Here are 10 simple tips to get you gymnastics-fit
- Spotting belts- Always, ALWAYS use a spotting belt when first trying a move, no matter stupid it makes you look or feel.
- Sleep- Doing a routine while tired will look sloppy, and also increase chance of injury.
- Find a really, really good coach- An idiotic coach could injure you more than you think he/she could.
- Always warm up and cool down- Warming up and cooling down let the body absorb more strain and delay injury.
- Never do gymnastics alone- There is always a risk of injury in gymnastics. Not matter how good you are, NEVER BE ALONE!!
- Don't let another gymnast spot you- Spotting need to only be done by professional coaches, who have done this for a very long time.
- Learn how to fall- Falling incorrectly could lead to broken bones and other traumatic injuries.
- Check equipment before practicing- Practicing on improper and/or unbalanced equipment could lead to serious injury.
- Clip your nails- Jagged fingernails and toenails could get caught on anything. A combo of gross and painful.
- Tell someone!- Tell your coach/instructor if you're injured. Let them decide whether you can continue or not.