Each decade is marked by a new “creative” and technological tool, as well as a device for activities and sports. Among such inventions are a trampoline, an expander, a skateboard, rollers, a surfboard, as well as other various devices. Such devices include the Grasshopper simulator, the photo of which is presented below, aka Pogostick. This is a special device designed for jumping and consisting of a handle for support, an elastic spring, a base and reliable pedals. A man stands on the platform and presses his feet on the spring. In response, the latter gives him a reverse impulse.
Grasshopper simulator: design
The device is equipped with a strong rod, to which two footboards and handles are attached. A spring is attached to this base, just providing it with “lifting force”. These springs come in three types:
- inside the shaft is steel, the least load-lifting and the most common, designed for teenagers (children);
- for jumpers outer carbon fiber;
- there is also a piston system - in it the pressure changes inside the piston, providing a good jump height, as well as more interesting sensations from it.
Legend
There is a legend that tells how the Grasshopper simulator appeared. According to her, a German traveler in Burma stopped at night in a small village and saw in the morning the owners' daughter with an unusual stick, equipped with a crossbeam at the bottom, dashingly jumping about some business. It turned out that the girl’s father made this device in order for the baby’s shoes to wear out a little along the stony paths. Upon arrival at his homeland, he designed the same toy as in Burma, but with springs for the highest jumps. Later he patented his invention, calling it Pogostick.
Grasshopper in Russia
In the USSR there was also a similar toy "Grasshopper" - a children's simulator, very similar in principle to the action of Pogostick. It was intended for children up to 65 kilograms. The mass of the device itself was 3.8 kilograms.
The Grasshopper simulator is currently included in the list of sports equipment needed in the elementary school for physical education. The device perfectly develops agility, coordination of movements, and also simply entertains children, making the learning process fun for them.
Poging
This game over recent years has become more and more popular in urban extreme sports, for example, such as skateboarding. There is even an online community of poogers. There is also a World Jump Championship at Pogostick (Grasshopper - a simulator for children or adults) called Pogopalooza. Competition poogers reveal the strongest in 4 possible categories: Tech (best technique), Big Air (duration of the jump), High Jump (the highest jump) and Best Trick (the best trick). To date, eight such championships have already been held.
It is worth noting that poging favorably affects the emotional state and physical form of adults and children, namely:
- trains the vestibular apparatus;
- develops balance and coordination, agility and endurance;
- brings joy and pleasure;
- involves the necessary muscle groups.
Tricks
The tricks on the Grasshopper simulator are very reminiscent of extreme ones with bicycles and scooters: revolutions with the foot, grips, inversion (opposite transition), revolutions through the leg, somersault, coup, etc. The best jumps at the moment: about 12 minutes “the fastest mile”, in time - about 10 hours with a five-minute break after each hour, about 2.9 meters - the highest jump.
The Grasshopper simulator allows you to jump up to two and a half meters, but it depends on the training of the athlete. For kids - funny and noisy jumping in the yard, improving posture, strengthening muscles and correcting coordination of movements. Regulation of the height and strength of the jump contributes to the normalization of metabolism, weight loss. This device is popular not only in Russia, but also in America and Europe.
To master it is quite simple. Here are the simplest initial tips:
- a hard, dry surface is required;
- you need to rely on the bandwagon with one foot, the second starting from the surface;
- to maintain vertical axis of the simulator (to start, press it tightly to yourself);
- enable the body to feel balance and balance;
- look ahead;
- in case you fall - to jump.