Equipment we use at Flips Gymnastics for our Gymnastics Conditioning
If you’ve followed our training at HowToGymnastics.com for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something surprising: we don’t rely on expensive equipment for gymnastics conditioning.
Instead, we use a small collection of versatile tools that build strength, power, stability, body control, and injury resilience—the qualities that actually matter for gymnastics success.
At Flips Gymnastics, these are the exact pieces of equipment we use every week with athletes ranging from Xcel to Senior Elite gymnasts. Every item on this list has earned its place because it delivers results.
If you’re upgrading your team’s conditioning area, or simply looking for the most effective tools for conditioning in gymnastics, these are our top recommendations.
Why Gymnastics Conditioning Matters
The best gymnasts aren’t always the strongest athletes in the traditional sense. They are the athletes who can control their bodies through space while producing force efficiently.
Quality gymnastics conditioning develops:
- Core strength
- Shoulder stability
- Explosive power
- Grip strength
- Balance and body awareness
- Injury resistance
- Endurance
The goal of conditioning in gymnastics isn’t simply making athletes tired. The goal is creating stronger, more efficient movement patterns that transfer directly to skills.
For additional conditioning drills, check out:
- How to create an annual periodized conditioning plan
- Gymnastics leg conditioning
- Build an entire conditioning program in 30 seconds
Gymnastics Conditioning Equipment We Actually Use at Flips Gymnastics
Unlike many “best equipment” lists online, every product below is used regularly in our gym.
Theraband Resistance Bands for Gymnastics Conditioning
Therabands are one of the most underrated tools in gymnastics conditioning.
We use several resistance levels depending on the athlete’s age, strength level, and training goal.
View on AmazonWhy We Recommend Therabands
Unlike weights, therabands create variable resistance throughout the movement. This forces gymnasts to stabilize continuously, which better mimics many gymnastics positions.
For conditioning in gymnastics, shoulder health is non-negotiable, and therabands are one of the best tools available.
Loop Bands for Gymnastics Conditioning
Mini loop bands may be small, but they deliver huge results.
We use these almost daily during warmups and activation circuits.
View on AmazonWhy We Recommend Loop Bands
Many gymnasts struggle with hip stability, which affects tumbling, vaulting, beam, and floor performance.
Adding loop band exercises to your gymnastics conditioning routine creates stronger movement patterns and better body control.
Conditioning in Gymnastics: Why We Use Carpet Sliders
Carpet sliders are one of the cheapest and most effective pieces of equipment in our gym.
Most people think sliders are only for core training.
We use them for:
- Core Circuits
- Hamstring strengthening
- Shoulder stability
- Body tension work
- Flexibility drills
Why Carpet Sliders Work So Well
Gymnastics requires maintaining tension through long ranges of motion.
Sliders force athletes to stay engaged throughout the entire movement.
This makes them one of the best purchases for anyone serious about conditioning in gymnastics.
Kettlebells for Gymnastics Conditioning
Many people assume gymnastics training should avoid weights.
We disagree. When used properly, kettlebells are phenomenal tools for gymnastics conditioning.
At Flips Gymnastics we commonly use:
- 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 lbs. kettlebells
Typical exercises:
- Goblet squats
- Deadlifts
- Farmer carries
- Turkish get-ups
- Single-leg deadlifts
- Kettlebell swings
Why Kettlebells Are Superior for Gymnasts
Kettlebells develop:
- Grip strength
- Core stability
- Functional strength
- Athletic coordination
Unlike machines, kettlebells require stabilization throughout the entire movement.
That’s exactly what gymnasts need. Many of our athletes see significant improvements in power production after incorporating kettlebells into their gymnastics conditioning programs.
View on AmazonConditioning in Gymnastics with Sandbells
Sandbells are one of the most unique tools we use. The safety of using a sandbell is awesome, you can drop them on your toes and it won’t hurt even a little bit.
If you’ve never trained with one, imagine a combination of a medicine ball, weight plate, and sandbag.
Common exercises include:
- Rotational throws
- Carries
- Squat variations
- Lunges
- Core circuits
- Partner conditioning drills
Why Sandbells Are Excellent for Gymnastics Conditioning
The shifting sand creates instability.
That instability forces athletes to:
- Stabilize more effectively
- Improve grip strength
- Recruit additional muscles
- Build functional athletic strength
Few pieces of equipment create as much training variety as Sandbells.
For athletes focused on conditioning in gymnastics, Sandbells provide excellent value.
View on AmazonGymnastics Conditioning Using Bungee Bands with Handles
These resistance bands with handles are among the most versatile tools in our gym.
We use them for:
- Sprint resistance
- Jump training
- Upper-body strengthening
- Core circuits
- Partner drills
- Mobility work
Why Bungee Bands Deserve a Spot in Every Gym
The ability to quickly adjust resistance makes these ideal for athletes of different ages.
They’re portable, affordable, and incredibly versatile.
For coaches looking to improve gymnastics conditioning without spending thousands of dollars on equipment, these are an easy recommendation.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions About Gymnastics Conditioning
What is the most important equipment for Gymnastics Conditioning?
If you can only buy one item, start with therabands.
They are affordable, versatile, and extremely effective for injury prevention and strength development.
Are kettlebells safe for gymnasts?
Yes, when proper technique and age-appropriate loads are used.
Kettlebells can dramatically improve strength and coordination.
What equipment helps shoulder strength most?
We recommend:
Together they create an excellent shoulder strengthening system.
Can I do conditioning in gymnastics at home?
Absolutely.
Most of the equipment listed here is inexpensive, portable, and requires very little space.
Final Thoughts on Equipment for Our Gymnastics Conditioning
After years of coaching gymnasts of all levels, we’ve learned that the best equipment isn’t always the most expensive.
The tools we consistently rely on at Flips Gymnastics are:
These pieces of equipment help us build stronger, healthier, more resilient athletes while keeping training fun and effective.
If you’re serious about improving gymnastics conditioning, start with the basics, focus on consistency, and choose equipment that provides the greatest training versatility.
The right equipment won’t replace hard work—but it can make your gymnastics conditioning and conditioning in gymnastics significantly more effective.
Stop planning conditioning by hand. Save hours of work per week with our gymnastics conditioning calculator. This is the same system used successfully by Flips Gymnastics for years!