The pogo stick traces its roots back to the 1890s although it wasn’t until the 20th century when the one-handed and later two-handed pogo sticks became common toys for kids.
Today, pogo sticks are used for both play and as a form of exercise and are more professionally designed than ever before. This has led to the point where pogo sticking has effectively become an extreme sport with organized events, too.
Here are 11 questions about pogo sticks you were afraid to ask and the answers to each!
How does a pogo stick work?
A pogo stick works by using a spring to propel the user into the air. The spring is compressed when the user stands on the pogo stick, and then released to push the user upwards. The user then jumps off the pogo stick and the process is repeated to keep the user bouncing.
The pogo stick also has handles for the user to hold onto and foot pegs for the user to stand on. By shifting their weight and leaning in different directions, the user can control the height and direction of their bounces.
What are the benefits of using a pogo stick?
Pogo sticks can provide a fun and low-impact cardiovascular workout. Jumping on a pogo stick can help improve balance, coordination, and leg strength. They can also be a good way to get kids moving and provide a creative outlet for play.
Additionally, using a pogo stick can be a good way to relieve stress and have fun at the same time.
And if you’re competitive, you can see who among your friends and family can bounce on a pogo stick the longest.
How do I choose the right size pogo stick for me?
When choosing a pogo stick, it is important to consider the size and weight of the user. Pogo sticks are usually designed for specific weight ranges, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the user.
Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right size pogo stick:
- Children’s pogo sticks: These are usually designed for children between the ages of 3 and 7, and can support weights between 40 and 80 pounds. A kid’s pogo stick is typically up to 49″ in height.
- Youth pogo sticks: These are usually designed for children between the ages of 8 and 12, and can support weights between 80 and 120 pounds. A youth pogo stick is typically up to 54″ in height.
- Adult pogo sticks: These are usually designed for individuals over the age of 12, and can support weights between 120 and 250 pounds. An adult pogo stick is typically up to 59″ in height.
It is also a good idea to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and warnings before purchasing a pogo stick.
How do I properly maintain a pogo stick?
A pogo stick is fairly easy to maintain but given what you’re doing with it – bouncing high in the air – it is important to do your part to keep your stick in good shape.
This includes doing the following:
- When you are finished using the pogo stick, store it in a dry place to prevent rusting.
- Regularly check the pogo stick for any damage, such as cracks in the frame or worn out springs. If you notice any damage, stop using the pogo stick and have it repaired or replaced.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintaining the pogo stick.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a pogo stick?
Yes, there are several safety precautions you should take when using a pogo stick:
- Wear appropriate footwear, such as shoes with non-slip soles.
- Use the pogo stick on a flat, stable surface. Avoid using it on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Make sure there is plenty of clear space around you while using the pogo stick.
- Start with small bounces and gradually increase the height of your bounces as you become more comfortable and confident.
- Hold onto the handles with a firm grip, and use your upper body to help control your bounces.
- Stand with your feet on the foot pegs and your knees slightly bent to absorb the shock of the bounces.
- If you start to feel dizzy or lose your balance, stop using the pogo stick immediately.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limits and age ranges. Do not allow children to use pogo sticks that are not appropriate for their size and weight.
Can pogo sticks be used for tricks or just for basic bouncing?
While pogo sticks are primarily used for basic bouncing, some people do use them to perform tricks. Pogo stick tricks can range from simple moves like jumping over objects to more complex acrobatic feats. Some people even compete in pogo stick competitions, where they perform tricks and stunts to impress the judges.
If you are interested in learning pogo stick tricks, it is a good idea to start with simple moves and gradually progress to more complex tricks as you become more comfortable and confident.
As with any activity, it is important to practice safely and use proper protective gear, such as a helmet and wrist guards.
Are there any professional or competitive pogo stick events?
Yes, there are a number of professional and competitive pogo stick events around the world. These events can range from local competitions to international tournaments, and often feature a variety of categories, such as freestyle, acrobatics, and endurance.
Some of the largest and most well-known pogo stick events include the Xpogo Stunt Team World Tour, the World Pogo Championships, and the Xpogo World Pogo Championships. These events often attract top pogo stick performers from around the globe, who compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.
If you are interested in competing in pogo stick events, it is a good idea to start by finding a local club or group where you can practice and meet other pogo stick enthusiasts.
How many calories does pogo sticking burn?
Pogo sticking can be a good way to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness. The number of calories you will burn while pogo sticking depends on your weight, intensity of your activity, and the duration of your pogo sticking session.
As a rough estimate, a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) can expect to burn about 6 calories per minute while pogo sticking at a moderate intensity. This means that a 30-minute pogo sticking session would burn about 180 calories. If you weigh more or less than 150 pounds, you can use this estimate as a starting point and adjust accordingly.
It’s important to keep in mind that the number of calories burned can vary significantly depending on the intensity of your pogo sticking and other factors such as your age, gender, and fitness level. To get a more accurate estimate of the number of calories you are burning while pogo sticking, you may want to consider using a heart rate monitor or other fitness tracking device.
Can adults use a pogo stick or is just for kids?
We already referred above to the fact that you can buy an adult-sized pogo stick, but is it really an adult activity or just for kids?
There is no age limit for using a pogo stick and adults can certainly use them for fun or as a form of exercise. Pogo sticks can provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout and can be a fun way to challenge your balance and coordination.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that pogo sticks can be physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering using a pogo stick as a form of exercise, it’s a good idea to start slowly and build up your endurance and strength gradually.
It’s also important to choose a pogo stick that is appropriate for your weight and ability level. Pogo sticks are typically rated for a specific weight range, and using a pogo stick that is not suitable for your weight can make it difficult to control and may increase your risk of injury. If you are new to pogo sticking or are not in good physical condition, you may want to consider starting with a lower-bouncing pogo stick that is designed for beginners.
As you become more comfortable and skilled on the pogo stick, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts and consider moving up to a more advanced pogo stick.
What muscles does using a pogo stick work?
Using a pogo stick can help to strengthen and tone several muscles in the lower body, including the calves, quadriceps, and gluteal muscles. It can also help to improve balance and coordination. When you bounce on a pogo stick, you are using your leg muscles to propel yourself upward and to maintain your balance.
The act of bouncing can also help to engage your core muscles as you try to maintain control and stability.
Overall, using a pogo stick can provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that targets a variety of muscle groups in the lower body.
How hard is it to learn pogo sticking?
Learning to use a pogo stick can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner. It takes a certain amount of coordination, balance, and strength to be able to bounce on a pogo stick effectively. However, with practice, most people can learn to use a pogo stick with a some persistence.
Here are some tips that may help you learn to pogo stick more easily:
- Start by standing on the pogo stick with both feet, using your hands to hold onto a stable object for balance.
- Gradually shift your weight onto the pogo stick, and try to bounce a little bit by pushing off the ground with your legs.
- As you get more comfortable bouncing, try to let go of the stable object and use your arms to help balance yourself as you bounce.
- Practice bouncing for short periods of time, and gradually increase the duration as you get better.
- If you feel comfortable, try to do tricks like jumping off the pogo stick or bouncing on one foot.
Remember to always use caution when using a pogo stick, and to wear protective gear such as a helmet and knee pads if necessary.
With time and practice, you should be able to learn how to pogo stick effectively.