How to select the right Exercise Equipment

The selection of apparatus and equipment for gymnastics activities is a very complex undertaking, and will not be treated in detail here. It is perhaps sufficient to say that quality gymnastics apparatus must be considered a long-term investment. All effort and attention should be directed toward obtaining the best quality material and workmanship. There is no real need to seek a bargain in this area, because the equipment will still be in use 25, 35, even 50 years after the original purchase - - if quality materials are selected initially, and effort made to maintain the apparatus.

How to Care and Repair the Equipment

There are numerous reasons why equipment should be cared for and maintained in top condition. The foremost reason, of course, is that students would be needlessly injured if allowed to work on faulty equipment. This same consideration might become a financial one if needless injury occurred and a lawsuit developed. The other chief consideration is that it is financially much more prudent to maintain any sort of equipment in top repair than it is. to allow it to depreciate. For instructional purposes, equipment should always be in good repair. In general, it is an excellent policy for the instructor to examine all equipment at least once each week, and for maintenance or engineering personnel to examine the structural aspect of the equipment once each year. Any needed repairs should be made promptly.

How to arrange Exercise Equipment

For instruction in beginning tumbling, it is recommended that the entire floor or instructional area be covered with gymnastic mats. Frequently this is not possible, but a minimum of eight 10 x 5 exercise mats, 2 inches thick, is considered essential. (For class arrangement under these conditions, contact us at info@webclic.info ) The heavy apparatus should be so arranged to prevent the intersection of traffic patterns. This is easily done by projecting and anticipating movements of individuals both to and from the apparatus. In all instructional situations the students should be kept in short lines, and

approach the apparatus from a designated direction. The direction of departure should also be designated, thus establishing the traffic patterns securely.

Use of Exercise Mats for Protection

Exercise Mats are much less costly than doctor bills or the inconvenience of injury to students. Sufficient floor exercise mats should be available to place under the apparatus being used, and around the area if dismounts are likely. Wherever possible, the mats should be cut to fit the apparatus and protect the student from making contact with the apparatus itself, in the event of a miscalculation when dismounting.

The Use of Exercise Mats for Spotting

Ropes and web belting materials are frequently interlaced beneath exercise mats which are held by six students to provide a pliable landing surface for the student who is attempting a difficult or dangerous stunt, such as the front somersault. Under these circumstances, the exercise mat is usually held about waist high and allowed to descend to approximately six inches above the floor upon contact of the participant.

Should Hand Spotting be used?

In beginning tumbling, contact hand spotting and the assistant are the most frequent modes of protection utilized, and, in general, they are quite simple. The most frequent mistake made by beginning spotters is that they give support to the participant during the action of the stunt, but fail to upport him until he has regained his balance and equilibrium upon completion of the stunt. Special attention must therefore be given to the achievement of the balanced position on the part of all participants. It must be mentioned, however, that free hand spotting for advanced tumbling stunts is extremely difficult and requires extensive training and skill.

Tags: class arrangement, exercise equipment, exercise floor mat, exercise mats, gymnastic mats, gymnastics apparatus, safety mats, student safety, tumbling mat