Tumble tracks
Buy a tumbling track – the safe floor runway
Tumbling Track Buying Guide: How to find the right track for club and school gymnastics
A tumbling track supports dynamic jumps and acrobatic sequences. The high-quality special foam layer over the spring floor provides improved rebound. Depending on the design, it can react more springy, softer or more direct. Especially in club and school sports, the right balance of cushioning, rebound, space requirements and everyday practicality is crucial. Not every tumbling track is automatically suitable for every gym and every user group. Read in our buying guide what you should look out for when purchasing a tumbling track.
- Areas of use for tumbling tracks
- Types of tumbling tracks
- Space requirements: How long should a tumbling track be?
- Is a tumbling track like a trampoline?
- Can a tumbling track be used outdoors?
1. Areas of use for tumbling tracks
Before buying, you should be clear about how the track will be used. Requirements differ between school sports, children’s gymnastics, club training and more performance-oriented artistic gymnastics. While schools need a robust, versatile and easy-to-handle solution, clubs focus more on rebound, training quality and regular load capacity.
| Area of use | Typical requirements | Typical exercises and use |
|---|---|---|
| School | robust surface, easy handling, versatile use | run-ups and jump sequences, floor exercise tracks, coordination drills, methodical practice forms |
| Children’s gymnastics | controllable movement behaviour, good safety, clearly defined track | coordination drills, floor exercise tracks, first run-ups and simple jump sequences, methodical practice forms |
| Club | durable construction, good rebound, suitable for regular use | cartwheel, round-off and handsprings, back handspring drills, run-ups and jump sequences, methodical practice forms |
| Technique training | defined running characteristics, practical length, easy to combine with other equipment | cartwheel, round-off and handsprings, back handspring drills, run-ups and jump sequences, coordination drills |
2. Types of tumbling tracks
Not every tumbling track has the same structure. Depending on how it will be used, there are different systems. The right option depends mainly on whether the track will remain permanently set up, be moved frequently or needs to be especially flexible. Good to know: a floor runner for gymnastics is not the same as a tumbling track. Depending on the product, it may serve more as a narrow or simple movement track, while a tumbling track is designed specifically for dynamic gymnastics series.++ Classic tumbling track: Defined track for regular use in the gym – ideal for clubs, schools and sports halls.
++ Modular tumbling track: Track built from sections that can be flexibly combined – ideal for multi-purpose halls and frequently changing uses.
++ Air-filled tumbling track: Mobile and comparatively flexible to set up, making it particularly suitable for schools, clubs and changing locations.
++ Compact training track: Best for limited spaces or methodical exercises in children’s gymnastics and basic training.
++ Roll-up or folding solutions are space-saving to store and practical for frequent set-up and dismantling. They are ideal for halls with limited storage and flexible usage concepts.
3. Space requirements: How long should a tumbling track be?
The dimensions of the track are a key buying criterion. It’s not just about the track itself, but also the run-up, safety zones and surrounding movement area. The ideal length and width depend on how the tumbling track will be used. For methodical training or school sports, different lengths may be suitable than for longer tumbling series in clubs. What matters is that the track fits the planned exercises and the hall layout. Practical tip: Make sure you have sufficient ceiling height of around 4 m.
4. Is a tumbling track like a trampoline?
Both pieces of equipment support dynamic movements, but they are not the same. A trampoline is primarily designed for vertical jumping. A tumbling track, on the other hand, supports longer movement sequences with forward momentum and is typically used for floor runs and series of elements. For artistic gymnastics and methodical track setups, a tumbling track is often the better choice.
5. Can a tumbling track be used outdoors?
Tumbling tracks are designed for indoor use. Some air-filled models can be used outside. For outdoor use, material, workmanship and the manufacturer’s approval are crucial. Weather-resistant materials, hard-wearing surfaces and suitable subfloors are particularly important.
6. How do you store a tumbling track?
A tumbling track must be stored in a way that preserves both material and shape. Important:
- store in a dry indoor area
- clean before storage and allow to dry completely
- depending on the model, store rolled up, folded or stacked in sections
- do not compress or heavily load for long periods
- protect from moisture, dirt and direct sunlight
In addition to popular tumbling tracks, Sport-Thieme also offers matching kits for individual tracks as well as transport trolleys from well-known brands such as Spieth and Bänfer. We will be happy to advise you by phone or email on how to choose the right tumbling track and discuss your specific requirements for your new acrobatics track.