Gymnastics Teaching Tools: Everything You Need To Know

As a gymnastics instructor, you need more than just a mat; you need the greatest tools and accessories, such as incline or cheddar mats, balance beams, and more.

I don’t even know what that means.

You can practice gymnastics without a floor mat on occasion. Perhaps you’re all set, but you could use some backup planning for a specific move. As a result, educational resources are essential.

As any woman will tell you, the finishing touch is in the details. This equipment is great for helping young gymnasts learn new techniques fast and safely.

They also make it easier for coaches to spend more time with their younger players, which benefits everyone and speeds up the learning process. The coach can only help one pupil at a time with their back bend if he or she walks around spotting them. On the other hand, if that same teacher had six wedge mats, she could have all seven of her students practice at once.

They offer a gentle, risk-free approach to mastering the fundamentals.

What should you look for in your teaching tools & accessories?

Safety

Obviously.

In all seriousness, though, not all educational resources are created equal, and many of the available options are made with chemicals you probably wouldn’t want your child exposed to for extended periods of time.

It’s important to keep in mind that these items are likely to end up in the lips of children, who prefer to put everything in their mouths. It’s likely that they’ll try to eat it, lick it, and roll their face in it. You must ensure its security.

We guarantee that your children will be completely secure on any of our accessories mats. Plus, each apparatus is made to assist young gymnasts practice and perfect a particular ability in a risk-free environment. And for added coziness, they’re stuffed with a plush foam.

Easy Maintenance

Your kids will probably spend a lot of time with these accessories, and they might even share them with their friends and classmates.

Children are more prone to illness than adults, as is well known. And we all know that kids can be messy, so their play area may occasionally become covered in drool and other such things. For the record, you do not possess anything capable of soaking up liquid.

If a little one ends up touching one of our accessory mats with a dirty finger, don’t worry; the mat’s foam core is covered by a vinyl coating that can be simply wiped clean and disinfected.

Pizzazz

If you’re like most adults, you don’t care if your accessories mat is black or covered in bright colors, but kids definitely do. They really dig vivid accent colors.

It’s great to give your child an interest in studying that they have a natural affinity for.

Types of Teaching Tools and Accessories

The idea that one tool might facilitate every conceivable kind of action is appealing, but it’s just not realistic. And with good cause; picture doing cartwheels on a thick wedge mat.

These aids are tailored to specific gymnastics routines. Check them out and discover which one suits you best.

Incline Mats

One can choose between a 14″, 15″, or 16″ mat. They help tremendously in mastering forward rolls, front walkovers, and other acrobatic maneuvers.

They are a terrific accessory for the Folding Mat if you have a young gymnast in your family. When you need some help perfecting a skill or technique, they come in handy. They also make it easier for coaches to help several children at once.

However, if you just have a kid that likes to play and have fun, and even if they don’t need the mat for at home practice, I can tell you first hand that kids love this mat. They can use it as a slide from their toddler bed, a hiding place, a makeshift fort, or anything else their imaginations might conjure up.

The Incline Mat is the best option if you’re shopping for a teaching tool, recreational mat, or both.

Balance Beams

We’ve reached the terrifying balance beam! Taking that first tentative step onto the balancing beam is nerve-wracking for even the most experienced gymnasts. It’s the part of gymnastics that gives athletes the most anxiety and presents the greatest mental challenge.

The Balance Beams we sell are great for those just starting out. They can get their feet wet with some practice on this modest, friendly foam beam before moving on to the real thing. Thus, even if they fall (which is inevitable on the balancing beam), they will only be 2.5″ from the floor.

Put the foam Balance Beam on top of your Folding Mat to give your kids an added layer of safety and confidence boost while they explore new heights and challenge themselves.

Teaching Tools & Accessories Portability

Each of these mats is quite lightweight, allowing you to take them with you wherever your family goes.

No setup is necessary for using these tools. However, multiple Octagon Mats can be joined together to create a single, longer mat.

Highlights of Teaching Tools & Accessories

• Nontoxic
• Lightweight
• Simple to maintain, move, and store
• Excellent for instructing elementary to intermediate dance steps
• Anti-tear and puncture-proof

Limitations of Teaching Tools & Accessories

• Most children outgrow them by the time they reach age 10.
• Not a place to practice complex gymnastics.

Your Gymnastics Equipment List

Your gymnastics equipment list will be unique to your facility, but typically, you may expect to have to purchase the following:

1. Flooring
2. Mats
3. Instruments used in rhythmic gymnastics
4. Equilibrium rod
5. Pole vaulting
6. Until now, the bells have not stopped
7. Vault
8. Bars

As we’ll go through, you should modify the apparatus at your gymnastics facility based on the ages, needs, and skill levels of your gymnasts. The aesthetics of a gymnastics gym geared toward young children and one geared at future Olympic athletes will be very different. When you know where you want to put your energy, you can get the right equipment for your gym.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these tools.

Flooring

When it comes to gymnasium design, the floor is arguably the most crucial element. Typical types of flooring include:

• Rubber
• Foam
• Cork

Occasionally you’ll find tile or carpet in a fitness center. These alternatives are less expensive but don’t last as long.

Mats

No of the skill level of your pupils, it is essential to have gymnastic safety mats at your gym. There are many different kinds of gymnastic mats that you may need.

• Cushioned areas for dismounting
• Jumping mats
• Embracing Mats
• Mats for tossing
• Trampoline for doing cartwheels on
• Elevated Mats
• Jumping mats
• Inserts for panels

The age range of your pupils, the subjects they are enrolled in, and other factors will determine which ones you need.

Safety equipment

In addition to the aforementioned mats, other forms of safety equipment such as foam pits and trampolines can be used to practice on dismounts and new tricks, respectively.

It is expected that gymnasts will carry their own personal safety equipment, such as wrist braces and specialist footwear, although it is helpful to have spotting belts available. The gym’s personal safety equipment could be put up for sale or rented out as an additional service.

Rhythmic gymnastics equipment

The students compete in rhythmic gymnastics using unique gymnastics equipment. You’re allowed to bring in things like:

• Balls
• Hoops
• Ropes
• Clubs
• Ribbons

Balance beam

This legendary gymnastics apparatus is only four inches wide.

Keep in mind that while four feet and one inch is the standard height, different degrees of experience may call for alternative heights. When first beginning to train, it may be necessary to decrease the beam, especially if your kids are younger.

Pommel horse

The metal frame of this tool is cushioned and protected by rubber and foam; it also features two comfortable grips for the user (pommels). As is customary, only male gymnasts have utilized it.

Any gymnastics program that doesn’t have a pommel (or side) horse is missing out on the opportunity to help their students reach their full potential as potential Olympians and amateur competitors.

Still rings

Men’s gymnastics also typically makes use of the stationary rings. Typically, these are hung on bars that are 20 feet, 11 inches above the ground (the rings are just over eight feet off the floor).

For obvious reasons, a tiny or brand-new gym may not have the room to devote to such a large piece of equipment.

Vault

A vault is used by both male and female gymnasts and necessitates a springboard, landing pad, and ample room for the gymnasts to run and land.

There are only three feet across and around four feet long in each vault, but you’ll need two heights: one for men (about four and a half feet) and one for ladies (about three feet) (just over four feet).

Bars

Among the many essential pieces of gymnastics gear, bars stand out as a must-have. Typically, there are three pieces of equipment used in a bar routine. All of these things need a substantial amount of room, both for their own protection and because of their size. Here are some of them:

• Men’s gymnastics utilize 11-foot long apparatuses called “parallel bars.”
• The uneven bars have two different heights (the higher is just over eight feet and the lower is just under six), and gymnasts will frequently utilize the shorter bar to practice and perfect their skills on the higher bar.
• Men’s gymnastic events frequently involve the usage of the horizontal (high) bars, a steel bar suspended from a framework of poles and cables at a height of about nine feet.

Where To Find Gymnastics Equipment

Looking for cheap gymnastics equipment that is also safe and complies with regulations? Start at your local large box sporting goods store. You may discover gymnastics equipment with the specifications and cost range you need from a variety of reputable manufacturers.

If you have the means to do so, it is always preferable to purchase brand new equipment so that you may take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty; nonetheless, used equipment is always an option. You may also find gymnastics equipment that is both cheap and secure at the following locations:

• To save money, look for shutting gyms and purchase their flooring and equipment.
• Demo equipment is available at a discount from some gymnastics supply stores, and it comes with a limited warranty from the manufacturer.
• Keep an eye out for dependable gymnastics retailers: The safety of any used equipment sold by a reputable reseller will be guaranteed. When it comes time to upgrade, you might be able to trade in your old gadgets at these dealers.

Caring For Your Gymnastics Equipment

When you finally get your hands on some equipment, it’s in your best interest to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Each piece of gymnastics equipment will have its own set of instructions for maintenance and cleanliness from the manufacturer, but here are some general standards to follow for everyone’s safety.

Inspect all equipment before each use

No matter if you’re shopping for brand new items or more budget-friendly, previously used tools, safety should always be your top priority. There should be no holes or fraying in the cushioning. All nuts, bolts, and cables must be tight and undamaged. Bounce and give are desirable qualities in mats and flooring.

Before each use, check the condition of any and all necessary equipment, regardless of how old it is.

Clean mats regularly

It’s important to regularly clean and disinfect all mats. In terms of safety, you should look for cleansers that adhere to EPA guidelines, while cleanliness should adhere to CDC recommendations.

Weekly deep cleaning should include mopping and vacuuming daily (or more, depending on how you use your gym).

Wipe down apparatus

Handles, bars, and other non-porous surfaces should be routinely disinfected using cleaning wipes or disinfectant spray.

Keep a clean space

Gyms should be cleaned daily, from top to bottom. Everything from the lobby and restrooms to the exercise tools and facilities. It’s the responsible thing to do for the well-being of your athletes and their families back at home.

Build Your Studio

Get to work on your gymnastics skills now that you have everything you need to get started. Studio Director will assist you in seeing to it that your gymnasts reach their potential. Focus on expanding your fitness center while we handle the tedious details of managing your studio’s finances and recording members’ attendance with our intuitive software.

Looking for a sneak peek into Studio Director’s capabilities? We provide a free trial of our digital tools that will make managing your gymnastics facility a snap.

Best Gymnastics Training Equipment For Kids

Gymnastics is a fantastic sport that can provide youngsters with a lot of fun and health benefits. Gymnastics is unique among sports in that it makes use of a wide range of apparatus. Each piece of gymnastics equipment aids in the development of a unique set of skills in kids, from strength and flexibility to balance and coordination. Although children will have access to all the necessary equipment in class, it is still a good idea to invest in some home gymnastics training equipment to assist your child practice and improve their abilities between lessons. Popular pieces of apparatus for young gymnasts include:

• Balancing Beams for the Floor

To train one’s equilibrium, one can utilize a balancing beam, which is a raised beam put on the ground. It’s a piece of equipment exclusive to a female-only event in the sport of artistic gymnastics. The routines performed on the balance beam include a wide variety of acrobatic abilities, dancing elements, leaps, and poses, as well as the more familiar handstand, roll, and walkover.

• Bar, Kip

Gymnastics’ kip is one of the most difficult and important moves, and mastering it takes a lot of time and effort. To learn and perfect the kip, a kip bar is required equipment. The kip bar is the best gymnastics tool for building strength in the arms, shoulders, and core, all of which are essential for perfecting the kip.

• Gymnastics Mats

It is essential to have this rubber-padded mat at home so your child may safely practice the skills they learn in gymnastics class. To practice acrobatic maneuvers like tumbling, jumping, and more, a soft landing mat is a must.

• Uneven or Swing Bar

Swings, kips, casts, and hops are just some of the strength-training moves that may be practiced on a swing bar or its more advanced counterpart, the uneven bar. The “bars” are a piece of steel apparatus used in the “bars” event of artistic gymnastics. Most kids start out on a simple swing set before moving on to more complex equipment like the uneven bars. Gymnasts can practice moving from one bar to another without hitting the floor by using the uneven bars, which are set up at varying heights and widths.

• Vault

The gymnastic skill and apparatus known as the vault is essential to many routines. The rod, in the shape of a horse’s head, is oriented perpendicularly for female riders and parallelly for male riders. After sprinting along a cushioned runway and hopping onto a springboard, vaulters run across the vault and land on their hands. Children at a lower skill level would only hold this position, while those at a higher skill level would progress to yet another tumble. The sport of gymnastics includes a vaulting event that is performed by both male and female athletes.

Young children benefit most from beginning their gymnastics training as soon as possible. Your kid may get plenty of experience with all the gymnastics gear early on and zero in on his or her particular strengths and interests. Enrolling your child in a reputable and well-respected gymnastics club like MK Springers is the first step in ensuring that your child receives the best training possible. You can help your child or children hone their gymnastics abilities by purchasing and installing a single piece of equipment or a whole set. Call us at 01908 217788 if you’re interested in gymnastics lessons for your youngster and for further information.

FAQs

What is the most popular gymnastics equipment?

Low beams, floor mats, and mini bars are the three most common pieces of gymnastics equipment seen in private homes. Your gymnast’s strength and gym time will benefit from the use of gymnastics equipment such as pull-up bars and balancing balls.

What equipment is needed to play gymnastics?

The type and quantity of equipment required is variable (uneven bars, floor routine, balance beam, etc). Wrist straps, guards, and grips are all examples of safety gear. Men use them on the still rings, high bar, and parallel bars; women use them on the uneven bars.

What training methods do gymnasts use?

Press handstands, core work, pull-ups, rope climbs, leg lifts, plyometrics, body tension exercises, shaping drills, and many others are all crucial components of every gymnast’s training regimen.

What is a kip bar?

An integral part of our Homenastics product line, the Gymnastics Home Kip Bar is a kips bar for training gymnastics at home, ideal for young athletes just getting started.

What do gymnasts use on bars?

Due of the other odor you get used to in gymnastics facilities—sweat—gymnasts use chalk to prevent slipping. Gymnasts use magnesium carbonate chalk, which is different from the calcium carbonate chalk used in schools.

What is the gymnast bar called?

The horizontal bar, also known as the high bar, is a gymnastics device that was first used by the German Friedrich Jahn, who is often regarded as the sport’s “founder,” in the early 19th century. The bar is 2.8 cm (1.1 inches) in diameter, 7.8 ft (2.4 m) in length, and stands 2.80 m (9.1 ft) off the ground.

Is an artistic gymnastic apparatus which gymnasts perform?

Routines on the padded spring beam feature gymnasts leaping, performing acrobatic feats, twisting, and including dance elements for 70–90 seconds. The FIG has established guidelines for apparatus, which state that the beam must be 125 cm (4 ft) in height, 500 cm (16 ft) in length, and 10 cm (3.9 in) in width.