The Ultimate Gymnastics Air Track Buying Guide

Not too long ago, a gymnastics mat was just a mat, you know? A heavy, awkward, foam thing that took up too much space and was a real pain to deal with. But then the gymnastics air track came along and it's been a total game-changer. Not just for elite gymnasts, but for kids, cheerleaders, dancers, and families training from home.

It all makes sense, really. An air track is basically a super-safe, super-easy to store, and super-versatile inflatable gym mat. But let's get one thing straight - not all air tracks are created equal. Size, thickness, materials, and how you plan to use it all matter way more than most people think. Choosing the wrong one can limit your progress. Choosing the right one can transform the way you train.

This guide is here to tell you everything you need to know about gymnastics air tracks - what they are, how they work, and how to pick the best one for your needs.

What is a Gymnastics Air Track?

Definition and purpose

A gymnastics air track is basically a long, inflatable thing made out of heavy-duty PVC and some pretty clever internal fibres. When you blow it up, it becomes firm and flat, with just the right amount of bounce. And the idea is not to replace a sprung floor, but to give you a safer, more forgiving surface for learning new skills.

They're used for cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, tumbling passes, and all sorts of conditioning drills. And it's not just gymnastics - air tracks are super popular with cheerleaders, martial artists, dancers, parkourists, yogis, and all sorts of other athletes. In fact, in a lot of homes, they're becoming a key part of home gym equipment.

How it works: inflatable vs traditional mats

Traditional foam mats are pretty one-dimensional - once they're made, that's it. They're not going to change, no matter who or what you put on them.

An air track is different though. It's got thousands of internal fibres that connect the top and bottom of the mat, which lets it inflate evenly and stay rigid. By cranking up or cranking down the air pressure, you can make the surface feel softer for little kids or firmer for more advanced athletes.

So, compared to those old-school foam mats, air tracks are way better at absorbing impact, rebounding more predictably, and compacting down for easy storage. That's why most gyms are ditching the foam for air tracks.

Benefits of using an air track for training

The biggest advantage of a gymnastics air track is that it's way gentler on your joints. Tumbling on hard surfaces can be brutal for your wrists, ankles, and knees. Air tracks help to dial that down, so you can train for longer without getting worn out.

And there's another bonus - psychological. The fact that you can make mistakes on an air track and not get hurt is a total confidence-booster. And once you've got that confidence, you'll find you can learn new skills way faster and with way cleaner technique when you're back on a sprung floor or a balance beam.

Types of Gymnastics Air Tracks

Home-use air tracks

Home-use air tracks are all about being practical and convenient. Most of them are around three to five metres long and about 10 cm thick. They're just long enough to do some serious training without overwhelming your living room, garage, or backyard.

For families, the big advantage is that they inflate and deflate super quick, and you can store them all nice and tidy. As home gym equipment, they're a great balance of safety, versatility, and space-saving.

Professional or gym-use air tracks

Gym-use air tracks are all about going big or going home. They're way longer - often over six metres - which lets you set up full tumbling passes and team drills. Materials are thicker, seams are reinforced, and they're just built to last.

If you're a serious competitive program, these are the air tracks you want, especially when you're pairing them with spring-loaded tumbling tracks and landing mats to create a full training system.

Kids and beginner air tracks

If you're just starting out or you've got little kids learning the basics of gymnastics, you want an air track that's all about control and confidence. So, you're looking at shorter lengths and thinner profiles to make it less intimidating.

Ten-centimetre thickness is often the sweet spot for beginners, because it gives them stability without too much bounce. And as they get more confident, they can always move up to thicker mats.

Portable vs fixed air tracks

One of the biggest advantages of air tracks is that they're super portable. Most of them can be deflated, rolled up, and chucked in a carry bag. That makes them perfect for families on the go, travelling coaches, and gyms with lots of different training needs.

Even in professional gyms, air tracks are often getting moved around - being able to reposition them quickly and easily is a total game-changer for coaches who need to adapt their layout for different training sessions.

Key Features to Think About Before You Buy

Size and Thickness

When it comes to size, you've got to think about not just how much space you've got available, but also what specific training goals your gymnast (or you) has. A shorter air track is perfect for focusing on one skill at a time, while a longer one lets you string together a series of passes. And when it comes to thickness, that's all about how it feels to walk on - thinner mats feel like they're almost touching the floor, while thicker ones give a bit more lift and make for softer landings.

Material and Durability

You get what you pay for when it comes to quality air tracks. A good one uses some pretty robust construction - usually double-wall drop-stitch, and heavy-duty PVC. And don't even get started on seams - those need to be super strong, especially in hot places like Australia where the materials expand and contract like crazy.

Inflation and Deflation

Most modern inflatable air tracks come with an electric pump, which makes inflation a breeze - we're talking just a few minutes to get up and running. And some of them even come with pressure gauges, which is super handy when you need to adjust the firmness for different users - from tiny tots to the big kids (and adults too).

Safety Features

You'd be surprised how often people overlook the little things that make a big difference in safety. Non-slip surfaces, reinforced seams and making sure the track is straight - all of these come together to give you a safer training environment. And sure, these might seem like no-brainers, but trust us, they make a world of difference when your gymnast is doing repeat drills on an air track.

Choosing the Right Air Track for Your Needs

For Beginners and Kids

For little ones, you want a shorter mat with a bit of thickness and pressure - just enough to be supportive but not so much that it's overwhelming. A well-chosen air track for kids is all about encouraging them to try new things without scaring them off, and you still need to be there to supervise and help them progress at their own pace.

For Competitive Gymnasts

Competitors need something a bit more serious - longer, thicker tracks that can hold their firmness even at high pressures. They want to feel stable and predictable under their feet - just like a sprung floor - so they can transfer their skills smoothly.

For Home Use vs Gym Use

If you're training at home, you're probably all about storage and flexibility - you need something that's compact, easy to roll up and get out of the way. Gyms on the other hand are all about rugged durability and length - how long do you need the mat to be for your users?

Budget Considerations

If you're on a tighter budget, a lower-priced air track might still be okay for casual use, but if you're expecting heavy use, you really need to start investing in quality construction. And if multiple people are sharing the mat, it's just plain worth the extra cash in the long run.

Top Brands and Models of Air Tracks

Gymnastics Direct Recommended Air Tracks

Gymnastics Direct offers up a range of air tracks specifically designed for the Aussie conditions - they've got something for home use, a bit for school or club training, so you can scale up or down as your gymnast progresses.

Comparison Table: Features and Sizes

We've got some pros and cons of popular models below, but first, here's a quick rundown of some of the key features and sizes to get you started:

Pros and Cons of Popular Models

One thing to keep in mind when buying an air track is that longer ones are great for progression and variety, but they take up a lot of space. Shorter ones are a lot easier to store, but you might outgrow them a little faster. It's all about finding that balance.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Air Track

Cleaning and Storage Tips

Cleaning is pretty simple - just a bit of mild soap, some water and a soft cloth, and you're good to go. Always make sure to dry the mat thoroughly before storing it away from direct sunlight.

Checking for Leaks and Repairs

Regular inspections are key - it's easy to catch any little issues before they become big problems. And most air tracks come with a repair kit, so you can fix things up and get back to training in no time.

Tips to Prolong Lifespan

Just a few simple things to keep in mind to make your air track last longer - avoid sharp surfaces, excessive heat and over-inflation, and you'll be good to go.

Safety Tips When Using an Air Track

Proper Setup and Inflation

First and foremost, make sure you've got enough space to set the air track up safely - flat surface, enough run-up and landing space, the whole works. And correct inflation is critical - too soft and the mat bottoms out, too hard and impact increases.

Supervision for Kids

Kiddos always need adult supervision when using an air track - skill level, not enthusiasm, is what should guide what they try.

Recommended Training Exercises

Air tracks are super versatile - you can do a range of training exercises from basic jumps and handstands to walkovers, tumbling passes and conditioning drills. Used correctly, they're a training aid that'll take your gymnast to the next level.

Air tracks are great - they're adaptable, they're a total game-changer for protecting joints, building confidence and fitting into spaces where traditional mats just won't go. By understanding all the key features - size, construction, safety features and what you're using it for - you can make an informed choice that'll pay off for years to come.When you pick the right air track for your needs, training isn't just supported - its actually made a heck of a lot better.

Check out what Gymnastics Direct has to offer - browse through our air tracks to find the one that'll fit in with your space, your athletes, and the goals you're trying to hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take an air track outside?

Technically, you can use an air track outside. Just make sure its on a flat bit of ground and there's no mess lying around. Don't leave it out in the sun all day though - and give it a good drying before you stash it away.

How long does it take to inflate one?

The good news is that most air tracks will be all pumped up in just a few minutes with a decent electric pump. Lets you down just as quick when you want to pack it up too.

Will an air track work for all ages?

The short answer is: yes. With a bit of tweaking on size, thickness, and pressure its suitable for kids, teenagers, and grown ups alike.

How do you actually get an air track from one place to another?

Actually getting an air track from one place to another is pretty easy. Just deflate it, roll it up, and you can shove it in the boot of most cars with no problem.