Trampolines are a lot of fun. We all know that. But did you know that astronauts train on trampolines? That they can help develop coordination and stronger bones? Or that they can be used to help with learning? Check out these 13 facts and interesting tidbits no one tells you about trampolines. 1 – Trampolines In SpaceOkay, not really. But the trampoline was originally used to train astronauts headed to space. Eventually, the popularity of the trampoline took-off and now they are in backyards around the world. 2 – Coordination BoostThe combination of jumping high, maintaining balance and concentrating on executing the move will help to improve your motor skills and coordination – all in one go. 3 – Stronger BonesThe repetitive action of jumping improves bone mineral content and builds the musculoskeletal system. Each landing from a jump is double the force of gravity, which develops muscle strength over time and prevents bone diseases such as osteoporosis. 4 – Get a Workout in Just 10 MinutesNASA found 10 minutes of jumping on a trampoline is equal to going on a 30 minute run. That means you can achieve your fitness goals in less time than hitting the gym. And it’s right in your backyard. Check out these quick fitness exercises. 5 – Low Impact ExerciseTrampolining is a low impact exercise. A jumper’s vertical acceleration and deceleration is absorbed by the trampoline mat, taking up to 80% of the shock. In comparison, hard surfaces like roads have no “give”. Trampolining protects your joints while exercising your muscles. 6 – Mental HealthPhysical activity makes you feel happy, positive and self-confident. Endorphins, the positive mood enhancing chemicals released during exercise, are triggered when jumping. An added benefit is the sheer fun factor of jumping up and down. It will make you smile, laugh and feel happy! 7 – Heart HealthIncreasing your heart rate with 10 minutes of jumping a day will strengthen the muscles that are needed for a healthy cardiovascular system. If a happy heart isn’t a good reason to bounce, we don’t know what is! 8 – Jump and LearnStudies show that regular physical activity supports child brain development by improving memory, concentration, and positive outlook. Researchers have even found that kids who ran for 15-45 minutes before school were less distracted and more attentive to schoolwork. Let kids jump on the trampoline for 10 minutes in the morning before school. Jumping will wake up their mind and body, and get them ready for learning. 9 – Trampolines CAN Be Used SafelyJust like you wear bike helmets and have rules for swimming pools, you should have rules for safe trampoline play. We highly recommend following these five safe jumping rules to make your jump time even safer:- No Flips: Untrained jumpers can land on their head and neck, causing serious injury. - One at a Time: Having a single jumper eliminates the chance of collisions and injuries. And NEVER DOUBLE-BOUNCE!- Supervise Jumping: A responsible adult should keep an eye on the jumper. - Safe Clearance: Keep enough space around the trampoline (we recommend about 5 feet) to allow room for the net to flex out. It’s also important to have safe overhead clearance of 6m.- Keep it Locked: Zip the net when the trampoline is not being used will keep unwanted jumpers away. 10 – Not All Trampolines Are The SameNo, all trampolines are not the same and they are not all equal. Trampolines come in many different sizes – large, medium, small – and different shapes – circle, square, oval. And not just that, there are different types of trampolines – springless trampolines, spring-based trampolines and fitness trampolines. You have lots of options to find the best trampoline for you and your family. 11 – Trampolines Aren’t Just For KidsKids love trampolines, but they are just as much fun for adults too! You can add it to your exercise routine, use it to reduce stress and turn it into an outdoor activity for the whole family. Set family challenges to find out who can do the most jumps in a minute or who can do the most seat drops. A trampoline can be a great way to engage the entire family in the backyard. 12 – Jump All WinterEven though it’s cold and snowy, you can still enjoy your Springfree trampoline. You can build snow castles on the mat, play dodge the snowball, make snow angels, and of course you can still jump. All the engineering and design that has been put into the development of Springfree means that you can leave it outside and enjoy jumping on it all year long, even in the snow. 13 – More Than JumpingTrampolines can be used for more than just jumping. If there’s one thing you can count on kids to do it’s using their imagination. Check out all the fun activities you can do on a trampoline without bouncing.