By Paige Cerulli
For more information, please visit Indoor Gymnastics Equipment Factory.
Gymnastics mats are designed to provide superior shock absorption in order to keep gymnasts safe as they tumble, flip, and fall. These mats can absorb significant impact, and they're thick in order to be able to offer this type of protection. But part of what makes a gymnastics mat so effective is the actual construction of the mat.Gymnastics mats are made with multiple layers and materials to give them the shock-absorbing properties that they need.Foam gymnastics mats are made with a high-impact foam core. The foam is what gives the mats their shock absorption properties, and makes the mat's surface both soft and cushioned. You will find that the foam used in different mats can vary in density, making some mats feel much firmer, while others feel softer.Our thicker folding gym mats feature a base layer of polyethylene foam topped by a layer of polyurethane foam; we find that this combination of foams makes for an optimum combination of cushion and support.The thickness of the foam also differs from mat to mat. Mats made out of thinner foam offer less shock absorption and protection than mats made of thicker foam. Tumbling mats usually measure as thin as 1.5 inches thick, while crash pads can measure as much as 12 inches thick, because of the significant impact that they need to absorb. Crash pads are also usually made out of a softer foam with more give to it so that the mat creates a softer surface that creates a gentler landing.Similarly, wedge pads are made of foam which is dense enough to support the gymnast, but also soft enough to be forgiving when the gymnast tumbles onto the mat.Most gym mats, including tumbling mats and wedge mats, feature a heavy-duty vinyl cover. Vinyl mat covers for gymnastics help to give the mats durability, while also making it easy to wipe down and disinfect the mats for athletes' safety.Many of our folding gym mats feature 18-ounce vinyl covers. These covers are highly durable and lend additional strength to the mats. The vinyl mat covers for gymnastics offer athletes excellent traction, and strong stitching and excellent attention to detail make these mats stand out as quality options.In contrast, our Fluffy Denim Gymnastic Mat features a denim cover. While this cover is extremely durable, it helps to take some of the sting out of the landing for athletes.Vinyl mat covers for gymnastics are more suitable for floor exercises or tumbling, since they give athletes excellent grip and traction. However, vinyl can sting and stick to the skin, so it's a less ideal option for a high-impact fall.It may be tempting to purchase cheap gymnastics mats that you find advertised, but this can be a mistake. Gymnastic mat construction is a major factor in how well that mat will perform, and how much it can help to keep athletes safe. Many of these cheaper mats that you see on the market today are made of sub-par gymnastics mat materials.Keep an eye out for mats that are made of lesser-quality foam, or those that are too thin to really offer your athletes protection. Other indications of poor quality mat composition for gymnastics include vinyl covers that feel thin or flimsy to the touch, uneven stitching lines, single stitched seams, stitching that is loose or flawed, and vinyl covers that don't end with square corners on all sides.At Greatmats, we've carefully selected each of the gymnastics mats that we offer to reflect an excellent combination of both quality and value. We offer a variety of mats that are suitable for many different price ranges, so our mats are accessible to both the parent wanting to create a home practice space for their child, as well as the owner of an elite gym wanting to invest in top-quality mats for their program.Here, you'll find a selection of mats made of top-quality materials but offered at affordable prices. We've partnered with a leading manufacturing facility right here in the USA, and through this partnership, we're able to offer you custom-made top-performance gym mats. Additionally, we keep a variety of standard gym mats in stock to facilitate fast shipping, right to your door.It's important to realize that gymnastics mats aren't all made to be the same quality and to offer the same performance. Purchasing a low-quality mat won't just increase the chances of the mat wearing poorly, but it can actually put your gymnasts at increased risk of injury. These are some important considerations you should think about when purchasing a gymnastics mat.Before you purchase any mats, think about how you'll use them and the type of qualities that you need them to have. If you're looking for a mat to absorb the shock as gymnasts come off of the uneven bars or for use at the end of a vaulting lane, then you'll need a mat that's very different than what you would use for floor exercises.Think about the age and size of the gymnasts who will be using the mat, the amount of traffic the mat will need to sustain, the activities the gymnasts will be performing, and the overall amount of impact that the mat needs to absorb.Based on your answers to the point above, you can start to think about the appropriate thickness for your gym mat. Generally speaking, the thicker the mat, the more shock absorption it offers, though the specific materials used in the mat also play into this.It's never a good idea to purchase a mat that may be thinner than what you need. If you're on the fence, then choose the thicker of the mats that you're considering.Gymnastics mats are an investment, and you'll want your mats to last. Choosing a top-quality mat means that you'll enjoy more durability and a longer-lasting product as a result. This is one major reason not to purchase the cheap gym mat options that you see elsewhere; they don't last.As you shop for gym mats, look for signs of quality, like double-stitched seams, combinations of different foam types to achieve an optimum surface, and thick, long-lasting mat covers. When you choose a mat made of quality gymnastics mat materials, you'll be getting an overall better product, even if your initial investment costs a bit more.There are many different styles of gym mats available, each with its own potential uses. Some mats are more versatile than others. For instance, folding mats can be completely unfolded to create a smooth surface for floor routines, tumbling runs, and more. When partially folded, they can serve as tools for skill-building.If you opt for folding gym mats, you can also connect the mats together to create larger surfaces. Some mats are available with connector strips on just their shorter sides, while others have strips on all four edges. The mats with strips on all four edges give you maximum versatility in how you choose to set them up.Folding gym mats aren't just for floor use, either. You can hang these mats on the walls to offer some impact absorption in case an athlete collides with the wall during training or competition.Looking for mats that match the colors of your brand, your team, or your school? You'll enjoy plenty of color options at Greatmats. We even offer custom color combinations on our custom-made mats, so you can get the exact look and style that you're after.Be sure to consider the warranty that's offered for any gym mat. At Greatmats, our products are backed by excellent warranties, and our manufacturers stand behind the quality of their products.Keep in mind that you may buy a mat with the best gymnastic mat construction available, but it won't necessarily be able to prevent athlete injury. Gym mats aren't fail-proof, and though quality mats do offer athletes valuable shock absorption and cushion to help decrease the risk of injuries, it's still possible for injuries to occur. You can reduce the chance of that happening by investing in the best quality mats that you can find, but it's always important to train under the guidance of a qualified trainer who can help athletes reduce their chances of injury.
This is generic information and not to be confused with advice. Speak to a professional for all your health needs and seek their counsel. Children need to be under adult supervision at all times. We disclaim all liability for any physical harm resulting from the information on this website. For more info see our disclaimer and privacy policy . In addition, some of the links we use are affiliate links where we earn some revenue when you shop at no additional cost to you.
Are you looking to buy home gymnastics equipment, and want to know what pieces of equipment are best for your gymnast ? If so, youve come to the right place! Home gymnastics equipment is great for helping both beginner and advanced gymnasts improve their skills by practicing at home. Practicing at home can help your child improve faster thanks to the power of repetition without spending extra money for more time in the gym. Its also a great way for your gymnast to show you the skills she is learning in class.
Below weve given you some tips on buying your gymnastics equipment for the home. And weve given you our picks for the best beams, mats, and bars for home use. Weve actually seen and tried out all the equipment listed below so we know that were recommending quality, sturdy pieces.
Want a printable buyers guide with our top picks?
Picking out at home gymnastics equipment can be tricky for a number of reasons: you want to get gymnastics equipment that can be used to practice a variety of skills, that can grow with your gymnast as she improves, that has the right weight restrictions, and that can be stored easily in your house.
The most popular gymnastics equipment for home use are low beams, floor mats, and mini bars. However, gymnastics accessories like pull-up bars and balance balls can also improve your gymnasts strength and help make her time at the gym more productive. Using a program like SkillTrakker, which helps you improve your gymnastics at home, can help you make the best use of your home gymnastics equipment.
Below were going to give you some things to think about when purchasing your at home gymnastics equipment, as well as give you our recommendations. If you want to skip to a section you can just click on the link above to scroll down to that section.
Having a balance beam at home is a great way for beginner gymnasts and preschoolers to learn and improve on their balance. Theyre great for intermediate gymnasts to practice their cartwheels and handstands. And if your gymnast is more advanced, she can practice back walkovers, front walkovers, splits on the beam, and her beam routines. When youre buying a beam for home use you want to think about a few things:
When youre buying a beam for at home gymnastics use it might also be helpful to know that a standard gymnastics beam used in international competition is 124 centimeters high (4.07ft), 500 centimeters long (16 feet) and 10 centimeters wide (3.9 inches).
Once you have your balance beam, you can practice skills from this Balance Beam Skill List.
OUR PICK: Addie Beam for Home
WHY: Shape and feel is the same as a competitive beam. Low to the ground and perfect for practicing your skills at home safely.
So which balance beam should you get for at home gymnastics? You can reference this chart below to see our top picks:
SUEDE FLOOR BEAMThis 4 wide by 93 long suede floor beam will give your gymnast a similar feel to a competition beam at home! The base of the beam is coated in rubber for safety and its easy to assemble. Since this beam is slightly raised off the floor, its helpful when a gymnast is practicing because she realizes when she falls off the beam. But, its still close enough to the ground to be safe for home use.
PROS CONSFOLDING PRACTICE BEAM
If you are tight on space this is a great option! This folding practice beam is 2 high and 8 long and easily folds in half so you can store it away. The 4 top is the same width as a competition beam.
PROS CONSAIR BEAM
Air beams and mats seem to be the most coveted gymnastics gifts these days! This AAI Air Beam is 16 wide by 9 long inflatable has a 4 raised center line that lets the gymnast feel the beam. It easily inflates and deflates so it can be stored away when not in use. Watch the video at the link to see how fun it looks!
PROS CONSSECTIONAL BEAM
Tumbl Trak makes a 4 foot long sectional beam that rests on the floor. You can either just buy one unit or you can buy multiple and they easily connect with hook and loop closures at the ends. So, you can buy three of these and connect them to make a 12 foot long floor beam. This is convenient because you can disconnect them for easy storage. Its the same 4 width as competitive beams, and is made of similar suede material.
PROS CONS
Having a mat at home to practice on is great because wood floors or carpets dont have a lot of cushion. You want to be able to fall without getting bruises. Home mats are great for practicing beginner tumbling like handstands, cartwheels, rolls, and walkovers. Mats are also great for general play time so that you can run or horse around with a cushioned surface.
When youre buying a mat for at home use, you want to consider its thickness and size.
Once you have a gymnastics mat, your gymnast can practice skills from this Floor Skills List.
OUR PICK: Tumbl Trak Panel Mat
WHY: Comes in several different color options, it has a few different sizes and can easily be folded.
There are several different types of home gymnastics mats. Below is a chart with the at home gymnastics mats we think are the best:
A panel mat is the most popular piece of at home gymnastics equipment. We like this Tumbl Trak panel mat that comes in many different color combinations. It comes in the most popular panel mat size, 4 feet by 8 feet, and can be easily folded. It comes in standard panel mat thickness of 1-3/8, but also comes in a 2 thick version. These mats fold into 1/4 of the size that they are laid out.
PROS CONS
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Air Floors are super popular right now and this Home Air Floor is great for at home use. Air tracks are somewhere in between a trampoline and a spring floor. They can also be stored conveniently away when not in use by simply deflating them and rolling them up. We like this one because its very durable. If you buy one that isnt durable and it gets a hole in it, it will no longer inflate so its worth investing in this higher quality mat.
PROS CONS
We love this handstand homework mat because it makes practicing handstands against the wall much easier and more comfortable. Handstands are such a great exercise for both beginner and advanced gymnasts to practice at home improving your handstand makes the most impact to improving your gymnastics skills overall. Doing them against the wall with this mat helps your gymnast make sure she is practicing with perfect form. This homework mat is designed to easily attach to any door, but can also be taken off the wall and used on the ground for practice.
PROS CONS
These practice mats come in different sizes for different purposes.
PROS CONS
A mini bar at home can be fun, is great for strength training and for improving your gymnasts bar performance. Beginner gymnasts and young kids love to play around on them, and more advanced gymnasts can use them for strength training. Mini at home gymnastics bars have made many improvements over the last few years and are much sturdier than they used to be.When you are buying a bar for your home there are some things to consider.
OUR PICK: Junior Pro Bar
WHY: Good quality, sturdy bar that doesnt need to be stabilized with plywood. Adjustable, and safe to practice your bar skills on.
Below are our at home bar recommendations:
The Junior Pro Bar is the home bar we recommend because it is a very sturdy bar, and does not need to be stabilized with additional plywood or supports (like some bars). It can be set from 38 (about 3 feet) to 59 (about 5 feet) tall, with a weight limit of 125 lbs. This bar is safe for all levels and can be used to practice kips and casts. It takes up a 4 foot by 6 foot space on the floor. It needs a 4x6 mat that is 4 to 6 thick, due to the thick center support bar. This mat will work, or something of similar size.
PROS CONS
This floor training bar is great for more advanced gymnasts. Use it for practicing press handstands, bar handstands, and pirouettes at home.
PROS CONS
We have included some accessories in our list that will help your gymnast improve her gymnastics at home. These accessories can be used for conditioning and strength training at home, in addition to being used for skill- specific drills.
Pull-Up Bar: If you have a more advanced gymnast, you might want to think about getting a Pull-Up bar. A Pull-Up bar is inexpensive and can be installed right in a doorway at home. Its great for building upper body strength which helps gymnasts excel on the Uneven Bars. It can also be used to build core strength by doing leg raises hanging from the bar and lifting the lower body.
Fitness Ball: A fitness ball is a great tool to use for building core strength. Use it instead of a chair as your gymnast does homework. Or use it to do sit-ups and other ab exercises.
EZ Move Sliders: Tammy Biggs, an amazing Elite-level gymnastics coach, recommends using these sliders in several drills and conditioning exercises. Ive put together some Tammy Biggs videos, which include videos of her teaching aerial drills with these sliders, and doing conditioning and flex with them (The videos are great; I could watch her for hours!).
Theraband Exercise Band: Tammy Biggs recommends using Therabands for core strength. Ive included the video on how to measure your Theraband on this page of videos. You can also buy them on Amazon here.
Q: What are the best home gymnastics equipment to have for beginners?
A: The best home gymnastics equipment for beginners is a gymnastics panel mat for safety and comfort and a balance beam for practicing balance skills.
Q: Can I set up a home gymnastics area without taking up too much space?
A: Yes, you can set up a home gymnastics area without taking up too much space by opting for foldable or compact equipment such as a foldable balance beam, a portable gymnastics mat that can be easily stored away, and air mats that blow up and then decompress.
Q: What is the most essential piece of gymnastics equipment for home use?
A: The most essential piece of gymnastics equipment for home use is a high-quality gymnastics mat like this one to ensure safety during practice sessions and reduce the risk of injuries.
Q: Are there any budget-friendly options for home gymnastics equipment?
A: Yes, there are budget-friendly options for home gymnastics equipment such as inflatable air tracks for tumbling practice, basic doorway- mounted pull-up bars where you can improve your strength and and affordable foam gymnastics blocks for skill development.
Q: What should I consider when purchasing gymnastics equipment for home use?
A: When purchasing gymnastics equipment for home use, consider factors such as the space available for setup, the skill level of the user, the quality and safety features of the equipment, and the versatility of the equipment for practicing various gymnastics skills.
While there are many gymnastics suppliers online, the following are companies we recommend for buying the best home gymnastics equipment online:
Once you have some kind of a bar, beam or mats, here are Skills you can Practice with your Home Gymnastics Equipment.