{"id":6854,"date":"2023-04-13T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coachup.com\/nation\/?p=6854"},"modified":"2023-04-12T23:27:14","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T03:27:14","slug":"picking-the-right-mat-for-tumbling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coachup.com\/nation\/articles\/picking-the-right-mat-for-tumbling","title":{"rendered":"Picking the Right Mat and Equipment for Tumbling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tumbling is used in many sports, including gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance. Although most training takes place inside of a gym, there are skills and drills you can work on at home<\/a> if you have the correct equipment. As always, safety is number one and progressions should be used at all times. Check out each mat and the other listed items below to help you train to your full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Panel Mat (required)<\/strong> \u2013 This is the most basic mat that provides padding to protect the head. Having several levels of a folded mat help guide progressions for many skills, from kickovers, limbers, and round offs, all the way up to standing tucks and beyond. The most basic mat is three panels, but longer and wider mats are suggested for athletes ages four and up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wedge Mat<\/strong> \u2013 Also known as a cheese mat, this mat is most beneficial if it has a fold so the athlete can use it both folded and unfolded. When opened, it can serve as an incline or decline. When closed, it can be used as a block. Ideally, the length should be as long as or longer than the athlete. The folded mat is also easier to store away while not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Barrel<\/strong> \u2013 This mat is great for an introduction to back and front handsprings, along with upper level skills like an onodi. There are many conditioning exercises that can also be performed for all levels. If storage space is a factor, there are new inflatable barrels that are now available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Floor Beam<\/strong> \u2013 While gymnasts compete on beam, it is also beneficial for cheerleaders and dancers seeing that it will test how straight they can tumble. It can also be doubled as a stunt platform for flyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pit Pillow<\/strong> \u2013 This is the most useful mat that can be used for in-home training. It provides the feel of a pit and everyone from beginners to elite-level competitors can utilize this mat. It comes in a small size of 3\u2019x4\u2019, which is perfect for practicing at home. If there was only one mat to invest in besides a panel mat, this would be the one. It helps with body shaping and is extremely versatile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Airtrack<\/strong> \u2013 This is a newest in-home piece of equipment that is helpful in keeping athletes safe as it provides a bounce that is more subtle than a trampoline. When this concept first came out, it was only seen in gyms, but you can now find them online at a reasonable price. The size of it really depends on what it will be used for.
When picking out an airtrack, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n