Gymnastic rings

A Quick List: Gymnastics Equipment

First, what exactly does the term “gymnastics equipment” refer to? For starters, let’s talk about the equipment that defines the different events:

-Uneven bars
-Parallel bars
-High bar
-Rings
-Balance beam
-Pommel horse
-Vault
-Floor mat

In a gymnasium dedicated to gymnastics, you’ll find all of those pieces of equipment. Typically, gymnasts are expected to know how to handle most or all of the events at least at a level of basic competence.

What About the Rest?

Of course, if those were all of supplies you needed for a gymnastic events, you’d be walking up to the parallel bars naked. Like any other sport, gymnastis requires accessories that best suit the equipment while complying with event regulations. Gymnastics equipment also refers to gymnastics accessories, clothes, and, yes, even the music for your dance routine.

Accessories include chalk, grips, leotards, tape, and of course equipment that goes to support the events itself, like your routine music. Gymnastics floor music is crucial because you’ve probably been using it to develop a routine around; if you don’t have the music with you, you probably can’t perform your routine. You should consider an accessory like gymnastics floor music to be an absolute must-have.

Getting Started with Gymnastics Equipment

If you’re going to understand how to use gymnastics equipment, it helps to start at the beginning. Simply by signing up for gymnastics lessons or signing up for gymnastics at your school, you’ll gain access to an instructor who probably has some sort of access to equipment you might use. If you have to buy some of your own gymnastics equipment, they’ll often be able to point you in the right direction so you can get started.

The equipment you use in gymnastics, from the chalk to the gymnastics floor music, will be vital in helping keep you safe, consistent, and ready for action. Don’t skimp on the proper equipment when you take up gymnastics.

Girl training for the pommel horse

1. Find a gymnastic academy.

Why a gymnastic academy instead of private lessons? At the academy you’ll be able to benefit from different sources of knowledge and experience. Gymnastics is a mult-event sport, and that’s why it helps to take a rounded approach to your gymnastic training, even if you specialize in one or two events. Finding a gymnastic academy can be easy; it can start with a simple Google search online or by asking your gymnastic-inclined friend abot good places to check out. Make sure to do your research and find the best academy you can, because this initial research work will pay dividends in the long run.

2. Make sure you have the right equipment.

What good is gymnastic training without the right equipment? Your gymnastic academy will help you learn about what type of equipment you need and may even provide it for you. What’s important here is that you remember that safety is a priority, particularly in a sport as active as gymnastics. There’s a good chance you’ll really feel like a gymnast once you put on the right equipment, and this will help you feel inspired to become a good one.

3. Be willing to make mistakes.

No, you don’t want to endanger your safety, but if you’re going to be gymnastic training, you’ll have to be willing to make mistakes and keep on practicing. Any skillset requires that you have the diligence to follow through even when times are tough. It’s working through these mistakes that develops your skillset. Don’t let mistakes get you down! Instead, acknowledge them and work with your instructor to do better next time.

Are you ready to take up gymnastic training now? Good! Then head down to the academy and find out how you can get started for real.

Gymnastic trampolines setting center stage

Gymnastic Trampolines vs. Ordinary Trampolines

The gymnastics trampoline is a piece of equipment involved in gymnastics, just are the parallel bars or the balance beam. In essence, the trampoline gives gymnasts a chance to showcase their flexibility, balance, and poise by testing their ability to remain centered. At the Olympic level, the gymnastic trampoline is a major event that is held under close scrutiny.

An ordinary trampoline is something you might find in your neighbor’s backyard. Mini trampolines are also popular at private homes because they provide an excellent opportunity to get some exercise without the constant grinding of a treadmill.

So what separates the two – mini trampoline from gymnastic trampoline? You’ll often find that home trampolines are round, while gymnastic trampolines are rectangular. You can, of course, own a rectangular trampoline at home without being a gymnastics expert.

The gymnastic trampolines give you plenty of space to bounce high without flying over the edge, and the rectangular shape makes for great back-and-forth jumping, in which you switch from one side to the other (just not too close to any one side!).

How to Take Up Gymnastic Trampolining

If you want to take up trampolining on a whole new level, then sign up for some gymnastics lessons and let your instructor know what you intend to become good at. It’s best to make sure you wear all of the safety equipment provided – trampolining, while fun, can also be a bit risky.

You may find it beneficial to learn many other aspects of gymnastics, like using the horse, which can increase your ability to keep yourself balanced and improve your trampoline skills. Remember: safety first. You’ll want to ask your instructor about safety precautions and listen to all of their warnings and heed them well. Also, make sure you don’t push yourself too far before you have the skills to handle certain maneuvers.

Girl in Gymnastics Leotard

The Gymnastics Leotard: First Things First

If you’re going to buy your leotard, you have to make sure that you’re actually willing to commit to this whole “gymnastics” thing, the same way you wouldn’t buy a set of pads unless you were serious about joining the football team. So before you even whip out the credit card for yourself or your daughter, you’ll want to make sure that whoever’s going to be wearing it actually plans on wearing it!

Once you know you’re committed, you’ll want to ask the instructor about gymnastic clothing. Do they have any recommendations for the type of gymnastics leotard you should buy, as well as a good place nearby that supplies them, or at least a good store online? Chances are that your instructor knows exactly where to find them because they’ve handled so many students with the same questions before.

The Cost of Gymnastics Clothing

Of course, for many parents, the first question is simple: “what will it cost?” A quick Google search online should yield some potential prices. Even if you’re heading to a gymnastics clothing store, you’ll want to make sure that you have some sort of context for the prices you’ll be seeing.

Should you consider used leotards? Some people might recommend it, but if you don’t want to deal with someone else’s old laundry, then it might be a good idea simply to buy a new one. This can be a great motivator for someone just starting out in gymnastics, and if you’re able to find a reasonable price, you might find that a new leotard will have more life in it.

Using Your New Leotard

Once you’ve bought the gymnastics leotard, you or your daughter will be ready to go. It’s a good idea to invest a little time in selecting the right one so that you don’t have to worry about it when practices start.

A Folding Gymnastics Mat

Gymnastic Mat Type

There aren’t only a variety of uses for these mats, but there’s a variety of mats as well. Landing mats are typically thicker and softer, allowing you to land on them with greater ease, while other mats like cartwheel mats will be firmer, allowing you to grip them better without the need for so much padding. In any gymnasium that hosts gymnastics, you’ll find different types of gymnastics mats to suit the different events.

Of course, we can’t go on without mentioning floor mats, which are the basis for establishing your floor routine. These marts are typically firmer without a whole lot of cushioning, but this gives you more mobility and allows routines that flip, turn, twist, and balance. In many cases, the gymnastics mat is there for your safety, but in your floor routine, it’s there for both your safety and as the showcase.

Using Mats for Practice

Of course, you should only practice with the guidance of your instructor so as to maximize your safety, but it still helps to understand how to use mats in your practice. In many cases, you might find that you use softer landing mats in many of your practice sessions early on, as you learn how to balance your body and land properly. Depending on the individual event and the safety requirements, as you get more advanced you will find that you don’t need these thicker landing mats quite as often.

If you’re ever early to a gymnastics practice, wait for your instructor before you start practicing. In the meantime, however, you can help set up the mats if you’re using a gym that shares its space with other sports and events.

Safety should always be your number one concern, whether you’re an instructor or a student. That’s why gymnastics mats play a pivotal role. Make sure that the motto of “safety first” is also your motto.

Body Fat Scale

Height Weight Tables
Height weight tables are too limited to be used accurately in gymnastics training. This is because these tables do not calculate body fat, but give a very simplistic idea of what your body fat may be if you are of average build. The weight is on one side of the chart and the height is on the other. You match up your weight with your height and this supposedly will give a body fat reading. But this type of measurement does not account for different size frames so it is not a good method for gymnasts.

Girth Measurements
Girth measurements use a tape measure to measure the upper arm, forearm, abdomen, hips, thigh and calf. These measurements are then placed into equations to calculate the body fat. The only reasonable method of calculating the equations is to use an online calculator such something you would find at http://www.brianmac.co.uk/fatgirth.htm . Measuring girths is not precise enough to be used for those who are under weight. Therefore this is also not a reliable method for gymnastic training.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is good for general risk assessment, but not for athletes. This is because BMI does not take into account muscular development. This is another method that does not measure body fat, it simply uses a calculation based on height and weight, and therefore it is ineffective for athletes.

Skin fold Measurements
Skin fold measurements are done with body fat calipers. This is a reliable method because it will calculate body fat percentage. There are advantages and disadvantages to using the skin fold measurement system. The advantages are that body fat calipers are: inexpensive, portable, accurate. The only real disadvantage is that using body fat calipers in gymnastics training requires an experienced examiner to guarantee accuracy.

Gymnastics Mat

Folding: This type of gymnastics mat is designed for use in Phys Ed classes, tumbling, marital arts and for various exercise activities. You may purchase them with Velcro on the short edge to so you can attaché them together, making the mat longer, allowing for tumbling pass practice. This type of mat offers no more than medium protection and will fold for easy storage.
Soft Folding: This type of mat does not offer as much protection as the folding mat mentioned above. This is the type of mat you would use for a preschool playtime. They come in bright colors for young children. However, they should only be used for light physical activity.

Practice Mat: These gymnastics mats are thicker (8”, 12” or 16” thick) and are used for floor exercise, training and performance with the vault, balance beam, bars or rings.
Modular Mats: Many times it is not possible to have permanent mats installed in a training facility. For example, a school may have a gymnastics program, but no dedicated area to have for permanent equipment installation. This is where modular land mats are helpful. They can be brought out and easily connected together to create a landing area. This type of mat is also available with competition specs so they can be used for competitive meets.

Incline Mat: This mat is shaped like a right angle triangle, and can fold up into a square for storage. You would use this type of mat for walk overs, basic rolls and hand springs in addition to using it as a crash pad or landing mat. Incline mats can come in different thickness ranges, depending on the usage required. A thicker wedge can be used as a launching pad for gymnastics and cheerleading practice as well.

In addition to knowing what type of mat you need, you need to know how to sanitize your mat. It is necessary that mats be as germ free as possible. Simply mix 1 gallon water with 2 ounces of color safe bleach. You can use a spray bottle to evenly coat the map and wipe it up with a soft towel.

Example of a Gymnastic Leotard

How to Buy Gymnastic Clothing
There are different reasons for purchasing a gymnastics leotard. The leotard may be for training or for competition. Even a gymnastic leotard that is used for training can be fun and pretty. To encourage your gymnast you should let them pick out leotards that they like and enjoy wearing. The variety in types and styles of gymnastics leotards and gymnastics clothing is unlimited. Here are just a few:
www.gymbratleotards.com

http://www.leotardsandmore.com/

http://www.gkelite.com

http://lizatards.com

How Many Leotards?
Your child should own the number of leotards that is equal to the number of times they go to the gym every week. For example, two trips to the gym per week equal two leotards. This will ensure they are wearing a fresh leotard each time and will give you time to wash the leotards between training sessions.

Finding a Gymnastics Leotard
Do not make the mistake of buying a dance leotard instead of a gymnastics leotard. Gymnastics leotards fit differently, they are much tighter. Gymnastics leotards are available online, at athletic stores or may also be available at your training facility.

Measuring for a Good Fit
Because gymnastic leotards require a tight fit it is important to measure the gymnast in order to be sure you will purchase the correct size. There are four areas you will need to measure, these are: the girth, the chest, the waist, and the hips.

• Girth: this is the measurement from one shoulder down the chest between the legs and then going up the back to the top of the same shoulder.
• Chest: measure the fullest part of the chest.
• Waist: measure thinnest part of waist. Do not measure over any clothing.
• Hips: be sure to measure around the widest part of the hips.

Finding Discount Prices Online
Depending on your child’s training and meet schedule, a gymnastics leotard wardrobe can get expensive. However, there are online opportunities for discount prices. Shopping online is fine and very efficient, it is, however, important to get the proper measurements as listed above before purchasing online. http://discountleotards.com offers reasonable prices on leotards that will help you to build up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Young gymnast

Gymnastics equipment is of course made to specific measurements and there are some consistencies, however depending on the manufacturer, you may find the floor to be harder, the uneven bars to be more sluggish or the vault to have more bounce. Again these differences can be very subtle, but make a huge impact on your student.
If you begin exposing your students to a variety of gymnastics equipment starting at a young age, you will find that adjusting to the equipment at meets is easier for them throughout their time in gymnastics. An excellent method for doing this is “fun meets.”

In a fun meet your student will:
• Learn how to adjust to the gymnastic equipment at the event.
• Receive a trophy for every event
• Earn a score (typically no less than a 4) for every event
• Choose the events they would like to perform
• Learn how to be spotted by their coach in a different venue
• Get used to crowds, noise, distractions, etc.
• Improve their focusing skills
• Hear their gymnastics floor music routine on a different sound system
• Develop the expectation that meets need not be intimidating

The advantage of taking your young students to fun meets should not be underestimated. Typically participation in fun meets will catapult a student’s gymnastic abilities to the next level. This is due to the confidence they gain from earning a trophy and a good score. Sometimes a fun meet will accomplish things that no amount of training could have ever done because it will give your students a glimpse into what they can accomplish.

As a trainer, you owe it to your students to prepare them for every possible variable in a gymnastics meet. Giving them opportunities to develop their performance abilities will help them become successful and confident. The time you spend in fun meets will reap rewards for you and your students for years to come.

Double Mini Gymnastics Trampoline

Individual Trampoline
The competitive gymnastics trampoline sport includes individual trampoline, synchronized trampoline and double mini-trampoline. Individual competitions are made up of two to three routines with one routine requiring a compulsory skill set which include twist and somersault combinations. The individual gymnastics training competitions are performed on standard, regulation sized gymnastic trampolines. There is a large red + on the trampoline that is used for spotting. The gymnast performs 10 skills and must start and finish on their feet. The scores are out of a total of 10 and are judged by five judges. The lowest and highest scores may be deleted and the gymnast may earn extra points for the difficulty level. Deductions can be caused by poor form, unfinished moves or moving too far from the center mark.

Synchronized Trampoline
Synchronized trampoline competition is when two gymnasts perform together. Their moves must be exactly the same like in synchronized swimming. This type of trampolining is performed on two regulation sized gymnastics trampolines that sit next to each other. Two judges score each athlete separately for form. Other judges are used to score the synchronization of the routines. One of the most important scoring categories in synchronized trampolining is that the gymnasts bounce at the same height and at the same time. As with individual trampoline competition, points are awarded for more difficult routines.

Double Mini Trampoline
Double mini trampolines have a sloped end and are smaller than a regulation competition gymnastics trampoline. This is used in the same way as a vault. The gymnast runs up the sloped end, jumps on the flat end and dismounts onto a mat. All this is done with multiple acrobatic moves and is over in an instant, just like in vaulting. In a double mini gymnastics trampoline competition there are two styles of passes. One is the mounter pass where the gymnast does one skill on the jump from the sloped to the flat end and a second skill when dismounting onto the mat. The second type of pass is called a spotter pass where the gymnast goes straight from the sloped end to the flat end, performs one skill, jumps on the flat end again and then performs a second skill to dismount to the mat.