picture of essential items for gymnast children

8 Gymnastics Essentials for Kids: Must-Haves from a Gymnastics Mum

As a mum to an 8-year-old gymnast, I know just how quickly gymnastics can take over your life—in the best way possible! My daughter started out doing just an hour of fun each week, and it’s grown from there. She’s now been selected to train with a squad for 11 hours a week, and honestly, she lives and breathes gymnastics.

Through all the flips, cartwheels, competitions, and gym days, we’ve found a few key essentials that have made life easier (and gymnastics more fun!) both at home and at the club. Here are our absolute must-haves that we personally use and love.

1. Gym Mat

A good gym mat is a must-have, especially for younger, lighter gymnasts. We’ve had one at home since my daughter first started, and it’s brilliant for creating a quick, safe space to practice all her moves. It’s also a great multi-use item — we’ve used it for den building, outdoor play, and even under the paddling pool in summer!

2. Nike Pro Shorts

Nike Pro shorts are everything right now! My daughter lives in these for gym practice and wears them under dresses and school skirts too — they’re perfect for P.E., gymnastics moves, and general cartwheeling around the house or garden. She loves how comfy they are, and I love the extra coverage. My daughter loves these so much we have them in pink, purple and black.

3. Air Track

This was one of our bigger investments, but it’s been so worth it. As my daughter has progressed, she’s needed more padding and space to safely practice tumbling at home. The air track ticks both boxes and is brilliant for working on skills in between sessions at the gym. Just be aware that these things are huge, so make sure you take measurements and can fit it in.

4. Handstand Blocks

Handstand blocks are a big favourite in our house, especially since my daughter started practicing more advanced moves. She spends ages perfecting handstands and straddle holds, and these blocks have really helped with building upper body strength without needing huge bits of equipment at home. These make great Christmas or birthday presents and there are some lovely sellers on Etsy who make them. We also have some friends with very talented dads or grandads who have made their own blocks.

5. Gymnastics Bars

Our bars are one of the most-used pieces of equipment at home. Yes, they take up a bit of space, but they fold down flat and are easy to tuck away. My daughter spends hours on these, making up routines and having fun with friends. The fact the bar adjusts in height has been great as she’s grown and moved up in levels.

6. Hair Snappy Bands

Gymnastics hair has been a journey of its own! We’ve tried so many products, but these snappy bands are by far the best we’ve found for keeping my daughter’s hair neat in a bun during both training and competitions. They hold hair in place, look great, and are quick to use on those busy gym mornings.

7. Sweatbands and Gymnastics Gloves

With all the time my daughter now spends on bars and equipment, gloves and sweatbands have been essential for protecting her hands. They’ve really helped reduce soreness and provide extra grip, especially on those long training days.

8. Gymnastics Stretch Bands

Stretch bands are a simple but brilliant bit of kit we use at home. My daughter loves using them to warm up and stretch before training, and it’s made a big difference in her flexibility. She likes how she can choose the resistance herself, depending on which loops she uses, and it always makes stretching that little bit more fun.

These are all things we genuinely use and love as a gymnastics family, and I’d recommend them to any other parent with a budding gymnast at home. Whether your child is just starting out or already moving up through the squads, having the right essentials really helps them enjoy and progress in the sport.