For those who are new to gymnastic training, you will hear people talking about inflatable gymnastics mats. Many parents are considering purchasing one for their children, but it can feel confusing due to the wide variety of options available on the market.

Here are some tips to guide you through choosing your first inflatable air mat for gymnastics.    

Why do you need an air track mat?

You may have noticed a growing trend of air tracks replacing traditional foam gymnastics matsMissing_anchor_new in both home and gym training. But why are air mats becoming more popular?

First, their firmness can be adjusted to suit your needs. Air mats are equipped with a valve system that allows you to control the air pressure. This means you can make the mat firmer or softer depending on your preference.

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Secondly, it is safe for gymnastic training. The air-filled design provides a slight bounce, offering enough support for safe landings in case of a fall. These mats typically range from 10 cm to 20 cm in thickness, making them sturdy enough to absorb impact.

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Thirdly, they are easy to set up and transport. Air tracks can be quickly inflated and deflated.

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With an electric pump, set up only takes a few minutes. When deflated, it can be rolled up for compact storage. 

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Fourthly, they are versatile and suitable for various environments. The air track can be used by beginners and advanced users, plus everyone in-between. Whether you are practicing at home or performing high-level training in a gym, and air track can meet your needs. It can be used on the ground, grass, or even water, offering flexibility and fun.

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Which air track to choose?

There are several common types of inflatable mats, including rectangle air trackMissing_anchor_new, round air matMissing_anchor_new, roller air mat,square air matMissing_anchor_new and air balance beam. They can be easily distinguished by their shapes.

The air track usually refers to a  1m wide rectangle air matMissing_anchor_new. It is the most common and popular option due to its versatility, making it suitable for a gymnastics training and a wide variety of activities.

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Whilst most air tracks are 90-105cm in width, there are also extra-large air tracks up to 2 metres in width. These 2m wide super large air trackMissing_anchor_new provide extra space for movement and advanced skills.

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An Air spot is a round mat typically used as a landing aid to help improve accuracy. It can also be used alongside an air track as a springboard.

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An Air block is a square air mat also commonly used as a landing surface or in combination with other mats.Missing_anchor_new

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An Air rollerMissing_anchor_new or Air Barrel is a common equipment both at home and gym. It helps with gymnastics training such as handspring, back tuck, and front handspring drills. It is also quite popular in dance, yoga and general fitness.   

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An inflatable balance beam valued for its bounce and portability. It allows gymnasts to practice balance skills anywhere, helping them build confidence and improve technique safely.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you buy.

What will you use it for?

If you are starting out, the 1m wide air trackMissing_anchor_new is a great place to start. It provides safety and a comfortable surface to practice on plus can be used in both home and gym settings. 

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For advanced users, a larger air track may be more suitable. who want more practice space may find the super large air track useful. Extra Wide air tracks provide additional space for more complex skills.

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An Air roller is a great choice for those who need assistance with tumbling skills as it supports the body and helps you progress from basic movements to more advanced techniques.   

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Air spotMissing_anchor_news and air blocks are smaller size air mats designed for practicing landing. They are excellent if you want to improve precision when landing on your hands and feet. 

We also have our combo set tumble track with electric air pumpMissing_anchor_new. This bundle contains an  an air track, air roller and air block to make it perfect for daily home practice. 

How much do you want to spend on this?

Choose the right size

Air track mats typically range from $200 to $1,000. Generally, a larger budget allows you to purchase a bigger mat.

For young beginners, 1m width x 3m length air trackMissing_anchor_new is typically sufficient. More advanced users may benefit from investing in a larger mat to support their complex skill set and training. 

Choose the one with an electric pump

An electric pump saves both time and effort when inflating and deflating the mat. Some air mats come with a pump included, while others do not. Since a pump can cost around $50–$60, choosing a mat that includes one can be more cost-effective.

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How much space do you need to set up an air mat?

Although air mats are portable and versatile, it's important  to consider the space require for setup especially when you want to practice at home. The size of air track ranges from 1m x 3m to 2m x 6m. Be sure to measure the space available before making a decision.

Inflatable air mats are an excellent investment for gymnastics training, offering safety, flexibility, and convenience. With a wide range of types and sizes available, choosing the right one for your family can help improve skills more effectively while making training more enjoyable.