Gymnastics Equipment
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Gymnastics Equipment and SuppliesThe only gymnastics equipment men and women can truly share is the floor exercise and tumbling mats. The floor is a spring floor with a working area of approximately 40’ X 40’. The base of the floor ex is usually a quality wood with numerous springs or foam blocks attached to the bottom, topped with a 2-4 inch layer of foam and then finished with a carpet or a layer of carpeted foam. There are different configurations for the floor, but they all maximize the gymnast’s height in tumbling and jumping skills. In addition to a floor exercise area most gyms utilize trampolines or tumble traks to teach tumbling. Gymnasts use these pieces of gymnastics equipment to gain height and body awareness before attempting the skills on floor. Balance beams, vault tables, uneven parallel bars, pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars and a horizontal high bar are other necessary gymnastics equipment. It is also necessary to have preschool equipment and plenty of landing mats. Many pieces of preschool gymnastics equipment are helpful to the coach as aids for spotting. For instance, the back handspring trainer can be used to help teach a front handspring. The wedge mats are useful for working on bridges and kick overs leading up to back walkovers. Acrobatic skills, jumps, leaps, and other skills are often learned on the floor beams before attempting them on the high beams. Gymnastics equipment and supplies includes grips, shoes and of course leotards and other wear for men and women. There are grips specifically made for each piece of gymnastics equipment. There are horizontal bar grips, ring grips, uneven bar grips, beginner grips and grip accessories. Grip accessories include grip brushes, tape, wrist brands and wrist rip protection. Then, of course, the grip bag to carry the grips and all the accessories. Grips will keep their hands from building too many calluses and tearing while working on skills. Once a tear occurs it is very difficult to grasp the bar and it takes away valuable time from the gymnast’s workout. To learn more about grips or to purchase them click here. Gymnastics equipment includes special shoes. Women sometimes wear gymnastics shoes on balance beam, but they are not required. There are also shoes for floor exercise. There are several kinds of shoes with different soles and they come in different brands. Gymnastics shoes are an individual decision as to wear them or not. To learn more about gymnastics shoes or to purchase them click here. Leotards for women’s gymnastics can be purchased in discount stores and specialty stores. They are made for comfort and movement while practicing or performing gymnastics skills and are an important part of gymnastics equipment and supplies. Gymnasts are not restricted in leotards and the body positions and execution of skills are more observable to the coach. Leotards come in all sizes, colors and designs. See www.gymnastmall.com for great leotards. When purchasing gymnastics equipment and supplies it is important to be most concerned about quality and safety. There is nothing wrong with purchasing reconditioned and used gymnastics equipment as long as it is safe. It is also important for the sellers to recognize the responsibility they are taking for the safe use of the gymnastics equipment. Special markings, warning labels, and verbal communication help protect  |