Gym class is more than daily exercise for students. It's a way to instill healthy and active habits and provide a much-needed outlet for excess energy. Active movement and whole-body engagement are important in any education curriculum, and these gym supplies are great options to encourage healthy and active student participation regardless of age.
Activity is important for both physical and mental health
Students engaging in physical activity outside of school has decreased over the decades with the rise in technology and augmented reality. Gym class is often one of the main ways students have a structured opportunity for physical activity, and appropriate gym supplies make that happen. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness, building strong bones, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression are some major benefits of physical activity for children and adolescents.
1. Basics like cones and spot markers are a gym necessity
The basics set up a solid foundation for any physical education class or gym session. Cones, spot markers, and bright-colored balls are all extremely versatile and practically timeless. These basics often come in a starter set and can include other pieces like beanbags or small-scale footballs. For example, this six-color equipment starter set is perfect for primary-age students and includes junior-sized footballs, basketballs, and size-four soccer balls. Beanbags, cones, and other pieces are all brightly colored and durable enough to last years.
2. Basketball hoops are a timeless classic
Basketball systems (pole, hoop, backboard, and net) are some of the best pieces of outdoor and indoor gym equipment. Believe it or not, they can be used for much more than basketball. They can be used as a goal for beanbag tosses or a base for dynamic team-building games like Capture the Flag.
3. Consider some softer gym supplies for younger students
Physical activities like climbing and tumbling are great ways to help young students develop their confidence in gross motor movements, hone and integrate reflexes, and build resilience to challenges on a small scale. Safety is always a consideration when examining gym supplies, too. That being said, think about integrating soft gym equipment like this Step Up and Slide Corner Climber to create a safety-conscious space for young bodies to explore their environment with a little more risk mitigation.
4. The classic scooter boards are always a hit
Scooter boards bring back instant nostalgia. They offer sensory and vestibular input, experiencing speed and learning how movement influences reactions and other gravitational forces that can regulate and educate the body. They can be used in solo, cooperative, or competitive play, and these Mushroom Paddles are a fantastic way to keep your fingers from accidentally finding the wheels mid-scoot.
5. Versatility is king with any gym supplies
Regardless of the type of equipment, it's helpful to stock up on versatile pieces. Basics are versatile enough, but some small enhancements can help bring in even more of an educational piece to student activity. Number Bean Bags are a great way to integrate reading, math, and various processing skills with a physical activity or game. Target reading skills, problem-solving, or simple comprehension skills with equipment that has a double or even triple use.
6. Consider adding unconventional gym supplies
Some of the more uncommon gym supplies can include Body Wheels, a Ga Ga pit, and entire playhouse spaces. Researching products about what they are not only designed for but also what they can provide in terms of student benefit is very helpful when developing a gym stash. Tools or structures designed for fast-paced and dynamic games, equipment that encourages flexibility and stretching, and pieces that encourage structured play can all foster a healthy and active environment.
FAQ About gym equipment for your students
What are some effective strategies for engaging students in physical education?
Bring a variety of fun activities to your gym programs and keep these insights in mind for inspiration:
Incorporate choice and autonomy.
Provide student feedback and recognition.
Connect gym engagement to real-life contexts.
Create a positive and supportive PE environment.
Involve students in activity planning and evaluation.
How can educators incorporate technology into gym programs?
Some of today's modern trends involving technology and physical education spaces include virtual workouts with VR headsets, AI fitness coaching for personalized experiences, and fitness trackers to document PE class progress.
What are some of the best organization and storage must-haves for school gyms?
Storage solutions are getting smarter and more innovative. Here are a few of our favorites:
Explore gym racks and carts.
Update room lockers and benches.
Find rolling storage cabinets for easy, flexible organization.
School Outfitters can help you choose the perfect gym pieces for any potential gym space
School Outfitters is more than a product source. We're your school furniture experts with the insights you need to outfit any learning space, including those incredibly important gym classes. We also offer space design and product medley consultations to help you make budget-friendly and flexible purchasing decisions. Get a free quote and start designing your next perfect gym space today!
