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The
trampoline
was first used in the eighteenth-century by circus tumblers
but it became an American craze in the late 1950's and
early 160's. Used initially as an exercise apparatus
in high school gym classes, trampolines quickly began
to appeal to members of the general public who wanted
to be able to jump, bounce, somersault, backflip and
at least temporarily defy the bounds of gravity.
The
trampoline is believed to have been invented by Bill
Sorenson in his California basement. The initial model
was made of a heavy piece of canvas stretched taut across
a metal frame and attached with heavy springs. Some
people bought kits for as little as $50.00 and assembled
their own in their backyards while others visited trampoline
parks which sprung up all over the country.
The
trampoline craze cooled off during the summer of 1960
due to the heat and to safety concerns as numerous neck
and back injuries occurred. Every now and then, however,
trampolines stage a minor comeback, most recently as
an exercise tool for aerobic workouts. |