If your child has just started gymnastics, they’re probably cartwheeling up and down the hallway and hand-standing on every wall. If they are desperate to practice between classes and show off all their tricks, you might start to think about setting up a home practice space.
Not sure where to start? Gymnastics Direct is here to help. Our products are designed for safety and functionality, so your child can practice all afternoon in the living room – and you can simply pack the equipment away after. Here’s our guide to at-home gymnastics equipment, what’s worth it and what’s not.
Worth It:
A Gymnastics Mat
This is the foundation of any at home set up. Gymnastics Direct’s folding mats are multi-purpose, high-density foam mats suitable for home use.
They work for rolls, cartwheels, handstands — and double as landing mats under a beam or bar. They are designed to keep your child safe.
A folding incline mat is also a good option for practicing backwards movements and building confidence on an incline.
A Practice Beam
A beam is another important part of a gymnastics set-up. Gymnastics Direct has many height variations, so you can start low for safety, and move higher as confidence grows.
Our starter beam is designed for beginners and juniors who are building confidence off the ground. This foldable, foam beam provides a safe and supportive platform.
Our level gymnast beam is a great next step.
Available in a 2.4m length with a multi-function foot system that allows both floor and adjustable height usage. It has three height settings (20cm, 35cm, and 45cm including the beam), so you can adjust as needed. It features a regulation 10cm working surface, just like competition beams, meaning skills practiced at home will transfer directly to the gym.
A Gymnastics Bar
If your child is working on bar skills in class, a home bar can be a fantastic investment. Gymnastics Direct’s Elite Junior Bar is built with heavy-duty steel construction for superb stability, features a high-performance fibreglass rail, and has a static weight limit of 150kg — suitable for practising kips and hip circles with an adjustable height range.
A bar should always be used with a gymnastics mat underneath!
An Air Track
For families with a bit more space and budget, an air track is a game-changer. Gymnastics Direct’s 6m Air Track Tumbling Run is 6m x 2m x 20cm — suitable for beginner gymnasts and experienced athletes alike — and comes with an electric pump, storage bag, and repair kit included in the price. It’s also easy to pack up if you need to move it, making it practical even for smaller homes. The adjustable pressure means you can firm it up as your child’s skills improve, making the transition to the gym floor much smoother.
Best Value – Combo Packages
If you’re looking to invest in more than one piece, Gymnastics Direct’s combo packages are worth a look. Their Beam, Bar and Mat Combos let you create a complete elite home gym setup at a better price point than buying separately. The Level Gymnast 2.4m Beam, 3m Mat and Elite Junior Bar Combo is a popular starting point for families who are serious about supporting their child’s training at home.
Not Worth It:
Cheap ‘Bargain’ Equipment:
Gymnastics equipment is one area where quality genuinely matters for safety. Many air products on the market are machine-made and mass-produced using inferior quality materials — and the same applies to beams and bars. Gymnastics Direct’s range is designed and tested specifically for the Australian market, giving you peace of mind that what your child is training on is built to last.
A Final Thought
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with a good mat — it’s the most versatile piece you can own — and add from there based on what your child is working on in class. When in doubt, ask their coach what would be most useful to practice at home. They’ll know exactly where your child needs the most repetition.
Happy training! 🤸