Recently I did a clinic for the NY State YMCA Gymnastics League up in Cortland, NY. It was a pretty well equipped facility and they had 1 piece of equipment that I immediately fell in love with.
The 4 Piece Tower Block from Mancino.
My favorite thing about these blocks was the simple versatility. This is a 4 piece set consisting of:
2 each 24” high x 30” wide x 72” long.
2 each 48” high x 30” wide x 72” long
When they are attached together (with velcro) they make a great above ground channel bar and make spotting just about anything on high bar a breeze. I am only 5’7” and I had NO problem spotting things up on the high bar. For those who struggle with math (myself included) the height of the mat stack is 6” and VERY stable.
The beauty is when you take these apart and can be used by EVERYBODY.
I was given some advice many years ago when I first opened up my gym. If you spend $100 on TEAM, make sure you spend $100 on your CLASSES. When team needed a new Vault Table, I spent an equal amount of money on new shapes, wedges etc on classes. This does a few things-
1- How bad do I really need it? Knowing that it will cost me as a business 2x as much.
2- Can I use this piece of equipment in different parts of my program?
If I can use a piece of equipment in different parts of my program then I don’t need to double my expenses. If I buy a new vaulting board- This is a piece of equipment that can be used in different parts of my program. If I buy a new Vault Table- this is a piece of equipment that will be used by only a fraction of the kids in the gym. AND I have to spend an equal amount of money on classes.
Individually they make great spotting blocks and P.bar blocks. Your recreational and preschool classes can vault up to them, they can stack next to a beam to make a beam table, they are great in preschool and recreation circuits on floor.
In my clinic- I used these mats everywhere with everybody.
I e-mailed the good people over at Mancino to get the specs on the mats. Here is what I received:
Secure attaching system allows for advanced training progressions. Premium Construction includes Crosslinked Polyethylene Foam for stability and reinforcement.
What’s the difference?…
As with all Mancino Products, we have researched the core polyurethane foam and have found that a 2.2# density, 95 ILD specification will stand up to years of heavy training all over the gym. This polyurethane core is encased in 2″ thick Cross linked Polyethylene Foam (2# per cubic ft) which furthers strengthens the individual units and makes the set super sturdy. Our 18oz vinyl coated nylon cover features a “four edge” velcro system for secure attaching and standard handles for easy transporting all over the gym.
Customers who call through February 20, 2012 with the Promotion code: ILoveGymMomentum will receive a 10% discount from the list price of $2850.00 (plus shipping).
