As a large person who used to be skinny, I have MISSED trampolines and recently did some research on this subject to make sure it was safe.
In this article we’ll talk about if it’s safe for you to do, and what you need to know before you jump. (Plus my awesome experience)
First before we start, here’s my quick answer for those of you who just like to skim.
Many fat people can jump on trampolines. This of course depends on your weight. Most trampolines can hold at least 300-400 pounds. However, there are some trampolines that can hold up to 800 pounds.
Trampoline parks and home trampolines both can have issues with larger people using them. The issues depend on which park you go to and what home trampoline you use.
Some parks are simply better than others for big people…………just like some home trampolines are better than others for large people (some trampoline manufacturers even claim higher weight limits than what they can actually hold). In this article, we go into more depth on these issues and more.
Now, on to the rest of the article.
Here Are The 7 Tips You Need To Know:
#1) If you’re going to a park you need to CALL and check for their weight limit.
Imagine you’re going to go to a trampoline park………just to have some fun, jump around……and just hang out with some people. All good right? You go and you check the website…..no issues it looks like, you’re all in the clear. They say they have a requirement, but you’re below that and so you should be good to go.
That was me, the first time I tried to go to a trampoline park. NOT a good idea, honestly…….a really really bad idea. I drove more than an hour from my house just to be embarrassed by a teenager who swore to me that they weren’t allowed to let people of my weight get on. They just didn’t update the site yet. I know this sounds silly, but it turns out a lot of places over the years have changed their policy.
After doing a lot of research recently it looks to me like almost every company has changed their policies over the years. Makes sense I guess since trampoline parks are a relatively new thing.
#2) If you’re going to buy a trampoline yourself…..there are a LOT of options out there for larger people.
Don’t be fooled! When I first started doing research I couldn’t find barely any models for larger people……but trust me there are actually a TON. I was super surprised/relieved because I really don’t like to be made to choose only one option.
The options they do have out there are awesome. The absolute BEST HANDS DOWN though are the Acon Trampolines which can hold up to 800 pounds.
Check them out on Amazon or watch the video below:
#3) Going To a Trampoline Park? – go when schools are in session
I know this isn’t probably something you’ve thought about…….but seriously heed my warning.
First time I went to a park me and my buddy went (who is significantly smaller and VERY fit compared to me – we’ll get to why that’s relevant)
We get there, no problems with my weight (whew) we get our socks on and we head on in. No problems yet. It’s earlier in the day and we’re about to have a great time (so we thought)
I’ll admit it was a great time until the incident.
As it got later in the day, more and more kids started showing up……and I mean CROWDS AND CROWDS OF THESE KIDS.
I promise you will NOT want to go when there are this many kids. There are absolutely TONS of kids at some of these parks (especially during the weekend) and it is VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE not to run into them.
I’m sure you can see where this is headed.
So, we took a break to wait it out and see if more kids would leave as the day progressed (which eventually thankfully they did.) So, we got out finally back on to the trampolines and tested our luck.
So remember my fit friend? This is where everything goes bad. Not even ten seconds had passed AND A KID JUMPED DIRECTLY UNDER HIM. I’m talking a tiny three year old kid………..and my friend who again, is very fit…..simply wasn’t able to maneuver away and lands SMACK right on top of him.
I won’t tell you the rest, but that’s my warning story. It’s best not to go when there are other kids around. Seriously, I think it could’ve turned out really really bad for that kid had it been me that landed on him instead of my friend.
#4) Some companies don’t have truthful weight capacity information
If you’ve been around awhile as a bigger person, I’m sure you’ve dealt with this struggle TONS of times. It’s absolutely awful and a HUGE pain. Having to buy products that simply don’t work!
Well, you guessed it…..but the same goes for trampoline manufacturers. I’m not saying that they did this on purpose, maybe it’s an accident……but there are definitely a lot of people with very real proof that their trampolines broke (even on video) within a very short time of them receiving them and then having issues getting a refund.
Just make sure to do your due diligence when looking for one for yourself.
I’ll say this though and this important.
Even some of the trampoline parks weight requirements are incorrect.
There are tons of reviews (and a couple videos) of people breaking trampolines at parks. Which brings me to my next point…..
#5) If your trampoline breaks……..it’s most likely going to be a spring.
For some reason, I had this idea in my head of when a trampoline breaks……..that all at once all the springs would just break off and I would fall to the ground……
That’s not the case at all. Probably no one else thought this would happen to them……but in case you’re like me and are wondering.
MOST of the time, what happens when a trampoline breaks is just one or a few of the springs will snap. NO BIG DEAL. You’ll be fine. You will not come crashing down. UNLESS you’re jumping on a cheap quality trampoline. Usually from the videos I’ve seen they break straight down the middle. No bueno.
This all brings me to my next point and this is the most important one……
#6) You are VERY likely to get hurt on a trampoline.
I don’t mean to scare you, but you should know………..EVERY time I am there, somebody gets hurt. Every. Single. Time.
It’s really seriously in your best interest to go when there’s just not that many kids around for this reason. BUT even if you’re at home by yourself on these, it’s possible that you’ll get hurt. I’m NOT saying to stay away from them…..because they’re a blast……but know the risks. As big people, we’re even more likely to get hurt as well.
Listen To This Broadcast. Many people have DIED in trampoline parks.
“I watched the lights go out in his eyes”
Warning: This does get very emotionally intense. People losing their loved ones are on this video below.
#7) Some parks are MUCH safer than others.
As a larger person, it’s crucial to be careful when exercising. Since we can be a danger to ourselves and others.
SOME PARKS SIMPLY DO NOT ADHERE TO THE LAWS (depending on your country, some have none) that are put in place for these parks.
Luckily, some do. Finding out is simple just by calling. I’ve noticed a general trend of the larger chains (surprisingly) being more safe and having more people watching like lifeguards to make sure if anything does happen that there’ll be immediate action.