Lots of different of equipment is used across all gymnastics disciplines. Gymnasiums are stocked full of equipment to assist training and learning. Gymnasts use a variety of mats, vaults, trampolines and springboards each session. Some equipment, such as a beam, is used as an apparatus in competition, and some equipment is used for safety during training.
Competition Apparatus
Artistic gymnastics is the discipline that requires the most equipment. The International Gymnastics Federation, FIG, has set specifications for competition-standard equipment or apparatus. Women use four different forms of equipment, beam, bars, floor and vault, while the men compete on floor, high bar, parallel bars, pommel, vault and rings. Gymnastics clubs will have a selection of each apparatus for gymnasts to practice on. The same 39 feet by 39 feet sprung competition floor is also is used in acrobatic gymnastics and cheerleading.
Mats
A variety of mats are used for safety, landings and protection. Thin mats made from polyethylene and covered in vinyl or leather with a nonslip base are used in schools and sports centers for basic gymnastics. High-level gymnasts use thicker mats that absorb high-impact landings of aerial skills and tumbles. Landing mats are used in gymnasiums to surround the areas around other equipment. They are made from a variety of foam and covered in grain leather and PVC and come in a variety of densities.
Safety Equipment
Due to the dangerous nature of some skills in gymnastics, a wide selection of safety equipment is required to ensure the safety of participants. Safety, or crash mats, as they are commonly called, are thick PVC covered foam mats that range from being very soft to firm, depending on the main usage. Custom-made pads and mats are produced by manufacturers to cover artistic gymnastics apparatus such as the beam or vault to create a safe learning environment. The amount of safety equipment used can be reduced as the gymnast becomes more confident at performing her skills.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Equipment
Rhythmic gymnasts use hand-held equipment in floor routines to demonstrate flexibility and agility. There are five main pieces of equipment used in competition: Rhe rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. The floor mat used by rhythmic gymnasts is not sprung-loaded, which can affect the precision of her routine, but instead a low-friction carpet with a foam base.
Additional Equipment
Springboards are regularly used in all forms of gymnastics. Recreational gymnasts will use the springboard to practice running and jumping, and an artistic gymnast will use it on the vault, bar and beam for her mounts on to the apparatus. A gymnast will practice and perfect aerial skills with the help of trampolines, trampettes and air tracks. Some older gymnasts use weights and cardiovascular equipment to build strength and maintain general fitness. A gymnast may also choose to carry her own personal equipment such as hand guards and chalk to aid training.
Pre-School Gymnastics Equipment
Pre-school gymnastics uses variety of soft, brightly colored foam shapes and mats to create play areas for babies and young gymnasts. Inflatable shapes and animals are used in preschool gymnastics to help to stimulate and engage young children. The foam shapes and lightweight equipment help to introduce gymnastics and to develop motor skills. Small versions of full-size apparatus are used with additional padding for safety. Some gymnasiums will have a variety of balls, hoops and ribbons to use as an introduction to different forms of gymnastics.
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