Stretching is an important part of avoiding injury before any athletic activity, including gymnastics. Although young people are often more flexible than adults, they still need to warm up before exercise. In particular, stretching before intensive activity will help them stay loose and flexible, so they don’t pull muscles.

Top Stretches for Gymnastics

1. Arm Circles

This is a basic active stretch to loosen the arm and shoulder joints. The starting position involves standing with the arms held straight out to the side. The athlete will then rotate the arms in circles, switching the direction of rotation every 10 seconds or so.

2. Jump Rope

Jumping rope is an excellent stretch because it warms up the body without causing lactic acid to build up in the muscles. Athletes should avoid jumping too fast or vigorously; the point is simply to get the body moving before engaging in more rigorous exercise.

3. Straddle Stretch

This stretch focuses on the legs and back. Sitting on the floor, the athlete will spread their legs out to either side, then slowly lower their torso until their face is close to the floor. Their arms should be straight, allowing their hands to slide over the floor in front of them as they go down.

4. Torso Twist Stretch

This exercise involves twisting the spinal cord to stretch the torso and core. While sitting on the floor with their back straight, the athlete will extend their legs in front of them. They will then bend one leg so that the foot is flat against the floor while clutching that same knee with the opposite arm. They’ll then twist to the side of the bent leg—for example, if the right leg is bent, they’ll twist toward the right—using the hand on that side to brace themselves. They’ll repeat this on both sides of the body.

5. Seal Stretch

This stretch is mostly for the stomach, back, and shoulders. To start, the athlete will lie on their stomach and place their hands on the floor near their hips. They’ll then push their upper body upwards until their arms are straight, holding the position as they exhale. This should be repeated several times, holding the position for 20 to 30 seconds each time.

Are you looking for a gymnastics studio that encourages children to stretch before each class? Top Flight Gymnastics in Howard County, MD, is committed to helping their students avoid injury. Their experts have the equipment and knowledge to safely teach kids about this sport. From toddler gymnastics to more advanced and competitive levels, they have it all. If you’re looking for a safe environment where your kids can engage in physical activity, contact them today by filling out a contact form online or by calling (410) 992-1600.