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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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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JO Competition Setup

Junior Olympic competition rules require 12cm thick landing mats underneath the beams, along with having some supplemental mats available for dismounting.  Per the 2014-2015 Women’s Rules and Policies, the following beam landing mats are the minimum required for levels 6-10 competition.

• Mount Area – 7.5′ wide x 18′ long (levels 6-10)
• Dismount Area – 7.5′ wide x 12′ long (levels 6-10)
• Underneath Beam – 15′ wide x 15-1/2′ long (levels 6-10)

For our meet setups, we “over-mat” just a little bit, using 8′ wide mats on then ends and using 15.5′ long for the dismount area.  Here is what it looks like:

• A: 416-123 – 7.5’ x 15.5’ x 12cm Firm Landing Mat (2 underneath the beam)
• B: 416-197 – 8’ x 15.5’ x 12cm Firm Landing Mat (2 – 1 at each end of beam)
• C: 416-663 – 5’ x 10’ x 8” Skill Cushion
• D: 416-583 – 4’6” x 10’ x 1-1/2” Sting Mat
• E: 416-319 – 7’ x 10’ x 4” Throw Mat
• F: 416-184 – 4’ x 7.5’ x 12cm Slab Landing Mat (1 at “Runup” end)
• G: 416-315 – 12cm Beam Filler Mats (1 set – covers each beam leg)

Balance Beam Shown: 407-440 – ELITE RA Balance Beam

Not shown: 416-325 – Beam Leg Pads

FIG Competition Setup

The FIG requires 20cm thick landing mats for international competition.  Additionally, they require a larger area be matted for the mount and dismount areas, as well as the area underneath the beam.  Here is the FIG required matting for balance beam:

• A: 416-558 – 8’ x 15’ 6” x 20cm V-2
• B: 416-263 – 8’ x 15’ x 10cm Supplemental Throw Mat- (on top of mat F)
• C: 416-264 – 8’ x 12′ V-Spec
• D: 416-557 – 8’ x 12’ x 20cm V-2
• E: 416-574 FIG Beam Filler System – 16’ x 3′ x 20cm
• F: 416-262 – 8′ x 15′ 6″ x 20cm V-Spec

Training Beam Area Setup

Mats for balance beam in a training environment are seen in lots of different shapes, sizes and configurations.  Typically, the matting needs for a gym depend on the level of gymnasts training, the space available, and the number of beams being used.  We usually recommend a 7.5′ wide mat under the beam with a minimum of 12cm thickness.  Depending on the needs of the gym, we will design for a dismount area on one end and at least a 4′ mat on the other end if they don’t need (or have room for) a run-up area.

Here is an example of how 3 beams running parallel could be matted for a gym:

• A: 416-123 – 7.5’x15.5’x12cm Firm Landing Mat
• B: 416-184 – 4’x7.5’x12cm Slab Landing Mat
• C: 416-123 – 7.5’x15.5’x12cm Firm Landing Mat
• D: 416-315 – 12cm Beam Filler Mats (2 sets – each beam leg)
• E: 416-663 – 5’x10’x8” Skill Cushion

Balance Beam Shown: 407-440 – ELITE RA Balance Beam

Not shown: 416-325 – Beam Leg Pads

Gym Design 

Recently, we helped one of our clients, Hayden’s Gymnastics in Evans, GA do a redesign of their gym layout. We configured a fitted mat system for their beam area which included 5 high beams and 2 low beams. All mats velcro together, so they now have a very safe, low maintenance, training environment for their gymnasts.  They are also relieved to no longer have to worry about mats shifting and exposed concrete areas that open up the possibility for injury.

If American Gymnast can help you with any gym design services, please go HERE for more information or feel free to call us at: 1-877-789-2267

If you have a great beam setup in your facility, please share it with us. Send us your photos on our Facebook page or tell us about it in the comments below.

Brad Thornton

Strength & Fitness Team Lead

The post What’s the Best Way to Mat Your Balance Beams? appeared first on American Gymnast and Ninja.

Growing up, my siblings and I never had any home-use gymnastics products and using couches, chairs, beds and pillows just wasn’t the best way to train. I can still remember my mom’s constant frustration with us bouncing all over the house. She had to deal with 4 gymnasts under one roof!

The products available for home use now are awesome and made so ergonomically they can fit in to any home. The Nastia Liukin line of products in particular have become extremely popular – durable, safe and affordable for home-use.

Two products in particular that are essential for girls practicing at home are the Nastia Liukin Junior Balance Beam and the 4’x8′ Nastia Tumbling Mat. This combination provides a great way for beginner gymnast to train basic skills safely and comfortably at home.

Nastia 8′ Junior Balance Beam & Tumbling Mat

First, the Junior Balance Beam is meant to mimic a competition beam but on a smaller scale. It’s only 8 feet long which is small enough to fit in to any room but long enough for your gymnast to practice their leaps, handstands, jumps, back walkovers etc. It also has that same suede covering used on a competition beam, so they feel just like they are back at the gym. That’s pretty cool! Man, if I only had a pommel horse in my home, I wouldn’t have been so bad at it!

So, you have your beam, now you just need a mat underneath for safety. The Nastia 8 ft. Tumbling Mat fits perfectly underneath, running the entire length of the beam and is firm enough for the beam legs to sit directly on top.  Now you have a rockin home beam set up!

Another great thing about your mat is it is also multi-functional. Of course it is a tumbling mat, so you can use it for back handspring training, cartwheels, round-offs etc, but it also will fold into a block, so you can use it for over-splits, other stretches and even plyometrics if desired.

My niece McClure has this exact set-up at home and loves it. She’s put in a lot of time on it and it definitely shows with her improvement. In the video below, Jay goes in to a little more detail on the two items and McClure shows you a portion of her Level 2 beam routine.

Hope you enjoyed that! Right now all Nastia products are currently on sale for the Holiday Season. You can shop for the Nastia Junior Balance Beam here>>

Happy Holidays!

Brad Thornton

Strength & Fitness Team Lead

The post Nastia Liukin Balance Beam and Tumbling Mat Make Perfect Holiday Gift appeared first on American Gymnast and Ninja.

Due to the number of requests and the high volume of recommendations, the AAI spin locks on all newly manufactured equipment have been updated to the smaller handle.  This updated version provides more room between the cables and the spin lock and makes it easier to adjust.  You can order the new spin lock here:

http://wwww.american-gymnast.com/shop/Spin-Lock-new-style-P958.aspx

The old style spin lock will be available for a limited time and can be ordered here.

If you have any questions, please contact American Gymnast at 1-877-789-2267.

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The Frame Bar can be mounted to the Tumbl Trak, Inground Tumbl Trak, Xtreme Tumbl Trak, Recreation Tumbl Trak and the Porta Trak. It allows gymnasts to practice a variety of bar skills including handstand skills, uprises and several release moves. The Frame Bar easily attaches and detaches with steel knobs (no hardware required).

The Quick Flex Bar is designed to attach only to the Tumbl Trak, Xtreme Tumbl Trak and Recreation Tumbl Trak, and is a great alternative to the Frame Bar.  Its foam covered strap is soft and friendly for improper landings. The bracket has been completely re-designed for tightened attachment to the Tumbl Trak.

The Quick Flex Bar allows for lots of repetitions while learning to hit a handstand with proper technique. Develop a stronger cast handstand, proper back uprise handstand, and a technically sound front giant by bouncing off the stomach.  Bouncing from the back allows the gymnast to train back giants and release skills such as Tkatchevs.  Gymnasts will often hit their heels on the bar when learning a Tkatchev, so the softness of the Quick Flex Bar enables gymnasts to practice this and other release skills without the fear of the pain normally associated with hitting the bar.

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Here is a more detailed breakdown of each type of trampoline bed:

Types of Gymnastics Trampoline Beds

Black Polypropylene Bed

• Black woven polypropylene, fabric which is designed for outdoor and indoor longevity.
• Spring attachments on beds have a polypropylene double webbed configuration for added strength.
• Ultraviolet polyester thread is used for all stitching, increasing outdoor life.
• The stitching has a webbing sunscreen for added life.
• Other/special sizes available please use measurement sheet for accurate sizing
• This bed is intended for recreational use and beginner gymnastics training

High Performance Black Polyproplyene Bed

• The HP black poly bed is made from the same polypropylene yarn as the standard black bed, but it is a looser weave.
• The loose weave of the HP poly bed allows for more air flow which provides a smoother bounce.
• The bounce of an HP poly bed is between the black poly bed and the string beds and is more stable and non-abrasive bounce.
• Two standard sizes of HP poly beds are available (custom sizes are available upon request w/measurements.)
• This bed is NOT for recreational use.

USA String Bed

• Two string bed.
• Mat is coated with a specially formulated acrylic paint.
• Visual markings painted on mat
• 1/2″ Spaced weave
• Recommended for use with high level athletes and top competitors.
• This bed is NOT for recreational use.

Ausi String Bed

• The string used is made of hand woven double terylene.
• Visual markings painted on mat.
• 1/4″ Spaced weave.
• Mat is coated with a specially formulated acrylic paint.
• Recommended for use with high level athletes and top competitors.
• This bed is NOT for recreational use.

Web Bed

• 4mm – 25 mm web beds available.
• These high quality web beds are produced on state of the art looms in Great Britain. They have been making them since the 1960’s, starting with The Nissen Trampoline Co.
• Nylon Type 6 webbing is used.
• Unbreakable Molded Ultramid Polyamid Nylon spring anchor bars are used.
• Visual markings woven in mat .
• Recommended for use with high level athletes and top competitors.
• This bed is NOT for recreational use.

Shop for Gymnastics Trampolines with American Gymnast>>

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AAI’s Pommel Buck has the same flat top design as the International ELITE Pommel Horse, but with a smaller body profile allowing athletes to train on scissors, flairs, circles and other pommel skills.

Order the Pommel Buck>>

406-300 Pommel Buck – wt. 165 lbs. (74kg)

406-301 Pommel Buck Body Only – wt. 65 lbs. (29kg)

406-302 Pommel Buck Base Only – wt. 56 lbs. (25kg)

406-303 Pommel Buck Piston Package – wt. 28 lbs. (12kg)

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