Gymnastics is a fun and exciting sport that helps many children increase strength, flexibility, and agility. But like any physical activity, it isn’t entirely without risk. Fortunately, by working with an experienced coach and following a few safety protocols, most injuries can be avoided. Learn more about how to keep your little gymnast healthy and happy with these tips.

How Can Young Gymnasts Stay Healthy?

1. Invest in Quality Gear

Invest in quality gear for your child, including special shoes and a leotard or stretch pants and top. Clothing should fit comfortably snug. Loose, baggy clothing can get caught on their limbs or equipment, which may result in accidents. If your child has had a wrist, knee, or ankle injury, they may also need pads, tape, or a flexible brace to reduce pain.

Make sure your child also has a water bottle to prevent dehydration. If they are learning a challenging routine, the coach may put them in a safety harness as well to prevent falls.

2. Warm Up & Cool Down

Before they start training, make sure your child practices dynamic stretching and light cardio, such as jogging or jumping jacks, for at least 10 minutes to warm up their muscles and joints. This improves their blood circulation and reduces the risk of injury. At the end of the day, your child should stretch again to cool down and relax tense muscles.

3. Take Breaks

As enthusiastic and dedicated as your child may be, let them know that overworking their body can increase the risk of injury, resulting in more time away from the mat. Taking breaks is also necessary for emotional health, as physical conditioning can be demanding for both the mind and body.

4. Communicate With the Coach

If your child is struggling with a particular exercise or routine, encourage them to talk to the coach. They may need some more one-on-one training to master the moves, and it is always better to take it slow than to risk injury. Also, let your child know to stop and report any injuries immediately if they do occur.

If your child is interested in learning more about this dynamic sport, turn to Top Flight Gymnastics in Baltimore County, MD. This studio is safety-certified by USA Gymnastics, and  offers all of the amenities and expertise necessary to train amateur and competitive gymnastics athletes alike. Call (410) 992-1600 to speak with a trainer or visit their website to learn more about their tumbling classes.