Gymnastics Grips and Straps
Gymnastics grips will help prevent your hands from tearing as you swing. If you are just getting started be careful not to go all out right away! It’s going to take a few sessions to break them in before they will start feeling comfortable. How do you size grips? Measure from the base of your palm where it meets the wrist to the top of your middle finger. For women, XX-Small fits up to 5 and 1/4 inches and goes up about 1/2 inch for every size up.
Horizontal Bar Straps: These allow gymnasts to swing hard without slipping off the bar and are especially helpful when learning Giants. Many gyms already have these so ask if you can use them!
Chalk
Chalk reduces moisture and friction to prevent rips and tears. Chalk socks are great for travel and keeping the mess down. How much chalk should you use? For grips start by putting the grips on but leaving your fingers out. Cover your palms and fingers thoroughly, then apply the same amount to your grips on both sides.
Support Bands
Upper arm bands are great when training on the Parallel Bars. Some skills will have you landing or supporting on your inner bicep and having some protection in place is a great idea. Wristbands can be used under grips to help ease uncomfortable rubbing if your have any.
Upper Arm Band For Parallel Bars
Foam Roller
Foam rollers are one of the best ways to keep your muscles warm and flexible, before and after a workout. Roll it all the way up and down both legs – front, back, and sides. It can also be used on your back. The best foam rollers have hard inner plastic covered by foam on the outside. This kind won’t wear out like solid foam will.
Trigger Point Performance Foam Roller
Treating Hand Rips and Tears
We know it’s extremely frustrating not being able to train because of blistered hands. That’s why we put together some steps you can take to protect your hands and recover quickly. These steps aren’t pretty but they are helpful. You’ve just ripped your hand, now what?
- Use nail clippers to cut off the excess skin.
- Apply a piece of Spenco 2nd Skin
directly over the wound.
- If you plan to keep training wrap your hand with athletic tape right over the 2nd Skin.
- Before you go to sleep generously rub in and around the wound with chapstick or vaseline.
- The next day file down around the blister to make it smooth.
- Leave it uncovered for about a week and you will be good to go!
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