Which Is Best Beginner Gymnastics Mats For You?

You’re just getting started with your cartwheels and forward rolls, aren’t you? You, my friend, are in dire need of some gymnastics mats for beginners! Find the best mats for your skill level by reading our purchase guide.

How far along in your gymnastics training are you? If you don’t have a lot of money, you don’t have to buy a high-end mat for your gymnastics practice.

Getting started in gymnastics can be as simple as getting the correct equipment for beginners.

A wide variety of mats, from simple tumbling mats to teaching aids, are available to assist you get started on your path to Olympic glory. Alternatively, you may just take up gymnastics as a pastime. Either way, it doesn’t matter.

What should you look for in a beginner’s mat?

Safety

When you’re just getting started, safety is much more important than it is at any other time.

Either you’re worried about the safety of your children, or you’re worried about your own safety as an adult learning these new gymnastics skills.

No, I’ve never tried to learn gymnastics past the age of 10. It’s very difficult and frightening! In particular, when there is no decent mat to support you.

It is inevitable that you will fall while practicing things like handstands, cartwheels, and front walkovers, but a cushioned, shock-absorbent mat will be there to protect you.

It is safe to use our beginner’s mats for basic gymnastic exercises. Handstands, forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, and front and back walkovers are all safe to practice in them because they’re thick and robust.

Front and back handsprings, for example, may be performed on many of these mats at an intermediate level.

Helpfulness

In the beginning, you need all the aid you can get. In spite of the fact that most entry-level mats won’t do much for you except protect you (which is critical! ), there are a variety of accessories available to teach you the fundamentals.

A great start would be the combination of a 4’x8’x2” Folding Mat plus an incline mat or balance beam to help you practice your floor work, plus some extra skills like walkovers and transitions to bar work.

A great start would be the combination of a 4’x8’x2” Folding Mat plus an incline mat or balance beam to help you practice your floor work, plus some extra skills like walkovers and transitions to bar work.

Easy Maintenance

A 4’x8’x2″ Folding Mat, an incline mat or balance beam, and some additional abilities like walkovers and transitions to bar work would be a good starting point.

Put the mat away when you’re done practicing for the day. These mats may all be easily carried about.

Types of Beginner Gymnastics Mats

A standard foldable floor mat and a few instructional aids, as previously said, make for an excellent setting. Here are the options available to you.

It’s a minor boost from our Eco Folding Mats, but our standard folding mats are a little denser and absorb more stress. Additionally, they’re brightly colored (although black is also an option if you’re not a fan of the whole color thing).

This mat is a great alternative for those who are just getting started because of the higher density, more durable vinyl, and attractive color selections. It can help you practice more difficult movements for longer and is easy to stow when you aren’t working hard at it.

Our 4’x8’x2″ Folding Mats are the best option for a multi-level gymnastics and martial arts mat.

Incline Mats

Because of its distinctive wedge-like shape, gymnastics incline mats are sometimes known as wedge mats or cheese mats. There is a distinct advantage to using wedge mats rather than standard folding or rollout mats for beginners.

Learning forward rolls, front walkovers, and uphill vaults are all made easier with the “cheese” shape, which may also be used to prepare for bar training. You can also use the foldable incline mats to practice various skills or as a spotting block, depending on the model.

More of a teaching aid than an all-purpose mat, these mats are ideal for students. A excellent addition to your other folding mats if your child is in gymnastics, but you may not want to use them exclusively. There are a variety of gymnastics wedge mats to fit the skill level of any beginner gymnast.

Even though cheese mats are large and heavy, they are designed with strong-duty handles so that they may be easily transported. When it comes to getting started with yoga, the incline mat is an excellent choice.

Balance Beams

Balance beam! The bane of every gymnast’s existence! Everyone gets butterflies in their stomach when they first step on the balance beam, no matter how proficient they are. It’s one of the scariest and most mentally hard aspects of gymnastics, in my opinion.

Foam Balance Beams are a great tool for beginners to use. Using this low-to-the-ground foam beam, new riders can develop a feel for the sport before moving on to the high beam. You’ll only be 2.5″ off the ground if you fall this way. Well, that’s good to hear!

Your children will be encouraged to push themselves further and gain more confidence if you lay a foam balancing beam over your folding mat so they can fall safely to a soft surface.

Highlights of Beginner Gymnastics Mats

• Nontoxic
• Lightweight
• Clean, transportable, and easily stored
• For teaching beginning to intermediate moves

Limitations of Beginner Gymnastics Mats

• After the age of ten, they become obsolete.
• Not ideal for gymnastics of a more advanced level.

Best Gymnastics Mats for Home Quick Summary

In case you need a quick reference, we’ve compiled the following list of the best gymnastics mats based on our own study and experience:

1. Tumbl Trak: Gymnastics Folding Tumbling Mat

The best foldable mat we’ve ever used. It’s a terrific all-around gymnastics mat for the house, not just for tumbling. High-quality and long-lasting. Even with heavy use, they still endure for years. DGS, put it online.

2. We Sell Mats: 4′ x 8′ Folding Tumbling Mat

Multiple mats can be attached using the included velcro closures, allowing for longer runs. Visit Amazon to learn more.

3. Tumbl Trak or Z-Athletic: Cartwheel Mat

Tumbl Trak mats are ideal for those who are just getting started with Tumbl Trak. Beam skills can be practiced on the other side of the mat, which features a beam line.

4. Dollamur Flexi-Roll Mat

Rollable carpeted mat that looks and feels like a competition floor. This is where you may purchase one.

5. We Sell Mats: Gymnastics Folding and Non-Folding Incline Cheese Wedge Skill Shape Tumbling Mat

An ideal training tool for young gymnasts to work on backward and forward rolls. Get them here now.

Please continue reading for a more in-depth look at each of these mats.

Why Get Gymnastics Mats for Home

Gymnasts are frequently asked how they utilize mats at home. They are, in fact, multi-functional and can be used for more than just tumbling practice. Basic skills like roll-overs, handstands, and cartwheels can all be practiced on your gymnast’s mat.

Advanced gymnasts will also use mats to practice their standing back tucks and front tucks on the mats. A gymnastics mat can also be used for slumber parties, as well as for general horseplay. It’s so versatile, Mom can even do her yoga on it.

1. Gymnastics Mats are Investments that Make Your Home Safer

Although the gym’s surfaces are cushioned and forgiving, the floors of a home are not as soft or accommodating. A gymnastics mat will allow you to encourage your gymnast to practice without risking injury if you have one nearby.

If you want to get the most out of your gymnastics mat investment, you’ll need to fork over a few bucks. A high-quality mat can withstand a lot of wear and tear, even if it is used every day.

2. Gymnastics Mats are Easy to Care for

In addition to being easy to maintain, this sort of mat is a great option. It’s easy to clean a mat with just a moist cloth and some water, and then let it dry. Use a soft cloth and your preferred sanitizer to clean and sterilize the mat as needed.

3. Encourage Gymnastics Practice in Your Home with a Quality Mat

Gifting your gymnast with a high-quality mat is a great way to encourage them to train at home. You won’t be dissatisfied if you take the time to get exactly what you need.

What to Consider When Buying a Gymnastics Mat for Home Use

Prior to purchasing a gymnastics mat for your home, there are various things to keep in mind. For your convenience, we’ve highlighted the most crucial aspects of house mats to keep in mind.

1. Mat Thickness

If your gymnast is tumbling on a narrow mat, they won’t have the cushioning and safety they need if they fall. There are certain gymnasts who are unable to practice stunts because their hands or feet sink into the mat when they’re not intended to. 1 3/8″ thick is the standard thickness of a mat.

2. Mat Dimensions

Think about where your gymnast will be using the mat before making a decision on the purchase. In addition, it should be large enough for a gymnast to practice their tricks on. Fortunately, mats come in a wide range of sizes, so finding a compromise should be easy.

3. Skill Level

A gymnast’s ability level should be taken into account while selecting a practice mat for home use. Mats created for beginners may not be safe for more advanced gymnasts to practice their moves on.

Even if you are a beginner, you can use some gymnastics mats for advanced practice, while others can be used by both.

4. Storage

Home gymnastics mats come in a variety of sizes and can be stored in a variety of ways. Other options include folding and rolling. Additionally, there are deflatable mats that can be stored.

5. Price

Mats for at-home gymnastics practice are available in a variety of price points, depending on the characteristics listed above. They’re also less expensive than gym and competition-specific mats, however.

Gymnastics Mats for Home Practice: Different Types You Can Get

When it comes to mats for the house, there are a plethora of options. The most common forms of mats are explained in depth in the following sections.

Folding Mats or Panel Mats

In the gym and at home, folding mats are among the most popular gymnastics mats. Folding mats are available in a wide range of colors and dimensions. They may be folded up for easy storage. An 8-foot-wide x 4-foot-long rug is the most common. Additional mats can be attached using Velcro on the ends of this style of mat, allowing it to be extended indefinitely.

Paneled mats are sometimes known as panel mats or folding mats, depending on the context. When it comes to folding mats, you’ll get the same benefits and lengths and thicknesses regardless of whether you’re looking at a tumbling mat or a foldable mat.

For folding/panel mats, we like the Tumbl Trak Tumbling Mat the best. With just the right amount of padding, these mats are perfect for tumbling, and they won’t slip when folded.

Extra-long or connectable mats may be a preferable alternative if you want your gymnast to be able to do a series of moves together. The size of the room should be taken into consideration. See how you can link up to three mats with this 10-foot-long velcro strap mat: Foldable Gymnastics Mat Polar Aurora by Polar. Check out the Resilite (Made in USA) 8-foot folding mat with hook-and-loop connections, or We Sell Mats (One of our most favorite brands).

Cartwheel Mats

A cartwheel beam mat is an excellent choice for a gymnast who is just beginning or who is a beginner. Gymnasts can learn how to make a cartwheel properly by following the location of the mat’s hands and feet. Handstands and handstand rolls can be practiced even after a gymnast has mastered the cartwheel.

In addition to cartwheel beam mats, most come with a beam. Simply flip the mat over to reveal a practice beam if you’d like to use it. Beam balance and other gymnastic abilities can be practiced on this mattened practice beam, which is similar to the beam.

Beginner gymnasts should use the Tumbl Trak Chartwheel Beam Mat. These mats are divided into two sections, one for hands and feet and the other for beam-line exercise. It comes in a range of hues.

Tumbl Trak Hopscotsh Mat is an option if you or your gymnasts believe they will not require the hands and feet guide. The nicest part of this mat is that it has a hopscotch line on the other side in addition to the beam line for training beam abilities.

Flexi-Roll Mats

The look and feel of a competition floor can be replicated using a carpeted or flexi-roll mat. In spite of its shortcomings, it is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to become used to a competition floor’s feel in their own environment. Carpeted mats have the advantage of being able to be rolled up and stored easily.

Our top picks for Dollamur Flexi-Roll mats are available on Amazon.

Incline Mats

Young gymnasts who are learning how to roll backwards or forwards would benefit from an incline mat. Use this mat to make log rolls as well! With an incline mat, gymnasts may improve their body awareness and acquire new skills with less strain on their bodies.

Because of the increased risk of injury, advanced gymnasts should avoid doing more difficult skills on an incline surface. A larger incline mat is the preferable choice for a gymnast seeking for a home gymnastics mat suited for more difficult abilities.

We Sell Mats’ incline mats are our top pick for beginner gymnasts and tumblers in the market for incline mats. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes, making it simple to pick just the right one for your gymnast.

Other Uses of Gymnastics Mats

Gymnastics mats, in spite of its name, aren’t solely for gymnasts. This kind of mat is useful for a wide range of sports and hobbies. The usage of a gymnastic mat in the home can be beneficial to athletes such as wrestlers, dancers, and cheerleaders.

Wrestlers, dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts can all benefit from a folding or paneled mat in their own homes. Due to their versatility, paneled and folded gymnastics mats can be used for a wide range of activities.

Thanks for reading and we hope this tutorial helps you out!

FAQs

Why are gymnastic mats so expensive?

Many parents are taken aback by the cost of a high-quality gymnastics mat. However, the materials used to make these mats make them quite expensive. This means that both foam and coverings are pricey. High-impact resistance and protection for the persons who use them are required.

What equipment is needed for beginner gymnastics?

Low beams, floor mats, and mini bars are the most common home gymnastics equipment. However, gymnastics accessories like pull-up bars and balance balls can also improve your gymnast’s strength and help make her time at the gym more productive.

What size gymnastics wedge mat should I buy?

Low beams, floor mats, and mini bars are the most common home gymnastics equipment. However, gymnastics accessories like pull-up bars and balance balls can also improve your gymnast’s strength and help make her time at the gym more productive.

Are air mats good for gymnastics?

Low beams, floor mats, and mini bars are the most commonly used gymnastics equipment at home. However, gymnastics equipment like pull-up bars and balance balls can also boost your gymnast’s strength and help make her time at the gym more fruitful.

What is a rollout in gymnastics?

Low beams, floor mats, and mini bars are the most common gymnastics equipment for home use. You can help your gymnast get stronger and get more out of her gym time by providing her with gymnastics equipment like pull-up bars and balancing balls.

Are AirTracks bouncy?

AirTrack is a bouncy floor that may be used for gymnastics, cheerleading, parkour, tricking, and any other type of jumps and flips you can think of. In the AirTrack, you don’t have to worry about landing too hard when practicing jumps and flips. Your jumps will be more powerful thanks to AirTrack’s bounce.

What are the 8 basic skills in gymnastics?

Gymnasts need flexibility, core strength, balance, upper and lower-body strength, power, mental focus, discipline, and determination to perform at their best. Gymnastic instructors frequently evaluate a gymnast’s level of devotion, which isn’t necessarily a competence.

Do gymnasts have to be a certain size body?

As reported by Knight Ridder, “Karolyi thinks the optimal size for a gymnast nowadays is 4-foot-7 to 4-foot-10, 75 to 85 pounds. Who will be little is obvious from looking at the parents, particularly the mothers.

What can I do with a cheese mat?

It’s not necessary to utilize a springboard because the folded cheese mat isn’t very high to practice hurdles (run, hurdle onto the block). On the vault, put your hands on the block and jump your feet up in order to perform a kid’s basic squat or to practice hurdling to handstand posture.

What is a gymnastics cheese mat used for?

Cheerleaders, dancers, and gymnasts can use a cheese mat to practice new moves before attempting them on a flat surface. These huge mats, also known as wedge mats or incline mats, feature a natural elevation that makes it much simpler to master moves like the handspring or walkover.