American Gymnast and AirTrack Factory (based out of the Netherlands) have partnered to create a new Joint Venture, American AirTrack Factory, to manufacture, provide and service AirBags, AirTracks, AirCourts, AirNinja Obstacles and AirParkour product lines throughout North and South America!

AirBags have been used in trampoline and action parks for quite a while now, but they are still considered new on the scene for gymnastics facilities. However, gymnastics facilities have quite different needs for their landing areas than ski resorts, action parks or trampoline parks. Instead of trying to sell an AirBag into a gymnastics facility that was meant for another purpose,  we created an AirBag that specifically serves the gymnastics community!

Here are 12 reasons our AirBags are the only choice for gymnastics facilities:

1. SIDEWALLS – Our airbags have “Roman Arch” sidewalls which prevent the collapsing of the AirBag around its perimeter that you see in most of our competitors airbags.  This is also why our AirBags have the sharper tight look, and aren’t saggy and wrinkled looking.

Interior View of the AirBag, the Cover & the Top Sheet

2. PRESSURE CONTROL – We have a new pressure control system that gives gym owners and coaches the ability to control the AirBag pressure from the top side of the pit instead of having to crawl down in a pit to look for ventilation flaps to open in our competitor’s AirBags.

3. PRESSURE ALARM – Our alarm system constantly monitors the AirBag pressure and sets off a visual and auditory alarm if the pressure dips below a predetermined value.  In contrast, some other alarm systems only monitor the power to the blower.

4. DURABILITY – We use a thicker layer of PVC on our AirBags (and AirTracks), without any inactive fillers (like chalk for example), than are typically used by other manufacturers.

5. VERSATILITY – It is important that we constantly monitor the needs of the industry. We are always looking for unique ways to enhance our products. We’ve added a variety of features to our AirBag to allow for more versatility, such as the addition of lifting bags. With the flip of a switch, our AirBags can raise or lower in height, allowing for different drills and/or different levels of training.

AirBag with Multiple Lifting Bags

6. PORTABILITY – We have designed portable AirBag units specifically for gymnastics training that are simple to move around the gym, as compared to large resi mats.

Small Portable Gymnastics AirBag

7. QUALITY CONTROL – We have a firm Quality Control (QC) process. Our in-house design team will create initial drawings of your AirBag for your approval, and then our manufacturing team creates detailed technical drawings for you to sign off on.  Every component of every AirBag order is measured, thoroughly pressure tested and everything recorded for our team to review before it is released for shipping.  Every AirBag is assigned a unique number, which allows us to trace back all components if necessary.

8. MANUFACTURING CONTROL – The AirTrack Factory manufacturing facility is 80,000 sqft and only produces our “air” product lines. In contrast, a lot of our competition outsource their manufacturing to facilities that make large quantities of bouncy houses, inflatable Kayaks/surfboards, etc, and then make an “airbag” or “airtrack” product using those same materials and production methods. AirBags and AirTracks are obviously completely different products for completely different purposes than bouncy houses and inflatable kayaks, and therefore require much more rigid manufacturing processes and quality control.

AirTrack Factory Production Facility

9. CUSTOMIZABLE – We can design and manufacture custom shape and size AirBags for just about any purpose, providing cutouts for columns or trussing, as well as irregular shapes to fit unique areas in your facility.

10. FOAM TOPPER – We make a foam topper with a soft touch denim fabric cover that velcros to the top of your AirBag and can provide a safe pillow-soft landing surface.

11. GYMNASTICS EXPERTISE – One of the most important aspects about our company is we are experts in the sport of gymnastics. We aren’t an inflatable company simply looking to push another product. We are a gymnastics-based company founded by former National & World Team Member gymnasts who know the sport inside and out. We can speak the language and can make solid recommendations based on the type of training offered at your facility and the specific apparatus for which your AirBag(s) will be used.

12. WARRANTY – Our AirBags all have a 2-year warranty for any manufacturing defects.

  

We have put a vast amount of research and testing into our AirBags for the purpose of them being able to cushion the landing or fall from a high level gymnast. Gym owners should feel confident when working with American Gymnast that they will be advised professionally, and will receive a safe and reliable product. If you have interest in a custom airbag for your new gym or to replace an existing foam pit cubes, fill out the following form:

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The AirBag S by American AirTrack Factory is one of our more exciting innovations. This versatile training tool is there to help you back down safely. It’s the small version of our larger built-in AirBags and can be placed anywhere in your gym. What is it that makes this new equipment so smart and how is it beneficial for your gym? Let us explain.

First and foremost the most important and predictable argument is that it is soft. But like all our equipment, it is soft in a smart way. A simple pressure regulation system was built in so that gymnasts or coaches can easily alter the internal pressure. Very soft for nice back landings, getting rid of that fear barrier and helping the athlete to get comfortable with their movements. Secondly, somewhere in between soft and firm, to get more comfortable with upright landings without losing that safety for when things don’t go as planned. Then there’s the most firm option which allows you to stand up your landings, taking you one step closer to landing on solid mat. This variety in pressure makes learning new skills more pleasurable and less frightening.

THE AIRBAG S IS PORTABLE

Secondly, the AirBag S is portable. Like any other piece of American AirTrack Factory equipment, it is small in storage and lightweight compared to your large resi mats. This means that it can be easily moved around the gym, creating a very versatile landing mat. Use this AirBag behind Vault, at the end of beam or a tumbltrak for dismounts, or on the floor for tumbling skills. The AirBag S is not only ideal for the specialized gymnastics facilities but also for clubs who train in gymnasiums where foam block pits are not an option!

Of course, there is also the benefit of it being able to deflate, making it about 10% of its original size. This is ideal for clubs that have limited storage or clubs who do not want a permanent set up. simply switch off the blower, roll it up and store it. That’s all there is to it!

TESTED BY THE BEST!

Lastly, the AirBag has been developed with and tested by elite athletes and coaches. These athletes know what they like and more importantly, know what makes their training more fun, efficient and safe. They have helped with the placement of additional Velcro to make your AirBag easily connectible with an AirTrack by AirTrack Factory, safety lines and the softness and friction-free top sheets. This knowledge combined with the air-expertise of American AirTrack Factory make this product something that we are proud to stand behind.

As with all our equipment, we are constantly innovating and evolving the equipment to make it even better for its users. Do you have an idea that would make our equipment better? Let us know!

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One of American Gymnast’s most exciting projects to start off the new year was upgrading and completing this installation for the USA Gymnastics Women’s National Team training gym in Indianapolis! What a CLEAN, SAFE and a beautiful asset this is for these athletes.  2020 showed us that we needed to start thinking of different ways to help gym owners provide a safer and cleaner environment for their athletes while giving parents a peace of mind as programs start back up this year.  More than ever, athletes are longing to get back in the gym and do what they love – gymnastics!  We at American Gymnast are doing our best to keep up with the latest and most innovative equipment so that dreams will continue to come true, champions will continue to be made, and lives will continue to be impacted by this amazing sport.

BigAirBags can be retrofitted into your old loose foam pit or we can work with you to design the perfect size and shape airbag for new construction projects.  Additionally, we have portable above-ground airbags which are great for vaulting, tumbling and dismount training that can be easily moved around the gym and inflated in seconds.

One of the worst jobs in owning a gym has got to be cleaning out the loose foam pits!  The thought of cleaning out all of those foam cubes and then dealing with whatever you find underneath them is enough to make you feel sick to your stomach.  But by replacing your foam pit with this airbag, you will be blown away by the cleanliness and low maintenance of your new pit — the satin top sheets are anti-microbial (killing micro-organisms and stopping growth) and the sheets can be easily removed and washed.  No more dirt and grime living in your pit!

Providing the safest equipment for our customers and athletes is at the top of our list and we love the features this product has to ensure extra safety for those training.  Just a few of these features include an audible alarm that sounds any time a blower malfunctions or the power goes out.  There is also a pressure sensor located in the airbag that is able to read the pressure within the bag and that pressure is displayed so one can determine whether it is within the appropriate limits. When the air bag is deflated, there are large, brightly colored “Do Not Jump” labels that display alerting gymnasts that it is not safe to use.

We feel this product fits perfectly into how gyms can easily transform and upgrade to keep up with the dramatic changes we have had to make in the last year.  Safe, clean and effective — words that come to mind when describing this airbag.

More airbag installations are scheduled this month to provide gyms and their athletes a healthy way to train and we are truly excited about helping many other gym owners get this product set up in their facility. For information about the BigAirBag and how to get one in your gym, go to https://www.american-gymnast.com/airbags-in-gymnastics/

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Airbags can be retrofitted into your old loose foam pit or we can work with you to design the perfect fitted airbag for new construction projects.  Additionally, we have portable above-ground airbags which are great for vaulting, tumbling and dismount training that can be easily moved around the gym and inflated in seconds.

One of the worst jobs in owning a gym is cleaning out the loose foam pit.  But by replacing your foam pit with this airbag, you will feel a lot better about the cleanliness of your pit — the satin top sheets are anti-microbial killing micro-organisms and stopping growth and the sheets can be easily removed and washed.  No more dirt and grime living in your pit!

We have more airbag installations scheduled this month to provide gyms and their athletes a healthy way to train and we are truly excited about helping many other gym owners get this product in their facility. For information on getting your airbag, go to https://www.american-gymnast.com/airbags-in-gymnastics/

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Another major bonus of the VersaBox is they can ship flat, which cuts down substantially on shipping costs. All boxes come with a painted finish and a vinyl padded top.

Check out some of the various ways you can use the VersaBox in your Ninja or parkour facility.

Shop VersaBox

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My, how the world has changed in a short period of time. As most gym owners can attest, the new normal is hardly recognizable and if you want to stay in the game, you have to adapt…quickly. To sum it up, facility cleanliness is key going forward   

One aspect of the gym everyone is a little unsure about is the foam block pit. There is hardly a gymnastics facility in the country without one. However, in today’s environment, with respect to cleanliness, foam block pits seem to come with a stigma that may have existed before but most were able put it out of their mind. There’s no denying that foam pits are challenging to keep clean. It is a process that involves hours of time and dozens of people lending a hand to make it happen. 

As you may be aware, there is an alternative and you shouldn’t shy away from it. That’s right, it’s the AirBag. I can assure you, they are not just for tramp parks anymore. Manufacturers have been working hard on this product to make them a better fit for any gymnastics facility. 

So, let’s get right to it and discuss the AirBag so you can make a more educated decision for your facility:

1. Fully Customizable Shape & Size – Gymnastics pits come is all shapes and sizes. “L” shapes, “U” shapes, long channels, large rectangles, and even hour glass shaped. The good news is the AirBag can be made in any shape you can imagine. So that crazy polygon hole you have in the ground can easily be filled with a perfectly customized AirBag. 

2.  Cleaning & Maintenance  – The HUGE bonus of owning an airbag is the ease of which you can clean it. We all know too well the method for cleaning out the foam block pit – Wrangle up multiple staff members and a team of kids and start throwing foam out of the pit and then bang out each and every block. It is a tedious task to say the least. Also, foam pit blocks can be impregnated with fire retardants, which become airborne in the form of dust particles. 

This is where the AirBag outshines foam block by a long shot. It has a top sheet that can be removed by two staff members in a matter of minutes. That top sheet can then be cleaned and replaced. With the AirBag you won’t have to worry about filthy socks or other nasty items sinking down into your pit and making a home for months. 

In addition, Anti-Microbial top sheets are also available, which kills micro-organisms and stops growth – so no need to wash daily! It’s the same price as a normal top sheet so that’s pretty awesome!

3. Landings – There are some major differences with landing on an airbag compared to foam block. Both systems are designed to create a landing area that is extremely safe when it comes to awkward landings. Is injury possible with the both systems? Yes, of course, but the risk is substantially reduced due to how each are constructed. I think this is where gym owners are a little skeptical of the airbag system. They know foam block systems, they are comfortable with them, and they know for the most part they are very safe if installed properly. 

Well, more good news on the airbag is that the technology has evolved over the last several years to create a system with redundancies and other safety mechanisms. Let’s take a look at the construction of the airbag. 

 

 

One question many people have is whether or not you can bottom out an airbag. Engineers have taken this question seriously and have devoted lots of time in to creating a system that is next to impossible to bottom out. The safety zone (the bottom layer of air) is a key feature that prevents anyone from bottoming out. Well, what if the blower malfunctions and the airbag deflates? To deal with this scenario, the AirBag (aka Smart AirBag) has 3 different built-in safety features. 

 

1. Alarm – An audible alarm goes off any time a blower malfunctions or the power goes out.
2. Pressure Sensor – there is a sensor located in the airbag that is able to read the pressure within the bag and that pressure is displayed so one can determine whether it is within the appropriate limits.
3. Do Not Jump Labels – when the air bag is deflated, there are large, brightly colored “Do Not Jump” labels that display.

 

Since we are discussing landings on the airbag, it is definitely worth mentioning one really cool feature that would be appealing to a lot of gym owners. Pressure may be adjusted to allow for different types of landings on the bags. If the athlete is learning a new big skill and needs a more cushioned landing, no problem. Pressure can be reduced to allow for that softer feel, resulting in a more comfortable landing on their back or rear.  Or, do you want to mimic more of a firm mat landing? This can be done as well by increasing the pressure enough for the athlete to land on their feet.

 

4. Aesthetics – I will keep this one short and simple. Airbags can look amazing and provide a very clean look in your facility. Your imagination is the driver of the look of the top sheet. Any design or look you want can be done on this top sheet – logos/branding, motivational words, shapes, colors, pictures, etc.

 

5. Throughput – This is another area where the AirBag is amazing. We all know how long it can take to get out of a foam block pit. This can sometimes take more than a minute, while other kids are standing in line waiting for their turn. The average time to exit the pit from an airbag is about 7 – 10 secs. Now you are increasing training productivity by almost 10 fold!

 

6. Noise – This one seems to be the deal killer for a number of folks in gymnastics facilities. Coaches fear the noise can be distracting. Again, engineers have listened to the gripes and have come up with the low noise air blower. The decibel level can be compared to that of a low level conversation. 

 

7. Cost – This is a BIG question for most people considering an AirBag over foam block. What is this thing going to cost me? Quite simply, the initial cost of the complete airbag system (with all bells and whistles) is going to cost you more than foam block. However, if you are more interested in the cost over time, then the airbag will become the obvious choice. Long term cost analysis shows that most gym owners will recover that additional cost in about a year and half when purchasing an airbag over foam block. Think about it – very little maintenance (both staff time and actual cost), and nothing to replace for a very long time (if ever).  Plus, ask us about our New Financing Options for extremely low up-front cost and monthly payments!

 

How about cost to run the Blower? Quite low…about $2 per day. Here’s a gymnastics facility where you can see it in action …

 

 

Based on all of the information above, the future is looking pretty bright for AirBags making their way in to gymnastics facilities. I think education on the product is key for each owner considering making the switch. We are here to answer any questions about them and can also provide a quick estimate for changing out your existing pits if needed. 

 

Just complete the form above or contact us for more questions.

 

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American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) is proud to announce that in September 2016, we received FIG approval (and certification) for the Graphite “E” Rail to be used during competition on our Elite Uneven Bar System (407-109).   The Graphite E Rail is made with less graphite strands than our Graphite X Rail, allowing the gymnast a “softer” feel. The Graphite E Rail has been in use at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic level for approximately 5 years, and now is approved for use during all competition.

How do you tell the difference between the E-Rail and X-Rail when looking at them?

The easiest way to tell the difference between the E-Rail and X-Rail, without actually swinging on them, is to look at the collars.  The E-Rail has blue collars, while the X-Rail has silver collars as seen in the pictures below:

Graphite E Rail (has blue collars)

Graphite X Rail (has silver collars)

For more details, or to purchase the AAI Graphite E Rail, please contact American Gymnast at 1-877-789-2267 or order online.

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There are eight spring positions available on the board.  Each board ships with 6 large springs and 2 small springs (8 springs total).  The number of springs and their positions can be adjusted to meet the needs of the gymnast’s weight and ability.

For approved FIG spring configurations, please refer to the following 8-coil, 6-coil and 5-coil spring configuration diagrams:

To remove a spring, stand the board on end with the legs facing you. Place your thumbs on the leg for leverage and pull the top coils of the spring away from the rubber bumper. To insert the spring, place the spring in the board pushing down on the top coils until it pops over the rubber bumper.

In this gymnastics equipment video, we will show you how to insert and remove springs into your AAI Stratum Vault Board or TAC/10 LZT Vault Board.

Inspect the springboards periodically for loose fasteners or other damage. Do not used damaged equipment. Contact American Gymnast at 1-877-789-2267 for repair or replacement.

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What is a Gymnastics Landing Mat?

The mat that is considered the landing mat under an apparatus is the bottom-most mat. It is usually either 12cm thick or 20cm thick. Here’s where you will typically see 12cm versus 20cm thick landing mats used:

• 12cm – Women’s Junior Olympic Competitions, Junior Men & Women’s Training Facilities
• 20cm – Women’s NCAA & FIG Competitions, Men’s Junior, NCAA & FIG Competitions, Elite-level Men & Women’s Training Facilities

Once you determine what thickness, you need, you’ll then notice we offer are a variety of sizes in each thickness landing mat, with some also having the option having FIRM or standard foam.

The apparatus you are using the landing mat under will determine which length and width landing mat you need, but what are the differences between the firm and the standard landing mats and which one should you have in your gymnastics facility?

The actual make-up of the FIRM and standard mat is very similar. They both have two layers of foam: a 3 1/2 inch bottom layer of polyurethane foam and a 1 1/4 inch cross-linked top layer of polyethylene foam. The only difference between the two is that the bottom layer in the FIRM mat is 70 ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) compared to 50 ILD in the standard. This literally determines the firmness of the mat.

So what does this mean for you in terms of getting the right landing mat for your gymnastics facility?

The first thing you will notice when shopping for mats is the FIRM landing mats are going to be slightly more expensive. However, the FIRM mats will have a longer life span than the standard. Since these mats or designed to have more firmness,  they will not bottom out and they are able to endure more impact and are better suited towards older, high level gymnasts. The standard mat is better suited towards the younger, lower level gymnasts as this kids obviously do not create as much force on their landings. This is not to say a high level gymnast couldn’t land on a standard mat. They certainly can, but over time the mat will wear down much more rapidly and you will find yourself needing to replace them. So all you really need to do is determine how these mats will primarily be used, who will be landing on them and it will make your decision much easier.

If you are in need of any mats at your gym, your timing is great. We now have DEMO mats available in various sizes, standard and FIRM, from the 2015 competition season. These mats had minimal use and are marked down significantly.

Shop DEMO Mats>>

If you have any questions on selecting a mat, please don’t hesitate to call us at:  1-877-789-2267.

Brad Thornton

Strength & Fitness Team Lead

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