Gopher Exclusive Product
Gopher Octagon Trainers
These gymnastics training shapes help teach beginners the proper form for handsprings, walkovers, and circuit training, all with the safety and comfort of soft, high-quality polyurethane foam. An 18 oz antimicrobial vinyl covering keeps the foam center protected for consistent use. A handle on each end of the trainer allows for easy carrying. Customize the top/bottom and sides of the panel with your choice of two colors; specify color when ordering. 28”L is 16 lb. 30”L is 25 lb. 36”L is 40 lb.
15 Dynamic Activity Ideas Using Gopher Octagon Trainers
The Gopher Octagon Trainers are versatile tumbling tools designed with a unique octagonal shape, making them ideal for teaching safe and progressive forward rolls, backward rolls, bridges, and walkovers. Their key differentiator lies in their firm-yet-soft foam construction and flat sides, which prevent rolling when not in use—unlike round barrels. Available in four sizes, they’re tailored for all age levels and skill progressions. These Octagon Trainers provide safe support for developing body control, coordination, tumbling, and balance skills in physical education classes. The activities below creatively use the Octagon Trainers to teach a wide range of fundamental movement skills.
1. Roll Patrol Rockstars: Students use the Octagon Trainers to practice assisted forward rolls with teacher spotting, learning correct body alignment. Focuses on Rolling and Body Control.
2. Back It Up Bounce: Students perform backward rolls over the Octagon Trainers, developing confidence in reverse movement. Teaches Rolling and Core Stability.
3. Bridge the Gap: Students lay back over the top of the Octagon Trainer and push into a bridge hold. Develops Stretching and Core Stability.
4. Cartwheel Countdown: Students use the side of the Octagon Trainer as a guide for beginning cartwheel motions, kicking legs over safely. Emphasizes Coordination and Power Movements.
5. Push Pop Tumble Stop: Students push the Octagon Trainer across the gym using two hands, then stop and hold a balance pose. Teaches Pushing, Stopping, and Balance.
6. Log Launch Leaps: Students leap over the Octagon Trainer safely with a landing on a SkillsCushion Mat. Focuses on Leaping and Landing.
7. Slow-Mo Somersaults: Use the trainer to help students perform slow, controlled forward rolls, focusing on form over speed. Develops Rolling and Body Control.
8. Tilt-A-Twist: Students hold the trainer and twist side to side while standing, simulating core rotation. Targets Twisting and Core Strength.
9. Walkover Wonders: Older or more advanced students use the trainer to practice assisted back walkovers. Emphasizes Flexibility and Body Control.
10. Step & Slide Sequence: Create stations where students step up on the trainer and slide down a ramp onto a mat. Teaches Climbing and Sliding.
11. The Roll Relay: In teams, students roll over the Octagon Trainer, run back, and tag the next person. Emphasizes Rolling and Running.
12. Dodge & Dive Drill: Students weave through trainers and then dive into a soft mat, simulating evasion. Focuses on Dodging and Diving.
13. Jump the Junction: Line up two or more trainers and challenge students to jump from one to the next with control. Teaches Jumping and Dynamic Balance.
14. Cannonball Crunches: Lying back over the trainer, students perform modified crunches, improving core awareness. Focuses on Core Stability and Body Control.
15. OctoTag Turnout: Use several Octagon Trainers as bases in a tag game. When tagged, students must turn in circles on a trainer before rejoining. Focuses on Turning and Running.