Choosing the Right Size & Height – A UK Parent’s Guide to Gymnastics Bars Types

Choosing a gymnastics bar isn’t just about picking the first one that looks fun or affordable. For UK parents buying a bar for their child’s home practice, the right size and height play a big role in safety, progression, and confidence-building.

Whether your little one is just starting handstands or working on more advanced skills like pullovers, a bar that’s too low, too wobbly, or too narrow can hold them back—or worse, cause injury.

The good news? You don’t need to be a gymnastics coach to make the right choice. With a bit of guidance, you can easily match a bar’s size and features to your child’s needs and your home space.

Gymnastics Bars are essential equipment in gymnastics training, offering athletes a platform to showcase their strength and skills. Among the top choices for gymnasts is AirTumble, known for its exceptional quality and durability. These bars provide a solid and reliable base for a variety of moves, from basic swings to advanced releases and catches.

Different Types of Gymnastics Bars in the UK

Let’s break down the common types of bars you’ll find in the UK market, and who they’re best for:

🔹 1. Training Bars

• Best for: Beginners, young children
• Use: Basic skills, handstands, light swinging
• Setup: Lightweight and easy to move
• Home Friendly? ✔ Yes – great for home practice

🔹 2. Kip Bars

• Best for: Intermediate level, children practising pullovers or casts
• Use: Stronger and more stable than training bars
• Setup: Often includes stabilisers or can be fixed to the floor
• Home Friendly? ✔ Yes – but need more space and support

🔹 3. Adjustable Height Bars

• Best for: Growing children, siblings sharing equipment
• Use: Can be adapted to match a child’s height or skill level
• Setup: Height usually adjusted with knobs or lock-in pins
• Home Friendly? ✔ Absolutely – flexibility is a win for home use

🔹 4. Professional/Club-Grade Bars

• Best for: Advanced gymnasts or serious training
• Use: Mimics gym equipment
• Setup: Requires installation and mats
• Home Friendly? Ideal for most homes

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Home & Child

Gymnasts can rely on the stability and support of AirTumble gymnastics bars to push themselves to the limit and perform at their best. These bars are a great tool for gymnasts who are trying to get their routines just right, whether they are training or competing.

Here’s what to consider before clicking ‘buy’:

✅ Child’s Age & Skill Level

• Under 6? Stick to lightweight training bars (adjustable if possible)
• 6–10? Kip bars or adjustable training bars are ideal
• 10+ or advanced? Consider a heavier-duty kip bar with support

✅ Your Available Space

• Always measure floor space and height clearance before ordering
• Don’t forget to include space for mats (usually 120cm+ width is needed)

✅ Weight Capacity

• Most home-use bars have a limit between 40kg–70kg
• Always check max weight and include the weight of any added accessories

✅ Bar Width (Base Length)

• Wider bases offer more stability, but need more floor space
• Typical base widths range from 100–140cm

✅ Achieve Perfect Form with Parallettes & Handstand Bar

• Builds upper body and core strength

• Improves balance and coordination

• Great for push-ups, L-sits, handstands

Best For: Beginners to advanced athletes training at home or in the gym

Parallettes & Handstand Bars are like the dynamic duo of the fitness world! These nifty tools not only help you work on your strength and balance but also add an element of fun to your workout routine.

Quick Reference: UK Gymnastics Bar Sizing Guide

🔗 Need help choosing? View here:-

Height Adjustability: What’s Ideal for Growth & Practice?

An adjustable bar is one of the smartest investments for home training. Here’s why:

• Grows with your child – from age 4 up to teens
• Perfect for siblings with different heights
• Lets you adjust to different exercises (e.g. lower for swings, higher for pullovers)

Common UK Height Ranges:

• Minimum height: 90cm
• Maximum height: 150cm
• Adjustments are usually made in 5–10cm increments.

When buying, check how easily the height adjusts—twist knobs are quick, but some bars require tools or bolts.

Comparison Table: UK Gymnastics Bar Types & Dimensions

Installation Tips: Keep Safety Front & Centre

Before your child even swings a toe, make sure their bar is secure, level, and safe.

Here are a few key points to remember:

• Use a non-slip mat underneath – this protects your floor and adds cushioning
• Allow for at least 1m of free space around the bar
• Check bolts and screws weekly for any loosening
• Install on flat surfaces only – no carpets or uneven flooring
• Place away from windows, walls, or furniture

Versatile Gymnastics Mats for Home & Gym Training

Enhance your home or gym training with our durable and versatile gymnastics mats.

Material: High-density EVA foam or PU leather with non-slip surface
Size Options: Available in various lengths and thicknesses (4ft x 8ft, 2-inch, etc.)

Features:

• Shock-absorbing and joint-friendly
• Foldable and lightweight for easy storage
• Suitable for tumbling, stretching, and equipment support
• Home: Ideal for kids’ practice, fitness routines, or indoor play
• Professional: Used in gyms, schools, studios, and training centres
• Colour Options: Multiple colours and patterns available
• Cleaning: Wipe-clean waterproof surface

Final Tips for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first gymnastics bar is exciting—and maybe a little overwhelming. Here’s a quick recap to help you choose confidently:

• ✅ Adjustable height is best – more years of use and versatility
• ✅ Look for UK-compatible sizing – centimetres, not inches
• ✅ Consider safety mats and base stability
• ✅ Check weight limits for your child’s build and use case
• ✅ Buy from a UK-based supplier for easy returns and support

Final Word for Parents

Your child doesn’t need Olympic dreams to benefit from a home gymnastics bar. With the right fit, they’ll build strength, coordination, and confidence—all while having fun. By choosing a bar that suits their size, your space, and their skill level, you’re setting them up for safe, supported progress.

Check out AirTumble’s top-notch gymnastics bars to enhance your skills and performance!