Sarah Brown
Building a gymnastics mushroom can be an easy and cost-effective project. The gymnastics mushroom, an integral part of pommel horse training, can cost around \$300. However, it can be made at home for under \$10 using scrap materials. The two main components are a cable reel, which can be obtained for free from hardware stores, and a scrap of carpet underlayment, which can be sourced from any carpet store. The base of the cable reel is traced onto the carpet underlayment, which is then cut out and glued together. This simple DIY project allows gymnasts to practice at home without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main items required | Cable Reel, scrap of carpet underlayment |
| Where to get the items from | Cable Reel: Home Depot; Carpet underlayment: any carpet store |
| Cost | Under $10 |
| Additional items | Glue, spray paint |
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What You'll Learn
Get a cable reel from a hardware store
To build a gymnastics mushroom, you can start by getting a cable reel from a hardware store. Cable reels are usually available at hardware stores like Home Depot, and you might even be able to get them for free. Some stores may resell them, so you may need to purchase or order one.
When visiting your local hardware store, head over to the electrical section, where you're likely to find cable reels. These reels are typically used for electrical wire and cable storage and dispensing, and they come in various sizes. For a gymnastics mushroom, you'll want to choose a reel that's sturdy and the right size for your gymnast's practice needs. Consider the height and weight of the user to select an appropriately sized reel.
Cable reels are often made of wood or plastic and have a cylindrical shape with a central hole for the cable or wire to be wrapped around. The structure's circular base and core should be stable enough to bear weight and not require additional stabilisation. However, you can always reinforce it if needed.
Once you've acquired the cable reel, you can move on to the next steps of building your gymnastics mushroom. The subsequent steps typically involve adding padding and a cover, ensuring comfort and safety for the gymnast during practice. So, getting the cable reel is a crucial first step in this DIY project.
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Trace and cut carpet underlayment
To build a gymnastics mushroom, you will need a cable reel and a scrap of carpet underlayment. You can get the cable reel from Home Depot for free. They normally throw them away, so just go in and ask for one. Then, head to any carpet store to get a scrap of carpet underlayment.
Now, you will trace and cut the carpet underlayment. Place the base of the cable reel on the carpet underlayment and trace around it. Cut the carpet underlayment along the traced line so that it matches the shape and size of the cable reel's base.
It is important to ensure that your cut is precise and neat. You may use a sharp utility knife or a pair of heavy-duty scissors for this task. Take your time and be careful not to cut yourself or damage the underlayment with uneven cuts.
Once you have cut out the circle (or the shape of your cable reel's base), you can proceed to attach the carpet underlayment to the cable reel. This will form the top surface of your gymnastics mushroom.
Some people have mentioned using glue to stabilize the core or centre of the reel, but others have found that it is stable enough without any additional support. You may want to consider this step depending on your specific needs and the intended use of your gymnastics mushroom.
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Assemble with glue
To assemble a gymnastics mushroom with glue, you will need a few key materials: a cable reel, scrap carpet underlayment, and glue. You can obtain a cable reel from a hardware store like Home Depot, and they may even give it to you for free. For the glue, you can use any strong adhesive that is suitable for bonding wood and carpet.
Once you have your materials, start by tracing the base of the cable reel onto the carpet underlayment. Cut out the circle you have traced, ensuring it is slightly larger than the reel itself to allow for some overlap when attaching it. You may need to cut and adjust the shape as you go to get a perfect fit.
Apply a generous amount of glue to the top and bottom surfaces of the cable reel. Carefully lay the carpet underlayment on top, smoothing out any bumps or creases. Ensure the underlayment is centred and firmly pressed onto the reel, creating a secure bond.
Let the glue dry completely before using your gymnastics mushroom. This may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the type of glue used and the amount applied. You can weigh down the underlayment with books or other heavy objects to ensure a firm bond while the glue dries.
With these simple steps, you can assemble a gymnastics mushroom using glue as the primary adhesive. This affordable and accessible project will provide you with a useful tool for gymnastics training right at home.
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Spray paint
Once you have assembled your gymnastics mushroom using scrap materials, glue, and a cable reel, you can spray paint it to give it a professional finish. Spray paint is a great way to add colour and personality to your mushroom, and it's relatively easy to do. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose the Right Paint:
Select a spray paint that is suitable for the material you are using. Most spray paints will work on wood or metal, but if you are using a plastic cable reel, you will need to choose a paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. You can find a wide variety of spray paints at your local hardware store or online.
Prepare the Surface:
Before you start painting, make sure the surface of your mushroom is clean, dry, and free of any debris. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface, which will help the paint adhere better and create a smooth finish. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth or a damp cloth.
Create a Well-Ventilated Area:
Apply Light Coats:
When spray painting, it's best to apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat. Start by shaking the spray paint can according to the instructions, then hold it about 8-12 inches away from the surface of the mushroom. Spray in steady, even strokes, overlapping each stroke slightly to ensure full coverage. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the next coat.
Add Multiple Colours:
Consider using multiple colours to create a unique design on your gymnastics mushroom. Mask off areas with painter's tape to create crisp lines and shapes. You can also experiment with different spray paint effects, such as fades and gradients, to make your mushroom truly one-of-a-kind.
By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time between coats, you can transform your gymnastics mushroom into a visually appealing and functional training tool.
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Practise
To build a gymnastics mushroom, you will need a cable reel, which you can get for free from Home Depot, and a scrap of carpet underlayment, which you can get from any carpet store.
Once you have acquired these materials, start by tracing the base of the cable reel onto the carpet underlayment and cutting it out. You may need to layer thinner underlayments to achieve the desired thickness. This will form the top of your gymnastics mushroom. Next, attach the carpet underlayment to the cable reel using glue. You can also use glue to attach any additional layers of underlayment if you are layering thinner pieces.
After ensuring that the glue has dried and the carpet underlayment is secure, you can begin to practice on your gymnastics mushroom. Start with basic stretches and movements to get a feel for the equipment. As you become more comfortable, you can increase the difficulty of your routines and incorporate more complex moves.
Practising on a gymnastics mushroom can help improve your balance, coordination, and agility. It is an excellent tool for those looking to enhance their gymnastics skills, particularly in the pommel horse event. Practising on a homemade gymnastics mushroom can be a fun and cost-effective way to improve your gymnastics abilities in the comfort of your own home.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a cable reel, scrap carpet underlayment, glue, and spray paint. You can get the cable reel for free from Home Depot, and the scrap carpet underlayment from any carpet store.
First, trace the base of the cable reel on the carpet underlayment and cut it out. Then, glue the cut-out piece of carpet underlayment to the cable reel. Finally, spray paint the structure.
Building a gymnastics mushroom costs under $10.
Yes, the core or center of the reel does not need to be stabilized.
