The Easter Bunny isn’t the only one hopping this month. Spring into one of these trampoline gyms where your kids can get a jump on fitness. Whose bounce is the best? You decide.
Sky Zone |
vs. |
Just Bounce |
Caroline Irving, owner, and Shaun DeWit, general manager (pictured); 2012 |
Owner(s); year established: |
Jacinda (pictured) and Stephen David, owners; 2004 |
We ourselves are sky lovers, thrill-seekers and people who believe that jumping is freedom. | Why trampolines? | I have been involved with trampoline gymnastics my whole life, so it’s always been my passion. |
Probably for our trampoline dodgeball leagues. Kids have so much fun here trying to bounce and dodge one another on the courts. It’s certainly a Sky Zone fave. | Why will our kids be begging to bounce over March break? | Our March break day program is an adventure in fitness where kids can meet new friends and learn new skills. They leave here with smiles, excited to return. |
We have many class field trips that come in, where we teach them about the fitness, nutrition and the dynamics of trampolining, but mostly we teach them to have fun. | What will our kids learn from trampolining? |
We first teach foundation skills like basic shape jumps and how to stop safely on the trampoline. They can progress with flips and twists with time and practice. |
To promote cardiovascular health, kids need at least one and a half hours of intense physical activity per day. Bouncing helps build those core muscles in their stomach, back and legs. | Bouncing is fun for kids (and a great way to burn off their seemingly endless energy), but is it healthy? | The cardio workout from jumping is amazing. Trampoline builds core strength and stamina and improves circulation, which is great, especially in kids. |
When we first opened, we filled our foam pit with over 10,000 foam cubes. I remember seeing kids take that first jump, soar through the air and land into the pit. They all laughed and wanted to do it again. It was awesome. | Most memorable moment at your trampoline gym? | We hosted a Come Bounce with an Olympian event with Jason Burnett (2008 silver medallist at the Bejing Olympics). It was so great to see their eyes light up with wonder at how high Jason could jump and how many flips he could perform. |
45 Esander Dr., www.skyzone.com | 3731 Chesswood Dr., www.justbounce.ca |