A new sports craze is sweeping Scotland and it is TOO MUCH FUN. Indoor trampoline parks have opened in Edinburgh and Glasgow and offer a brand new recreational activity environment for thrill seekers.
If the trampoline in your garden just won’t cut it or you haven’t been on one in years, it could be just what you are looking for to get fit and have fun! The beauty of using trampoline parks is the unregimented freedom to simply express yourself physically in any way you choose.
Unlike sports or classes, no one is there telling you what to do and you don’t have an expected role. You can set your own standards and work towards you own challenges. Plus there is always experienced help on hand to give you tips and advice and make sure your technique isn’t dangerous to yourself or others.
Two mega trampoline parks are accessible in Scotland: Air Space and Ryze, and both facilities have similar features…
Free-bouncing zones
These consist of a large area of wall-to-wall trampolines where you can get used to the idea of being in the air. These trampolines aren’t too supercharged and won’t throw you headfirst into your neighbour unless you do that yourself! Here you are free to try out some basic moves – remember swivel hips and pike from school? Why not test out the old back drop and maybe even a front flip? There is plenty of space to get used to free bouncing and you can even bunny hop from tramp to tramp if it’s quiet. See how far you can get across the room – you may be surprised!
Dodgeball
Once you’ve warmed up (and believe me, that won’t take long) why not head over to the dodgeball court? Try out a super bouncy version of a playground classic with two rows of trampolines facing each other, surrounded by a net to keep the ball in. Jump and dive around the court to take out your opponents and reign supreme in the ultimate airborne team sport.
Basketball
In trampoline parks you don’t need to be a seven-foot NBA player to score a slam dunk. Both parks feature springy launch pads next to towering basketball nets so you can work on your hoop-shooting game. Play alone or challenge a friend!
Foam Pit
On to the next challenge and here, anything goes. Foam pits are an invitation to truly get creative and challenge yourself, or just be downright silly! The great thing is that it is really hard to hurt yourself jumping into the foam pit. That’s not a challenge – just a fact. The giant cubes of multicoloured foam are guaranteed to give you a soft landing whatever position you hit them in so you can flip, spin or bellyflop to your heart’s content. Both parks have tall blocks which you can drop onto the trampolines from, boosting your power and airtime, but if you don’t want to go all out you can simply jump from normal trampolines. Ryze even has a tower to climb up and a long ramp if you’re feeling adventurous!
Power Jump
A special feature of Air Space is the power jump trampoline, a super-springy practice apparatus. This gives you a flavour of what athletes use to practice and you’ll be amazed at how much time you have in the air. If you want inspiration or guidance there is always a trained member of staff monitoring the space who can suggest ways to improve your style or teach you more advanced moves.
Slack lining
Both parks have slack lining sections which don’t involve trampolines but do involve bouncing. Slack lining involves attempting to walk along a thin, bouncy length of material strung between two points. It is mainly hilarious to watch people wobble and fall, but when done properly it can really improve your balance because it requires precise agility. It is you against yourself in the wobbliest tightrope game in the world. Ryze also offer bounceboards which help train for wakeboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing and other board sports.
A few wee tips
Both trampoline facilities are truly incredible but they are pricey to attend regularly with one hour in Air Space costing £13 and the same costing £10 at Ryze. So check out the facilities at your college or university – you may find a trampolining or gymnastics club exists with great facilities you can access cheaply in between visits to these spring-loaded parks.
As all parks are indoors, you can enjoy the facilities come rain or shine so it is a perfect autumn and winter activity.
Always wear comfortable, loose clothing and be aware that it is a sport that demands a LOT of energy. You’ll be amazed at how much you sweat. Take plenty of water and snacks and get stuck in to your urban playground.
