DefyGravity offer teens place to jump, “go crazy”

DefyGravity boasts floors made of trampolines. Photo by Katie Robbins/The Omniscient.

Gravity is a force of nature that we have learned to live with. But imagine flying through the air without gravity weighing you down.

DefyGravity is all the rage. It is a Trampoline Sports Arena located in Durham that includes a foam pit to jump into, dodge ball games and aerobics classes.

In the months since it first opened, DefyGravity has become a very popular spot for people of all ages to spend their days.

“You can just be young and not have to worry about anyone asking why you look like a weirdo, you can just be yourself and it’s a lot of fun,” sophomore Karen Vanderford said.

DefyGravity invites kids and adults of all age groups. There is a KidJump time, and Club Gravity for those 15 and older on Fridays and Saturdays after 9:00 pm.

“It’s a really good environment because there are so many kids there, and you get to meet new people,” sophomore Jamie Palermo said.

Palermo is certainly not the only one who enjoys a floor covered in trampolines. More and more Northwood students have been visiting DefyGravity recently.

“You can hang out with a lot of friends there and bond with them. It’s for all ages, so it’s really fun,” sophomore Buff Hart said.

Not only is DefyGravity for recreation purposes, but it has also been proven to be a way to get exercise. Aerobics classes are held, and just an hour of trampoline bouncing can provide a day’s work out.

“You only go for an hour, and by the end of it you feel like you’re going to pass out, you’re so tired,” junior Darrin DiBenedetto said.

In addition to a foam pit and dodge ball, DefyGravity also includes a punching bag suspended in the air. If you grab it, you get the honor of having your picture hung up on the wall labeled, “Gravity Defied.”

Senior Brandon Thomas grabbed the punching bag and sure enough, his picture is on the wall at Defy Gravity.

“You get to go crazy,” Thomas said.

Although DefyGravity is extremely popular, it can also be dangerous. DiBenedetto broke his finger while doing a backflip at DefyGravity.

“It’s fun, but you get hurt all the time. I’ve been hurt about every time I’ve been there,” DiBenedetto said. “It is dangerous, but it’s totally worth the money you pay.”

Despite the possible injuries, DefyGravity is so popular that reservations are often the only way to guarantee a jumping session.

“[It’s so popular because] there’s nowhere else around here where you can do this kind of thing,” senior Jordan Ormond said.

Weekends and holidays are especially crowded, and DefyGravity recommends making a reservation at least two to four days in advance.

“It’s mind blowing,” sophomore Ace Farrell said. “It’s the future of floors!”

–By Katie Robbins