Jumping for joy

Bounce away boredom at trampoline parks, writes Sacha van Niekerk

WITH the December holidays around the corner, be wary of the “MOM, I’M BORED!” tantrums that are sure to come. So, if tiring out your little one – just in time to catch the latest episode of

– is what you’re in need of, trampoline parks are the perfect activity. But be warned, you just might want to join in on the fun too.

Whether it’s for fitness or family fun, there’s something for everyone. Trampoline parks consist of interconnected trampolines, that stretch from wall to wall and offer a safe zone to jump to your heart’s content.

Often they are decked out with awesome features like foam pits to dive into and hoops to slam dunk.

Not only is it fun, but the benefits are astounding.

Kandi Sillwood, who does social media marketing at Jump 4 Joy in KwaZuluNatal, shared the health benefits created by jumping on trampolines: Improves your lymphatic system. It’s low impact exercising so there is less strain on joints.

Improves your cardiovascular system.

Increases muscular strength and development.

Improves co-ordination and balance. Reduces stress levels. Improves mental health as it has the ability to take you from a place of unhappiness to a place of joy.

Facts from NASA Studies prove that jumping on trampolines for only 10 minutes is equivalent to running for a full 30 minutes.

If that doesn’t convince you, jumpers from around the country shared their first impressions of visiting a trampoline park.

For Merushka Ghazi, 20, from Durban, it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends and connect with family.

“I heard a lot about trampoline parks and wanted to go and experience it for myself.

“At Jump 4 Joy, the atmosphere was exhilarating with lots of eager kids ready to jump.

“The staff were welcoming and helpful too. Music played as we jumped which made the young one’s screams of joy a little lighter on one’s ears.

“I think it’s a great place to spend time with younger family members as well as a nice change of scenery to socialise in, unwind and have fun while getting a bit of exercise,” she said.

There to enjoy the action was Stavios Ngoy, 20, from Cape Town who visited Rush.

“What made me go was a friend of mine who went there and told me it’s an awesome place to practise parkour [the activity or sport of moving rapidly through an area, typically in an urban environment, negotiating obstacles by running, jumping, and climbing] and learn new tricks.

“I was interested based on what he showed me so we booked a day there and it was amazing, I was blown away,” he said.

Trampoline parks make entertaining over a dozen kids easy, said Zoelfaqaar van der Hoven, 43, from Cape Town. The father of two said, “My experience at Rush was awesome and my sons loved the activity.

“It’s a safe environment with friendly staff assisting, making sure everybody is safe and even showing you how to maximise your fun at Rush.

“As a dad, it was a hectic workout, and too much fun.

“Our second visit was with the entire extended family consisting of about 15 kids and 10 adults.

“We will be back to this awesome indoor activity.”

Giju Varghese, 50, visited Flip.d in Johannesburg with his two daughters.

“I took my two daughters and their friend the day before my eldest daughter’s 14th birthday,” she said.

The three had a fantastic time, it set the mood for the birthday the next day.

“The crew were awesome and made the experience absolutely fabulous.”

Kyle Ticka, 21, from Durban, said: “I enjoyed the hour very much.

“I think the different games that you can play with the different people (big, small, boy, girl) made the experience completely unique.

“But I know the experience would not be as great had I not gone with as many friends.

“If people are chilled they’ll be open to letting their inner child shine through.

“It’s honestly one of the only places that you feel zero stress – just like a kid.”

FLIP.D flipdsa.com Lonehill, Johannesburg

JUMP 4 JOY www.j4j.co.za Durban North and Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal

iJUMP ijump-trampoline.co.za East Rand Mall and Clear Water Crossing, Johannesburg

BOUNCE www.bounceinc.co.za Fourways Mall, Waterfall Lifestyle Centre and Menlyn Maine