Gear we actually use
Picked by a gymnast in our house.
Everything here is something she uses, or something we reach for on meet weekends. Nothing is sponsored.
The links below are Amazon affiliate links, each labeled. If you buy through one, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
The Long Weekend
Her meet bag, packed by Thursday night.
- Slick back brush and wax stickFor buns that last through awardsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Extra hold hairsprayTRESemmé Extra HoldSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Black hair ties, 150You will lose half by springSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Detangling brushWet Brush OriginalSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Toiletry bagWide-open zip, easy to find thingsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Water bottleHydroJug Traveler 32 ozSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Oversized hoodie for layeringGyms and stands run coldSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Portable charger with built-in cordsFor a long day of videosSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Spray bottleFor meet hair, 2-packSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Snack barsClif Zbar, a kid-size snackSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Hands and Grips
For bars days.
Your coach will tell you when she is ready for grips.
- Bar gripsUS Glove Integrity BuckleSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Grip wristbandsWorn under gripsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Wrist supportsTiger PawsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- ChalkRage Fitness, 8 blocksSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Grip bagGK GymnasticsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Rip care balmRip Stopper, for hand rips (the blisters bars can cause)See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Hand creameos Shea BetterSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Tape Kit
Pack it once, refill after every meet.
Ask her coach or doctor before taping or bracing an injury.
- Athletic tapeHampton Adams, 3 packSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Pre-wrapGoes under tape, 3 rollsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- KT tapeGentle, precut stripsSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Support wrapMueller All-PurposeSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- BandagesBand-Aid Flexible FabricSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Growing Pains
For sore days.
- Foam rollerTriggerPoint GridSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Ankle braceMed Spec ASO lace-upSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Practice at Home
For the kid who cartwheels through the kitchen.
Ask her coach which skills are OK to practice at home.
- Tumble trackInflatable air matSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Folding matBalanceFrom 4-panelSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Loop resistance bands5-packSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Long resistance bandsStretching and strengthSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Growing Up in the Gym
For the older girls on the team.
- DeodorantCarpe, coconut vanillaSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Body mistPHLUR Vanilla SkinSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Books we’ve read first
Read by a gym mom first means exactly that. Nothing about weight, dieting, or good and bad foods. Books marked “On our list” haven’t been read cover to cover yet.
For her
- Read by a gym mom firstFierceAly Raisman, 12 and up. Covers hard topics. Best read together or after you’ve read it.See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Read by a gym mom firstCourage to SoarSimone Biles, 12 and upSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listShe’s Got ThisLaurie Hernandez, ages 4 to 8See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listI Will TryMarilyn Janovitz, ages 4 to 8See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listNadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit StillKarlin Gray, ages 6 to 9See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listFlying HighTami Charles, ages 4 to 8See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listI’ve Got This (Perfect Balance Gymnastics #1)Melisa Torres, ages 8 to 12See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listBalance Beam BossJake Maddox, ages 8 to 11See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listGymnastics JittersJake Maddox, ages 8 to 11See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listThe Story of Simone BilesRachelle Burk, ages 6 to 9See it on Amazon (affiliate link)
For you
- Read by a gym mom firstLife Is Short, Don’t Wait to DanceValorie Kondos FieldSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Read by a gym mom firstCrucial ConversationsPatterson, Grenny, McMillan, SwitzlerSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listChanging the GameJohn O’SullivanSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listHow to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will TalkFaber and MazlishSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
- On our listSticking ItAlan GoldbergSee it on Amazon (affiliate link)
For you
While she’s at practice
Practice might be two hours or four. Whether you head home or settle into the lobby, some of that time can be yours.
Free · printable
The Meet Weekend Grocery Run
Her snacks by the clock, your bleacher bag, and the ice kit, on one list.