🏡 Coach Maddye’s Top 5 Tips for Setting Up a Home Studio or Training Space

Whether you're a budding acrobat dreaming of extra practice time or a parent looking to support your child’s movement goals, setting up a home training space can be a fun, creative, and safe way to build strength and skills outside the studio.

But hold the cartwheels! Before you start flipping in the living room, let’s make sure your space is set up for success. Here are my top five tips to create a home studio that inspires movement and keeps safety a top priority.

1. Use a Wall (or Make One!)

Walls are an underrated training tool — especially for handstands, walkovers, and improving body alignment.Don’t have a free wall at home? Get clever! Stand your air track upright and voilà, you’ve got a makeshift support wall. It’s perfect for kick-ups, handstand holds, and conditioning exercises.

Pro Tip: Mark your "toe line" with masking tape to help stay consistent with drills.

2. Get a Foldable Mat from Kmart

Not ready to splurge on professional gear just yet? Kmart Australia’s foldable mats are a fantastic, budget-friendly option. Available in bright rainbow or pastel shades, they bring colour and functionality to your space.They fold up easily, meaning you can create height for bridges or elevated drills, or lay them flat for stretching and rolls.

Versatility + cute colours = win-win!

3. No Tiles, Ever.

Let’s say it loud for the people in the back: Never train on tiles.Tiles are slippery and rock-hard — not ideal when you’re trying to land a bridge kickover or roll safely.Instead, look for carpeted rooms, grass in the backyard (when dry), or use foam tiles and mats over timber or vinyl flooring.

Safety over aesthetics, always. Your bones will thank you.

4. Create a Safe, Clear Zone

It’s tempting to just roll out a mat in the living room, but trust me — flying legs and coffee tables don’t mix.Choose a space that’s:

• Clear of furniture (no chairs, tables, lamps)

• High enough ceilings for standing skills

• Far from walls or windows unless intentionally using the wall for drills

You don’t need a giant space — just a safe one. A small corner done right is better than a whole room done wrong.

5. Invest in Quality Equipment (When You’re Ready)

If your athlete is loving their training and wants to take it further, it’s worth investing in quality equipment that supports their growth.We highly recommend shopping with:

• Gymnastics Direct – known for durable mats, air tracks, and wedges

• GymPlus – great for crash mats, spotting equipment, and accessories

These brands supply the same type of equipment we use in the Neophyte Performance studio!

🎈 Thinking of Purchasing an AirTrack? Read This First!

An AirTrack can be a fantastic addition to any home studio setup, but not all AirTracks are created equal. Here's what you need to know:

✅ Depth Matters:Always choose a 20cm depth. Thinner options may be tempting, but they lack the stability and bounce needed for safe tumbling. Shallow AirTracks are more likely to bend and buckle, especially under impact.

✅ Go for Width:A 2-meter width is highly recommended for long-term use. This gives athletes enough room for cartwheels, aerials, and more advanced skills without worrying about landing half on/half off the mat.

⚠️ Supervise the Pump:AirTrack pumps can overheat if left running unattended. Only inflate your AirTrack under supervision and turn off the pump as soon as it's fully inflated.

Final Thoughts from Coach Maddye:

Creating a home studio isn’t about recreating a full gym — it’s about carving out a space that feels safe, welcoming, and supportive of your goals. Add in some fun music, a water bottle, and a positive mindset, and you’re all set.

And remember — while training at home can be a fantastic supplement to studio sessions, it's always best to learn new skills under the guidance of a qualified coach. We want strong technique and happy bodies for the long run!

Looking for home workouts, tutorials, or skill breakdowns?Check out NP Online — our exclusive subscription platform with everything Acrobatics, Tumble, Contortion, and tips for your aspiring artistic athletes. 💻✨