Taking on a new skill can be daunting, especially something as demanding as gymnastics. But while there is a lot of hard work involved in the sport, the rewards are often well worth it. Gymnastics is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, gain amazing new skills and make lifelong friends, but like any skill, it’s best to get started in the right way.
If you’re just dipping your toes into the gymnastics waters, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to get off to a running start. With that mind, we’ve put together this handy guide with the key aspects you need to know. Here are four tips for new gymnasts.
You need the right tools for the job
They say it’s a poor workman who blames his tools, but the reality is that having the right gymnastics gear to hand can elevate your performance, improve your safety, and make training that much more enjoyable.
Footwear, sporting belts, leotards, mats and much, much more are all essential items that every gymnast should prioritise, seeking quality items that suit your specific needs.
One of the most important items which often get overlooked by beginners are gymnastics hand grips. Not only will the right gymnastics hand guard protect you from painful rips, tears and callouses, but they can also support your wrists when practising your skills. This helps to reduce your risk of conditions like carpal tunnel. You can find a wide range of high-quality gymnastic hand grip options online from reputable websites like Elite Gymnastics.
Take all the necessary precautions
Safety is one of the most important factors in gymnastics, and there are several things all gymnasts should make time for in order to prioritise safety during practice and competitions.
You should also be sure to warm up and stretch before you undertake every gymnastics session. Only practice on padded floors, never on a hard surface. Mats should be placed underneath equipment, and be properly secured at all times. Find a coach you can trust and don’t be afraid to talk to them if you’re uncomfortable with a particular movement or progression.
Look after your health
The importance of safety should stay with you even when you leave your practice session. Looking after your overall health will ultimately make you a better gymnast, so make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet that provides you with enough energy and strength to master those moves. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and make time for activities outside of gymnastics that will benefit your mental health, such as reading or spending time with friends.
Persistence is key
Hard work is required in order to master any skill, but it feels especially true when it comes to gymnastics. Your early days as a gymnast will see you coming across many hurdles that you’ll have to overcome, and getting to grips with some of the more complex skills can take weeks, months or even years of perseverance.
Nobody becomes an expert gymnast overnight, so you need to be sure that you can put the work in. Think of gymnastics as a journey rather than a destination — after all, even the best gymnasts in the world are still constantly striving to do better. Compare yourself only to yourself, and make sure you enjoy the experience.
