Emily Johnson
Building a gymnastics mushroom can be a fun and cost-effective project. A gymnastics mushroom, also known as a pommel trainer, is an integral part of pommel horse training. While store-bought mushrooms can cost around $300, you can easily make one at home for under $10 using some simple materials. The main components you will need are a cable reel, which can often be obtained for free from hardware stores, and a scrap of carpet underlayment. By tracing and cutting the carpet underlayment to fit the base of the cable reel, you can create a stable and functional gymnastics mushroom for practice at home. With just a little creativity and some basic supplies, you can build a durable and safe gymnastics mushroom without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Under $10 |
| Materials | Cable reel, scrap carpet underlayment, glue, spray paint |
| Tools | None required |
| Safety | May need to be stabilized to prevent tipping over |
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What You'll Learn
Obtain a cable reel
To obtain a cable reel for your DIY gymnastics mushroom, you can try visiting a hardware store like Home Depot. Cable reels are usually thrown away by hardware stores, so you may be able to get one for free. Ask the staff if they have any cable reels available, and if not, inquire about the possibility of ordering or purchasing one.
Another option is to check with local businesses that might use cable reels, such as electrical or utility companies. They may be willing to give away or sell their used cable reels. It's worth making some phone calls or sending emails to these companies to inquire about their availability.
You can also try searching online marketplaces, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes, people resell cable reels or give them away for free. Keep an eye out for listings that offer scrap materials or free items, as cable reels may be included.
When acquiring a cable reel, it's important to consider the size that best suits your needs. Cable reels come in various sizes, so choose one that is appropriate for the scale of your gymnastics mushroom project. Additionally, ensure that the cable reel is made of wood, as this will serve as a stable and sturdy base for your DIY gymnastics mushroom.
Lastly, while obtaining the cable reel is a crucial step, don't forget about the other materials you'll need for your project. These include a scrap of carpet underlayment, glue, and spray paint, all of which can be sourced from hardware stores or craft supply shops. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you'll be well on your way to building your very own gymnastics mushroom!
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Get scrap carpet underlayment
To build a gymnastics mushroom, you will need a scrap of carpet underlayment. You can get carpet scraps from a carpet store or carpet warehouse. Carpet scraps are often available at a discounted price, and some stores may even give them away for free.
One source suggests that you can get scrap carpet underlayment from Home Depot. You can also try asking at your local carpet store or warehouse, as they may have some off-cuts or remnants available. When measuring for new carpet, it is recommended to add 10% for waste, so these remnants are often left over and may be sold cheaply or given away.
Alternatively, you could purchase a new carpet scrap. Some retailers, such as Walmart, sell carpet scraps in various sizes and colours, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including as floor mats or rugs.
Once you have your scrap of carpet underlayment, you can trace the base of the cable reel onto it and cut it out. You can then attach the carpet to the reel, creating your gymnastics mushroom.
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Trace and cut out the base
To begin building your gymnastics mushroom, start by tracing the base of the cable reel onto the carpet underlayment. You can get a cable reel from Home Depot for free. Simply go into the store and ask for one, as they usually throw them away. Once you have the cable reel, place it upside down on the carpet underlayment and trace around the base. This will give you the outline of the circle you need to cut out.
Make sure to trace the outline as accurately as possible, as this will be the base of your gymnastics mushroom. You can use a pencil, marker, or any other suitable tool to draw the outline. Try to press firmly and maintain an steady hand so that the outline is clear and easy to follow when you start cutting.
After you have traced the outline, it's now time to cut it out. Carefully cut along the traced line with a sharp knife or scissors. Take your time and cut slowly and steadily to ensure a precise cut. It is important that the cut is accurate and neat, as this will be the foundation of your gymnastics mushroom.
If you are satisfied with your cut, you can now move on to the next step of assembling your gymnastics mushroom. Remember to handle the cut-out base with care, as it will be an integral part of the structure. You now have the base of your gymnastics mushroom ready, and you can proceed to the next steps of the construction process.
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Stabilise the core
Stabilising the core of your gymnastics mushroom is an important step in ensuring its stability and safety during use. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:
Firstly, you'll need to acquire a cable reel, which forms the core structure of your mushroom. Head to your local hardware store, such as Home Depot, and ask for a wooden cable reel. These are often given away for free as they usually dispose of them after use. You can also check with your local hardware stores, as they sometimes resell these items.
Once you've acquired your cable reel, assess its stability. You might want to consider reinforcing the centre to ensure it can withstand weight and pressure. While some builders suggest that stabilisation is unnecessary, it can provide added safety and durability to your mushroom. Consider using wooden or metal supports within the structure to bolster its strength. Ensure these supports are securely attached to the reel, creating a stable framework.
If you're concerned about the mushroom being top-heavy and tipping over, there are a few solutions. One option is to use a thicker carpet underlayment, adding more layers to increase stability. Alternatively, you can look for a larger cable reel, as a bigger base will inherently provide more stability.
Finally, consider adding a weighted base to the mushroom. You can fill the inside of the reel with sand or weight plates to lower the centre of gravity, making it more difficult for the mushroom to tip over. This step will help ensure the safety of the gymnast while practising. Remember always to test the stability of your mushroom before allowing anyone to use it.
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Glue and spray paint
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. Trace the base of the cable reel onto the carpet underlayment and cut it out.
The only other materials you will need are glue and spray paint. Use the glue to adhere the carpet underlayment to the cable reel. You can use any type of glue that is suitable for adhering carpet to wood. Spray paint can be used to add colour and design to your mushroom. Choose a spray paint that is suitable for use on carpet and wood surfaces. You may need to sand the surface of the cable reel lightly to help the paint adhere better. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint.
You can get creative with the design and colour of your gymnastics mushroom. Consider using stencils or tape to create patterns or shapes on the mushroom before spray painting. You can also mix and match different colours to create a unique design.
Additionally, you can use the glue to attach any additional decorations or embellishments to your mushroom, such as ribbons or glitter. Just be sure that any added decorations do not interfere with the functionality of the mushroom for gymnastics practice.
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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 from Home Depot for free.
It costs under $10 to build a gymnastics mushroom if you use scrap materials.
First, trace the base of the cable reel on the carpet underlayment and cut it out. Then, glue the carpet underlayment to the cable reel. Finally, spray paint the mushroom.
You may want to stabilize the "core" or center of the reel, but it is not necessary. Also, be aware that the mushroom may be top-heavy and tip over.
