When any athlete wants to perform better and protect themselves from injury, they should stretch before engaging in physical activity. This practice is critical for those participating in gymnastics—especially younger individuals who are still growing and developing. If your child participates in gymnastics training, here are a few smart reasons to make sure they stretch properly and techniques they can use to improve results.  

How Does Stretching Benefit Gymnastics Training?

Improves Stamina

When gymnasts stretch, they improve their circulation and the amount of oxygen and nutrients their muscle tissues receive. With these resources, their muscles will have an easier time staying strong during activity without growing weak or tired.  

Boosts Muscle Flexibility

Whether your child is performing an aerial cartwheel or scissor leap, flexibility is essential to their success. Stretching before every practice helps elongate muscle tissues so that they can achieve the superior flexibility needed for these moves.

Prevents Injury

If muscles are stiff, they face a higher risk of tearing or pulling during gymnastics activities. Fortunately, stretching can help loosen the fibers to minimize the risk of injury. Improved circulation from stretching can also help injured tissues heal faster than those that are stiff.

What Are Good Stretches for Young Gymnasts?

Downward Dog

Downward dog is a yoga pose that can help gymnasts stretch muscles and joints in the quads, calves, shoulders, wrists, and spine.

To perform the stretch, bend over with your hands and feet flat on a mat. Angle your hips so that they pull toward the ceiling, stretching out your legs and back. Hold for several seconds and release, slowly bringing your hands back to your feet.

Arm Circles

Arm circles help loosen shoulder, bicep, and tricep muscles while promoting increased circulation. For this dynamic stretch, stand straight with both arms held out straight at the sides. Rotate your arms in small circles for about 10 seconds. Reverse the direction and repeat for another 10 seconds. To add difficulty to the stretch, try gradually increasing the size of the circles.

Standing Side Bend

To stretch out core muscles—such as the obliques and front abdominals—try a standing side bend. For this exercise, stand straight and interlace your hands. With palms facing toward the ceiling, raise your hands high above your head. Keeping your hips still and your core engaged, tilt to the right and then to the left.

Whether your child is a beginner to the sport or ready to prepare for competitions, Top Flight Gymnastics has all the resources they need to improve their skills. Based in Columbia, MD, this gymnastics training center offers a wide range of classes for all different levels and age groups. Led by qualified instructors, your child will learn how to perform techniques properly, as well as improve their agility and strength. For more information about their gymnastics and tumbling classes, visit this youth fitness provider online or call (410) 992-1600.