other hard surface. 2. Who’s using your trampoline? Trampolines are fun for all ages, but you need to know who’s going to be using your trampoline before you buy. Younger children should be protected by a safety net that goes round the whole trampoline. This means that if they lose their balance or bounce too far, they won’t fall off the edge, but will be cushioned by the safety net. The net can also help to prevent cats and dogs from getting onto your trampoline and damaging the bed, or jumping area. 3. How will you look after it? Trampolines need to stay outside; they’re too big and heavy to dismantle over winter. That’s why you should make sure that you choose a frame that’s treated so that it won’t rust. Rusty joints damage the integrity of your trampoline’s frame and could make the trampoline unsafe. It’s also worth buying a cover for the bed so that the fabric is protected from wind, rain and other potentially damaging weather. 4. Choosing quality Don’t buy a cheap trampoline. It’s unlikely to last as long as you want it to, and you could be putting the safety of the jumpers at risk. Trampolines need to be structurally secure and the jumping bed must be securely attached to the frame. Experts recommend a strong steel frame and a bed that is attached to the frame by springs, not by fabric. 5. Follow the rules If you’re buying a trampoline, make sure you’re prepared to follow the rules. Trampolines can be great fun, but they can also cause injury if they’re not used properly and respected as a piece of sporting equipment. The more people there are on a trampoline at any one time, the more likelihood there is of someone getting hurt. Flips and rolls shouldn’t be attempted unless the jumper has been trained, or there is an expert on hand who can supervise. Sport & Leisure UK Ltd is an established sports retail business renowned for providing quality products to private customers for the lowest prices. Offering everything from exercise bikes to trampolines, Sport & Leisure UK is delighted to provide a price promise to their customers and is dedicated to offering the best deals on sporting goods on the market. For more information on the products and services provided by Sport & Leisure UK, simply call 01444 253963 or email sales@sportandleisureuk.com. Click here for more articles on trampolines.