Gymnastics Injury Prevention

Gymnastics injuries are more common than most people realize simply because of the pressure that the body endures. The most common injured areas include the ankles and feet, wrists, hands, knees, and the back. Bruises and scrapes on the skin are also very common due to falls during the landings. There are ways to prevent gymnastics injuries.

Clothing – The Key to Prevention

One of the simplest ways to prevent gymnastics injuries is to wear the proper clothing. For instance, during practice, make sure the hair is tied back so that it cannot get tangled in the equipment. Moreover, avoid loose fitting clothes as these easily cause you trip or stumble, which could ultimately cause an injury.

The shoes you wear during practice can also cause injury if they are not properly laced or if they have Velcro make sure it is secured properly. Be careful for any jewelry that is worn that is not close to the skin, for instance wearing hoop earrings is not a good idea and can lead to injuries. If you wish to wear earrings, choose stubs that are flush to the ear and avoid wearing necklaces of any kind. 

Warming Up – Essential to Prevent Injury

Probably one of the biggest reasons that gymnasts suffer injuries is because they do not warm up properly. It is easy to get in a hurry and fail to warm up the muscles because your anxious to get to practice, however, if your muscles are tight when you begin your routine, it can easily turn in to a serious injury such as a pulled muscle.