Tips on how to avoid gymnastics injuries

Gymnastics is a great form of exercise. Not only do gymnasts use and stretch nearly every muscle in their bodies, but they gain balance, coordination and agility.

Gymnastics is a popular sport, particularly with young girls, although unfortunately this type of sport can lead to injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in 2007, more than 69,000 children aged 14 and under were treated with gymnastics injuries and other medical problems related to gymnastics.

Below are several steps you should take to help you avoid a gymnastics injury.

Warm up

Whilst it is advisable to warm up before performing any type of exercise, as gymnastics uses practically every muscle in the body, it is extremely important that you warm up and stretch the muscles before doing any kind of gymnastic-based activities.

Wear appropriate footwear

Gymnasts should always footwear to help protect their feet and ankles from potential injuries. There are various types of footwear for gymnasts depending on the activity they are engaged in. For example, rhythmic gymnasts wear a ‘half shoe’ that have the toes covered but a strap at the back, whereas ‘beam shoes’ are worn on the beam, floor and vault.

Ensure equipment is well-maintained

Gyms should always have a padded floor so that if accidents such as falls do occur, the risk of injury is minimised. The equipment in gyms should be well-maintained so that the chance of gymnasts injuring themselves is reduced.

Use protective gear

Protective gear such as braces for the joints and belts for the torso should be worn by gymnasts to help protect the muscles and soften the impact on the joints.

Use magnetic therapy

Athletes who put their bodies through excessive stress and strenuous activities often use magnetic therapy to help alleviate aches and pains and lessen the chance of injury. Olympic gold medallist gymnast Shannon Miller, for example, advocates magnetic therapy, admitting that she has been a regular user of magnetic therapy to help protect her bones, muscles and joints, particularly in her peak years.

If you want to give your performance a boost or avoid gymnast injuries, take a look at Trion:Z’s range of magnetic therapy bracelets.