The change is visible. Gymnastics facilities are preferring airbags to keep athletes safer and improve their performance. 

In gymnastics, coaches spend years fine-tuning an athlete’s development, technique, and execution. However, without a safer and consistent surface to land on, even the most perfectly executed skill can end in an unnecessary injury. 

Today, we observe a big shift. From local gyms to elite training centers, more and more facilities are going for airbags. They offer improvements in consistency, hygiene, efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, and according to the coaches and athletes already using them, the difference is game-changing. 

In this article, we want to break down what types of airbags are regularly used in gymnastics and ask some experts why gymnastics facilities are choosing airbags as their preferred choice.

Bagjump AirPit Gymnastics Airbag 

Portable Performance for Every Discipline 

The AirPit Gymnastics airbag is the go-to choice for facilities looking for maximum flexibility. Mini-trampoline, tumbling, rings, vault, balance beam, or trampoline training. Name it and this airbag delivers consistent and safer landings every time. 

One of its biggest strengths, if not the biggest among other airbags, is its portability. The AirPit Gymnastics can be set up in under five minutes with just one or two people. That makes it easy to store, transport, and reposition anywhere in the gym, something traditional mats and pits cannot match. 

Size matters, and Bagjump makes it simple. We offer three standard AirPit sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. Of course, you can also build custom dimensions to fit your gym. Our most popular models, the Small and Medium AirPit Gymanstics, are highly versatile and used for vault, beam, bars, Tumbl Trak, mini tramp, and rod floor dismounts. We also create custom designs with lower heights, slopes, or cutouts to match equipment and training needs. Many clubs now replace old resi pits with AirPits built to the exact same dimensions, making upgrades seamless and hassle-free. 

Bagjump AirPit Inground Airbag 

The High-Performance Foam Pit Replacement 

For facilities that want a permanent and more professional solution, the AirPit Inground is Bagjump’s alternative to traditional foam pits. This is our most popular product at the moment and every month we are doing dozens of replacements in facilities all around the world. 

According to gymnastics expert Brent Poulsen, airbags dominate over foam pits in every single aspect of training and offer benefits not only for the athlete and their performance, but also for the facility’s budget and logistics. 

When it comes to airbags, they come in all different colors and shapes, but what sets us apart is Bagjump’s patented fully replaceable air pillar system. If an air pillar is damaged, it can be swapped out instantly without cutting, heat welding, or downtime. This not only extends the product’s lifespan but also eliminates costly interruptions to training schedules. At the same time, we’ve seen that many gymnastics facilities prefer systems with stitched pillars—an option we’re proud to offer as well. 

The AirPit Inground is designed for higher jump frequencies, with quick exits that allow more efficient training sessions for all athletes. Adjustable pressure controls let coaches fine-tune landings for different skill levels, and athletes and facility owners love the product. 

What Sets Bagjump Apart in Gymnastics 

As the market leader, being ahead of the curve is key in order to deliver the best product in the industry. Our team in Austria works to provide a product that outperforms in quality and maintenance like no other. 

When it comes to the athlete’s comfort, we work very closely with coaches and professional athletes from all over the world to understand their needs and where Bagjump can deliver the best. 

“With a Bagjump airbag, you have a consistent surface every time. Athletes know exactly what to expect on each landing. That confidence allows them to focus entirely on their technique rather than worrying about what is waiting for them in the pit,” said professional athlete and coach Kristle Lowell. 

Hygiene is Non-Negotiable in Modern Training 

Beyond safety and consistency, hygiene is a huge reason facilities are choosing airbags. They are just easy to maintain. Replaceable top sheets can be cleaned daily using standard disinfectants. This is very important for facilities receiving young athletes or large groups where hygiene standards are under increased scrutiny. 

Brent told us, “Airbags are so much easier to clean. You just wipe down the top sheet, and you are done. You cannot do that with foam, not without pulling the entire pit apart.” 

What else can you expect from a Bagjump airbag? 

More Skills in Less Time 

With a Bagjump airbag, athletes can simply stand up and walk off the landing surface. This reduces turnaround time between attempts and allows for more repetitions in the same practice session. More repetitions mean faster skill acquisition, which leads to better performance. 

Versatility for Every Discipline 

Airbags are not limited to a single sport. Our airbags can be adapted for vault, uneven bars, tumbling, trampoline, and more. Many facilities use the same Bagjump for multiple disciplines and switch between setups throughout the day. 

This versatility is especially interesting for venues offering multiple activities outside regular gymnastics training such as cheerleading, parkour, ninja training, or freestyle sports. 

Long-Term Savings 

While the upfront cost of an airbag is typically high, the lifetime cost is significantly lower. We did the calculations comparing how much it costs to maintain a Bagjump airbag and a foam pit, and the results speak for themselves. 

Why Airbags Are Here to Stay 

The move toward airbags is not a passing trend. As safety standards evolve and facility owners look for ways to optimize training, the benefits of airbags in training become harder to ignore. At the same time, with Bagjump working on advancements in design, durability, and customization, airbags now exceed the needs of both recreational and elite-level programs. 

For gyms considering getting an airbag in their facility, the decision often comes down to this: Do you want a landing surface that is safer, cleaner, easier to maintain, and better for athlete development? If the answer is yes, then airbags are the clear choice.