Youth gymnastics equipment checklist

What the gym provides

Mats, springboards, bars, beams, rings and the other apparatus belong to the gym, and so does the spotting and safety equipment coaches use, such as soft landing surfaces. You do not need to buy any of it. If a coach asks you for something specific, ask whether the gym has a recommended type.

Clothing basics

• Girls: a leotard or snug-fitting athletic top and shorts. Clothing should stay in place when your child flips, hangs upside down or stretches.
• Boys: fitted shorts and a fitted top or tank, according to what the gym asks for. Some programs also use long gymnastic pants for certain events.
• What to avoid: baggy shirts, jeans, zippers, big buttons, hooded tops and anything with drawstrings. Loose clothing can get caught or block the coach's view of body position.

Many gyms have their own team or class leotard. Wait to buy one until you know what is required. For competition, teams usually have a uniform, and your coach or team will tell you how to order it.

Feet

Gymnastics is usually done barefoot, or with thin gymnastic shoes or beam socks for certain events and programs. Regular sneakers are not meant for the mat. Ask the gym what its policy is. If you need to bring something for walking between areas, a pair of sandals or slides is handy.

Hair, jewelry and nails

• Pull hair back securely with elastics that have no metal parts. Hair that falls over a gymnast's face can be a distraction and a hazard when she or he is upside down.
• Remove jewelry before class, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches, unless the gym says a small item is allowed. Check with the gym.
• Keep fingernails short and smooth so they do not catch or snag.

Extras you may hear about

Grips

Leather or similar hand guards used on bars, rings and horizontal bar to protect the palms and help with the swing. They are usually introduced when a gymnast starts the events that call for them. Your coach will tell you when and what type, and how to fit them.

Wrist supports

Some gymnasts wear wrist support during training. Ask a coach or doctor before buying one, and do not use support to push through pain.

Chalk

Used to keep hands dry. Gyms supply it, and you generally do not need your own.

Water bottle and snack

Bring a labeled water bottle and, for long classes, a small healthy snack. Check with the gym about food rules.

Bag

A simple bag keeps shoes, hair ties and any items in one place so nothing gets left behind.

Fit and safety tips

• Choose clothing that fits snugly but is comfortable. If a gymnast keeps tugging at a leotard, it distracts from learning.
• Label everything with your child's name.
• Try on grips with a coach's help so they are not too loose or too tight.
• Do not buy home equipment such as a balance beam or bars without talking to a coach first, and never let children practice new skills at home unsupervised.
• If something is uncomfortable, painful or irritating, tell the coach. Ask a doctor about any physical concerns.

Growing kids and changing gear

Children grow quickly, and gymnastics clothing is meant to fit closely. Before buying several of anything, wait until you know what the gym requires and consider whether a hand-me-down or a secondhand item from the team would work. Check leotards and grips for wear, such as thin spots, torn seams or frayed leather, and replace them if they no longer do their job. Wash clothing and grips according to the instructions, since sweat and chalk build up quickly. Ask your coach or the team parent group where families usually find uniforms and what to expect from season to season.

Before you shop

Gyms vary, and so do their rules. Ask what is required for your child's class before buying anything. Once you know the basics, learn how meets work in gymnastics meets and scoring for beginners and plan ahead with how to prepare for gymnastics season. You can find everything else on the gymnastics hub.