Gymnastics is a fantastic addition to any school’s physical education program, helping students develop strength, coordination, balance, and confidence. But it's the right equipment that ensures a safe and engaging experience for students of all skill levels.

To help schools choose the best gear, we spoke with Fin from Play On Sports Programs, who specialises in delivering gymnastics and multi-sport sessions to primary schools. With years of experience working with students, Fin shared his top three must-have pieces of equipment:

1. Foam Mats

"The mats can be used in so many different ways! From cartwheels, handstands, rolls, and partner balance just to name a few. They are also essential in providing safety and soft landings." - Fin, Play On.

Options:

Flexi Rolls - Need a mat that provides optimal cushioning while acting as a sturdy floor surface? Our Flexi Rolls are a top choice, available in three different widths.

Folding Mats - A versatile option that can be used underneath bars, beams, or directly on the floor.

Crash Mats - Ideal for high-impact landings, offering maximum protection for students learning new skills.

2. Incline Mat/Wedge

Also known as a cheese mat, an incline wedge is a must-have for teaching tumbling skills. It helps students develop body awareness and confidence in movement while making progressions smoother and safer.

• Available in Small or Large.

"The wedge provides a great entryway to students learning to rotate their bodies in space." - Fin, Play On. 

3. Balance Beam

Balance beams help students improve their balance, coordination, and focus. They are great for building fundamental movement skills and boosting confidence in young gymnasts.

Options:

• Starter Beam or 3m Folding Foam Beam– A foldable, low-to-the-ground beam, perfect for beginners practicing balance skills.
• 2.4m Wooden Core Beam – This beam features adjustable feet, allowing students to start close to the ground before progressing to a raised height.

"The balance beam is key for students developing not only balance but also lower body strength. There are a variety of activities that can be used on the beam to constantly challenge students of all levels."

Other equipment to enhance your Gymnastics program:

Air Tracks

Air tracks and air barrels add an element of excitement to gymnastics sessions. They provide a bouncy surface that helps students practice tumbling and other skills with reduced impact.

Options:

• For younger students, our 3m Air Board is a great introduction to air tumbling!
• For those growing gymnasts, 6-8m tumbling runs allow for longer, connected movements.

Why choose our Air Tracks?

Unlike many air products on the market that are mass-produced using lower-quality materials, our Air Tracks are handmade using the best quality materials available. Hand-glued with a 1000 denier double-wall construction, they are strong, durable, and built to last, making them a long-term investment for your school’s gymnastics program.

Gymnastics Bars

Gymnastics bars help students develop upper body strength and confidence whilst allowing them to practice skills like pullovers, casts, and kips.

Options:

• Elite Junior Bar - Sturdy and adjustable, suitable for home and school use.
• Foldable Bar - Convenient for schools with limited space, but note that is has a lower weight capacity.
• Multi Gymnastics Unit - A four in one set featuring a high bar, junior bar, junior uneven/parallel bars, and rings - perfect for group activities and training.

Mini Trampolines / Springboard

Mini trampolines and Gymnastics Direct's Springboard are excellent tools for introducing jumping and landing techniques. They help students develop spatial awareness, coordination, and safe landing techniques. 

• Compact - Easy to store and set up, making them ideal for schools with limited space.
• Engaging - Adds a fun element to PE classes while reinforcing important movement skills. 
• Best combo? - Pair a mini trampoline with a crash mat for added safety.

The Time Is Now!

Adding gymnastics equipment to your school program not only supports physical education but also encourages students to stay active, build confidence, and develop lifelong movement skills.

At Gymnastics Direct, we offer a wide range of school-friendly  gymnastics equipment, from beginner friendly to advanced training aids. 

Whether you're starting a new program, or expanding an existing one, we've got the gear to help your students thrive.

Contact us for quotes or queries today!