Can I Still Bounce on the Trampoline?
QUESTION
Dear Fitness Expert,
I am about 6 weeks now and we just put up my daughter's trampoline. I am wondering how safe it is to jump with my seven-year-old. Should I avoid this activity all together?
Thanks for your time.
ANSWER
Ahh, this is a tricky question, loaded with many "if" factors.
If you are already in shape (or are used to being physically active), if you have been given permission from your physician to do physical activity and if you keep the bounces low with nice deep knee bends, this could be a great workout and a bonding opportunity with your daughter.
However, many OB/GYNs don't even like to hear the words "trampoline" and "pregnant woman" put together. Their concern is not that you couldn't handle the physical activity or the bouncing but what if you lost your balance and fell off the tramp? More children go the emergency room with broken bones because of the trampoline than any of form of home entertainment. That is, trampolines are more dangerous than skateboards, bikes, and roller blades when it comes to broken bones. We strongly suggest you purchase the safety net wall that encircles the tramp. Even if you are not on the tramp, this is a great idea for your children.
Finally, be sure you tell your OB/GYN how you plan or hope to jump with your daughter and get the medical permission needed for your leap. As long as you qualify for our list of "ifs" -- be safe and have fun. As your pregnancy moves along, you might find that its no longer comfortable to jump in the third trimester. Again, only with a safety wall!
-- Alex
Alexandra Allred
Alexandra Allred is a former member of the US Women's Bobsled team, is an accomplished martial artist, and continues to teach kickboxing while juggling her career as a full-time writer and mother of three. She has interviewed hundreds of athletes, models, actresses, trainers, doctors, and health/fitness experts as she sought to find answers to her own questions about working out while pregnant, arranging breast-feeding around a training schedule, diet when pregnant and breastfeeding, and encouraging her whole family.
Alex is the author of ten books, including Atta Girl! A Celebration of Women in Sports and Entering the Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health & Family. We're excited to have her on board!
