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3D Gym Design – We Design, Build and Equip YOUR Gym

Designing a new gym or adding to your existing gym can be an overwhelming process, so that is why we make sure each and every one of our customers are taken care of from the beginning – where ideas and dreams are discussed – all the way to the end – where owners and coaches step right in to the gym they’ve always wanted.

Check out this video as our co-owners and former gymnasts, Jay Thornton and Brad Thornton, break it down with a step-by-step process on how to build your gym or add on to your existing gym along with ways to provide additional streams of income to your business. With over 21 years of owning this business and being a former USA World Gymnastics Team Member, Jay Thornton knows the ins and outs of what is involved in making a successful gym come to life. And his brother, Co-owner Brad Thornton, who is also a former gymnast, has no problem applying his engineering degree from Georgia Tech as he tweaks and perfects each unique gym design to fit customers’ wishes and desires.

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A burden will be lifted once you chat with our team and realize how much American Gymnast, along with our own 3D Gym Design technology, has to offer you as one of their valued customers. Imagine seeing your very own gym in 3D on your computer, as you work hand-in-hand with American Gymnast adding final touches and additions before it is ever built.  We will leave the guess work out and give you a clear perception of what your gym will look like before any construction takes place. But we don’t stop there. Once your design is complete,  American Gymnast then creates a detailed quote of every piece of equipment needed to outfit your new custom gym for you to review and order. We will then make sure all of your equipment is manufactured, shipped and installed per your design so that opening day is a success!  As you can see, we are a full service gym provider and we are passionate about helping others build their dreams while they build champions.

Please contact us for more information and to discuss your future plans at: https://www.american-gymnast.com/contact-us/

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2021 – Out with the old (Loose Foam Pit), and in with the new – BigAirBag!

One of American Gymnast’s most exciting projects to start off the new year was upgrading and completing this installation for the USA Gymnastics Women’s National Team training gym in Indianapolis! What a CLEAN, SAFE and a beautiful asset this is for these athletes.  2020 showed us that we needed to start thinking of different ways to help gym owners provide a safer and cleaner environment for their athletes while giving parents a peace of mind as programs start back up this year.  More than ever, athletes are longing to get back in the gym and do what they love – gymnastics!  We at American Gymnast are doing our best to keep up with the latest and most innovative equipment so that dreams will continue to come true, champions will continue to be made, and lives will continue to be impacted by this amazing sport.

BigAirBags can be retrofitted into your old loose foam pit or we can work with you to design the perfect size and shape airbag for new construction projects.  Additionally, we have portable above-ground airbags which are great for vaulting, tumbling and dismount training that can be easily moved around the gym and inflated in seconds.

One of the worst jobs in owning a gym has got to be cleaning out the loose foam pits!  The thought of cleaning out all of those foam cubes and then dealing with whatever you find underneath them is enough to make you feel sick to your stomach.  But by replacing your foam pit with this airbag, you will be blown away by the cleanliness and low maintenance of your new pit — the satin top sheets are anti-microbial (killing micro-organisms and stopping growth) and the sheets can be easily removed and washed.  No more dirt and grime living in your pit!

Providing the safest equipment for our customers and athletes is at the top of our list and we love the features this product has to ensure extra safety for those training.  Just a few of these features include an audible alarm that sounds any time a blower malfunctions or the power goes out.  There is also a pressure sensor located in the airbag that is able to read the pressure within the bag and that pressure is displayed so one can determine whether it is within the appropriate limits. When the air bag is deflated, there are large, brightly colored “Do Not Jump” labels that display alerting gymnasts that it is not safe to use.

We feel this product fits perfectly into how gyms can easily transform and upgrade to keep up with the dramatic changes we have had to make in the last year.  Safe, clean and effective — words that come to mind when describing this airbag.

More airbag installations are scheduled this month to provide gyms and their athletes a healthy way to train and we are truly excited about helping many other gym owners get this product set up in their facility. For information about the BigAirBag and how to get one in your gym, go to https://www.american-gymnast.com/airbags-in-gymnastics/

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After School Athletic Center Includes Ninja

We’ve taken on many different types of design projects over the years so it’s always fun when something new comes along. Jams Athletics presented something a little different than what we are accustomed to. Jams is an after school program which comes with a laundry list of procedures and regulations related to their operation to which they must adhere. These procedures must be considered when working the gym design and flow of the kids through the facility. It can be tricky and safety is paramount with these type operations. From the time a child arrives to the time he or she leaves, they follow a fairly regimented schedule. Understanding where the kids need to be throughout the day played a big roll in how the facility was laid out. It was quite interesting to learn more about after school programs and their operations.

This is Jams Athletics second facility and it is substantially larger than the first. They are taking advantage of this new space by implementing some new activities such as Ninja and a soft play area. Like many business owners, they recognize that Ninja is a fun way for kids to exercise. We added in a 30ft frame section with hanging obstacles, ground obstacles along with a 10ft warped wall. It should be awesome! In addition to the new programs, they will also have full court basketball, dance and cheer. It’s really going to be a great experience for the kids.

This is a testament to the sport of Ninja and the benefits it brings to a variety of businesses. I love seeing it’s popularity continue to grow as it makes its way in to fitness facilities, schools, organized leagues and even residential back yards. Stay tuned for completed facility photos, but in the meantime, here is a video of the design

Brad Thornton

Co-Founder and Lead Designer

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AG Ninja Goes to the Hamptons

After years of providing facility design concepts and installing large Ninja and Gymnastics setups for our clients, you think you have seen it all. This thought went out the window we met a new client who was looking to build an underground sports bunker for his kids. With my jaw on the floor, I listened as he described the space what he wanted it to include — a gymnastics area, basketball court, full climbing walls, turf field, hockey rink, golf simulator, workout area, yoga room, locker room and a full Ninja Course.

This was one of those projects you dream about doing – Design concept through installation – Amazing facility – sweet family. This video takes you on a virtual fly through of this amazing fun space. Enjoy!

Don’t forget, we work in residential spaces all the time! Even if it is simply coming up with a cool and fun concept in a single room of the basement, we are happy to chat with you about your project ideas. You’d be surprised how much you can do in a small space at home. For more info, email Brad@InteractiveSportsZone.com

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AG Ninja Goes to Wyoming

This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting a beautiful Ninja Facility (One of our clients – Leap Fun & Fitness) up in Laramie, WY. It was a great trip and Laramie certainly spared me with it’s southerner friendly 45 degree weather. (I still wore long johns). I was in town for a quick 3 days but soaked in everything I could and made sure it was a productive trip.

So, why did I make the long haul for such a short visit?

1. Our client invited me – To that, you answer “yes!”

2. I was able to observe their gym during class time which is alway nice to see. This gives me so much valuable info that is helpful when I consult with future clients. I get to see how coaches like to structure their classes around our specific ninja obstacles. I can also take note of all the unique ways coaches are using those obstacles and which ones the kids seem to enjoy the most. You can’t put a price tag on that.

3. I got to meet the owner in person and also their talented Ninja coaches. After you spend months (literally) going though gym designs, quotes, info etc, it’s always nice to put a face with a voice. At the same time, it’s much more personal to field any questions or concerns while you are right there with client & course. 

4. Our friends from World Ninja Sport were giving one of their Spotted Coaching certification classes. This was awesome to watch. This group is so knowledgeable in all things Ninja. Curriculum, technique and safety are all key areas of focus on this course. These coaches were drinking from a firehose for 3 days and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. If you have a Ninja program, it would be silly not to consider having your coaches get certified by this group. 

My takeaway from this trip —  Every experience like this is like attending continuing education. It makes me better at what I do and therefor can serve my clients better. We want our clients to feel confident that we will provide them the latest and most relevant information related to Ninja. Our mission is to be that resource for our clients and create a world class Ninja Facility.

Check out some highlights of the trip in the video below:

Brad Thornton

Brad@InteractiveSportsZone.com

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AG Ninja Goes to Boerne, TX

Wow! This project will excite every gym owner to see the potential any space can have. This facility packs a lot of punch as the owner wanted to really optimize the space and maximize the obstacles utilized for training and entertainment. The AG Ninja team custom designed this space with that goal in mind. Our team manufactured the AG Ninja equipment and provided installation to make this facility a ninja reality!

Click on the facebook link below to see photos of the installation and final look at the brand new facility.

 

 

Watch the video below to see a gym owner’s dream become a reality as we take you on a tour of the process of an AG Ninja creation from start to finish!

 

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AG Ninja Goes to Bend, OR

The AG Ninja team had the opportunity to work on this really cool project in Bend, Oregon at Free Spirit Yoga Fitness Play. Our team had such a fun time from the start of the design process to the final installation. The results couldn’t make us happier!

Click on the facebook link below to view photos of the final installation.

 

Check out the video below to see the original design come to life!

 

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AG Ninja Goes to Tulsa, OK

BA Ninja took Tulsa by surprise with this outstanding Ninja facility custom designed by Interactive Sports Zone in March 2018! No detail was left undone in this facility. The red color scheme ignites a fire within anyone who walks through their doors and sparks a desire to pursue one’s dreams! With multiple AG Ninja obstacles of varying skill levels, this gym will be sure to train some of the best Ninjas in the Midwest. Notably, BA Ninja is home to the American Ninja Warrior Competitors, Venn Johns (Seasons 9 & 10) and Sam Ballard (Season 9).

Check out the photos of this project by clicking the following Facebook link.

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Evolution of Design

It’s no mystery that to be successful in business, one must evolve and adapt to the ever-changing consumer demand. Sometimes it’s not necessarily a change in consumer taste, but also recognizing that the things you are currently doing could be done a little better, thus making for happier customers. Stagnant companies become obsolete and ultimately fade away.

Really listening to your customers and evaluating their feedback is critical to ensuring you are offering the right products in the right way.

Over the last 3 years, we’ve completed dozens of large projects across the country. Many of them have gone smoothly, but a few had some bumps in the road, which can be expected with a growing company. The biggest mistake for us on these handful of challenging ones would have been to fight through the challenges and then to ignore them and move on to the next project. However, we have taken away something valuable from every project to ensure that any problems which may have arisen are not repeated on future projects.

As we reflect on ways in which our obstacle designs have changed, below are some updated features we thought were worth highlighting.

  • Mounting of Various obstacles – It may sound simple, but we’ve made quite a few changes to how our obstacles are hung. Two things gym owners want to see with hanging things are flexibility and ease. Obstacles that are mounted should have the ability to be adjusted in some manner, and they should be fairly simple to install.

The Flying Rings – original hanging design versus new hanging design

The flying Rings are a great obstacle, but the original design had a few limiting features. The most significant limiting feature was the fact that we started off welding the drop down sticks to the crossbar. Functionally, they were fine, but it meant these crossbars were not usable for any other obstacle. This wasn’t good for our customers. So, we changed the hooks to a bolt-on design and gave them a cool look as seen in the above photo.

  • Aesthetics – We are big on looks! When we sell a product to a customer, not only is it going to function well and last long, but it is going to look great. We put a lot of effort into creating a “look” to our Ninja line. We want people to walk into a gym and say “Ah, that’s ag Ninja’s stuff.” The Flying Rings pictured above were part of the group of obstacles that we felt needed that extra flare. Additionally, the flying bar trainer is another great example of an obstacle that had a drastic face lift as well as some beneficial material changes.

The Flying Bar Trainer – original design versus new design

The original design of the Flying Bar Trainer consisted of wood and steel mounting pieces. In addition, it was one of those obstacles that had the mounting bracket which prevented variation in the width of the obstacle. In the new design, there is more attention to the aesthetics while also allowing for variation in width.

Below are a few other examples of some obstacles in which we added some of our own touches that are more visually appealing…

  • Functionality – A lot of work goes into the design of a product to ensure that it functions the way we intended. After we design, we manufacture, and then we test it to ensure it is safe. Even then, you really don’t get good quality feedback until it is out there being used on a regular basis. Often times, the product gets into the hands of the customer, and everything is perfect. Sometimes, however, there are minor flaws a customer will point out that they may be able to live with but want you to be aware of for future customers. This feedback is invaluable, and we absolutely welcome it. A few examples of products that have had some design tweaking along the way to allow for better functionality include a few of our obstacles hung by a swing and our slanted steps.

Obstacles hung by a sling – We have a number of obstacles which freely hang by way of a sling. Determining the best way for a sling to attach to an obstacle has changed a few times. After evaluating feedback and testing various methods, we nailed down a good looking solution.

 

 

Slanted Steps – Slanted Steps are a must in a ninja facility, so it’s pretty important that they function well. Version 1 of the steps looked great, but they had a few characteristics which may not be desirable in all training situations. So, we went back to the drawing board to develop a step that was versatile and allowed for ninjas of all ages and sizes to use them.

 

Obstacle Training, in my opinion, will continue to grow and will be around for a long, long time. Methods will change, regulations may change, and customer taste is always a moving target. It’s a mighty fun ride for us, and we know the importance of continuing to evolve so that we aren’t left watching the train leave while we are sitting at the station.

 

Brad Thornton

Chief Operations Officer/Designer/Co-Owner

Brad@InteractiveSportsZone.com

 

 

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AG Ninja Goes to St. George, Utah

AG Ninja is excited to showcase our latest install at Bare Foot Gymnastics in St. George, Utah in June 2019! Bare Foot Gymnastics was looking to expand their facility to include Bare Foot Ninja. After contacting AG Ninja, we custom designed their expansion to maximize their available space while utilizing the most obstacles to cater to multiple age groups and skill levels. After AG Ninja manufactured and installed the equipment, the finished product captured everyone’s attention in the gym! Bare Foot Ninja now offers Ninja classes, and we are excited to see what big things come out of this new facility. Check out the photos below to see the before and after of the installation. Be sure to scroll down to view videos of the obstacles in use!

 

 

 

Check out a demonstration of the AG Ninja Salmon Ladder at Bare Foot Ninja

 

 

Demonstration of the AG Ninja Cliff Hanger – hang on; it’s a nail biter!

 

Are you ready to create your own Ninja facility? We are here to help you every step of the way so that this popular and ever-growing sport can find its way into your reality! Start the process by filling out our 3D gym design form.