Getting into gymnastics can be quite an exciting adventure! Be it a child who wants to flip and tumble or an eager adult, gymnastics requires equipment that makes sure that this time is used well and safely.
In this article, we shall look at the most important equipment for a beginning gymnastics sportsman, guiding you through what to invest in as you embark on this sporting journey.
Gymnastics Equipment: Beginner Essentials
Before going deep into the equipment, let’s briefly talk about what gymnastics is. Gymnastics is an activity-based sport that involves exercises and performances on various apparatuses.
It enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. There are different types of gymnastics, including artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline gymnastics. Each type may require specific equipment, but some items are universally useful to all beginners.
1. Gymnastics Mats
Gymnastics mats are some of the major apparatus that help a beginner in this sport. These mats give protection and provide a cushion for various skills and thus minimize the impact on falls or landings.
Types of Mats
• Tumbling Mats: These are thick mats used in tumbling and floor exercises. They are foldable, and this makes it easier to store them and even transport them easily.
• Landing Mats: Thicker and bigger, these offer additional cushioning for dismounts and landings. These are perfect for practising those skills that involve a jump or flip.
Recommendations
When selecting a mat, look for durability, ease of cleaning, and sufficient cushioning. Brands such as AirtrackUS offer premium-quality mats, which are excellent for home usage.
2. Balance Beams
Balance beams develop a gymnast’s balance and coordination. Many routines include this, and a beginner can use them to learn how to walk, jump, and perform other poses on the beam.
Types of Beams
• Floor Beams: Larger and closer to the floor, floor beams are a safer beam for beginners. They are ideal for learning simple skills.
• Low Balance Beams: These are raised off the floor but are low enough to limit the height of falls.
Recommendations
Choose a beam that is strong and, preferably, with a non-slip surface. It should be height-adjustable if possible, allowing for the gradual development of skills.
3. Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings are great for developing upper body strength and coordination. They can be used for several different exercises and are very versatile.
Benefits
• Strength Building: Rings develop arms, shoulders, and core muscles.
• Grip Strength Gains: The ring develops grip, which is the most critical capacity in gymnasts.
Recommendation
When it comes to rings, select the ones made of durable material to bear your weight; besides, the straps must be adjustable for you to adjust the height if needed.
4. Stretch Bands
The bands have been of great importance to beginners in their first intensified range of motion and flexibility training.
Benefits
• Targeted Stretches: Bands allow for effective stretching of various muscle groups.
• Assistance in Skills: They can be helpful in certain skills like splits or backbends.
Recommendations
Choose a band that is fabricated of durable, elastic material. Choose bands with different levels of resistance for varied goals regarding your flexibility.
5. Gymnastics Grips
To the gymnasts who are just beginning their training on bars, grips can save their hands and at the same time strengthen the grip. They prevent injuries to hands such as blisters and calluses.
Types of Grips
• Leather Grips: They are very standard and offer good support. These can last quite a while when taken good care of.
• Fingerless Grips: Ideal for beginners as they allow better movement of fingers, but they do not obstruct the view and still manage to support your wrists.
Recommendations
While buying grips, consider proper fit and comfort. They should be tried on to achieve a correct fit size.
6. Gymnastics Shoes
While many gymnasts train barefoot, the proper shoes can sometimes be helpful. For beginners with sensitive feet and toes, such a feeling will be uncomfortable and painful; wearing shoes may increase their confidence while training.
Type of Shoes
• Gymnastics Slippers: These usually are lightweight with a little bit of grip while not being extremely restrictive.
• Barefoot Shoes: These show a similarity with being bare feet but offer something in protection or grip.
Recommendations
One should wear comfortable shoes that offer a good fitting without any tight feel.
7. Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are great for recovery and injury prevention. They can serve as a reliever of tension in muscles following practice.
Benefits
• Improved Recovery: Rolling out muscles can help reduce soreness and improve flexibility.
• Injury Prevention: Regular use of a foam roller can help identify and alleviate tight spots that may lead to injuries.
Recommendations
Get a roller that is firm enough but not too hard, especially for starters. Varied textures can also provide varied pressure points to the muscles, relieving them very well.
8. Gymnastics Workout Clothes
Clothing can either make or break comfort and performance. Gymnastics clothes need to accommodate both movement and flexibility.
Recommended Clothing
• Leotards: Common in gymnastics, they give a full range of motion.
• Shorts and Tank Tops: Those who like to be at least a little covered up will find lightweight shorts and tank tops a fair trade-off.
Recommendations
Opt for breathable, stretchy fabrics that are fitted without being too tight. A moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool during practice.
It is great fun getting started with gymnastics. You can easily get an effective training environment at either home or the gym with the proper equipment.
Concentrate on quality gymnastics mats, balance beams, rings, and other items that will assist you or your child in learning the skills more effectively. Take proper consideration of comfort and safety to ensure the gymnastics journey is as fun as possible. Happy flipping!
