Homemade Equipment
Beginners who are learning the most basic moves may be able to use simple homemade equipment. A variety of YouTube videos show how to make equipment suitable for simple exercises, although not for intermediate or advanced moves. Individuals using homemade equipment should beware the risk, which may cause injury or death.
Direct Imports
Formal gymnastics equipment is available low-cost through the formal supplier to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Tiashan Sports, as an import direct from China. For instance, an Olympic pommel horse, parallel bars, and rings with support frame, plus 3 landing mats, shipping to an Eastern USA seaport, and import tax (approximately 5.5% in the USA), were quoted in February 2015 as only $13,000. Equipment must be picked up at seaport, or shipped within the USA at additional expense. Other foreign suppliers can of equipment can be located on the Made-in-China website, and other foreign trade websites.
Online Discount Vendors
A variety of online discount vendors, including Amazon.com, provide surprisingly low prices on formal gymnastics equipment. Some equipment is delivered with free shipping directly from Amazon, while other equipment is delivered at additional cost directly from vendors. Amazon.com offers Olympic gymnastics equipment, as well as preparatory equipment for children and traditional exercise equipment. The latter, including bicycles and weights from low-cost vendors such as Sunny Health & Fitness, may be the most convenient for facilitating gymnastics training at home.
For serious gymnasts, equipment will require a special building with a high ceiling. Several low-cost options include tension fabric structures, steel structures, and pole barns. These options are available at ultra low-cost from China, with prices as low as $3 per square foot, compared to US models from $9 per square foot or more! Some companies also offer free installation options.
Additional Information
