Project in PE
Project in PE
Project in PE
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Physical Education- It is the instruction in the development and care of the body ranging
from simple calisthenic exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene,
gymnastics and the performance and management of athletic games.
OBJECTIVES
1. Fitness- This includes developing muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and agility.
For example, throwing and hitting balls exercises various muscles, track running
improves heart health and aerobics increases lung capacity.
3. Skills- Many skills are learned during physical education classes, including how to
position the body for various sporting activities, how to keep safe when stretching the
body to its limits and how to mentally prepare for sporting events.
4. Sport- Participants learn about particular sports' rules, techniques and strategies,
often enabling them to cope successfully in real-life situations.
F.I.T.T
1.3 TERMINOLOGIES
1. Physical Education- It is the instruction in the development and care of the body
ranging from simple calisthenic exercises to a course of study providing training in
hygiene, gymnastics and the performance and management of athletic games.
2. Physical Fitness- Is the ability to carry out tasks without undue fatigue.
3. Physical Wellness- It is the state of being healthy in mind, body and spiritual
4. Goals- is a desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans and commits to
achieve: a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed
development.
6. Vision- Something that you imagine. A picture that you see in your mind.
2. Balance- Controlling body positions while standing still or moving. Balance is a skill-
related component of physical fitness. Balance can be tested by standing on one leg
with eyes closed for 30 seconds on each leg or by performing the Y-Balance Test.
Balance can be improved by increasing one’s overall core strength. Specific training
techniques using exercise equipment such as balance discs, Fit-Balls, BOSU, or
standing on one leg while performing an exercise can help to improve one’s
balance. Examples of balance: A gymnast jumping and landing on a balance beam, a
surfer on a surfboard riding a wave, a one leg deadlift pictured above, equestrian
events, or simply jumping around on one foot.
3. Body Composition- The ratio of muscle to fat in the body. Having a high percentage
of body fat compared to lean muscle has shown to increase risk of heart disease,
certain cancers, strokes, and diabetes. Doing daily cardiovascular exercise and strength
training, along with a healthy diet, will help to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle
mass. Body composition is a health-related component of physical fitness. In addition to
body composition, individuals should know their body mass index (BMI) as well.
Click here for further information about body mass index and to determine your BMI.
6. Flexibility- Moving specific joints or a group of joints through a wide range of motion
(ROM). Flexibility is a health-related component of physical fitness that plays a very
important role in the functioning of all individuals especially athletes. Examples of
flexibility include: a gymnast doing a leg split, a hockey goalie reaching with arms and/or
legs to save a goal, someone doing yoga, or bending over to touch your toes. The most
common tests for flexibility include the Sit-and-Reach Test and the Shoulder Joint
Reach Flexibility Test. There are three techniques that can be used to increase one’s
flexibility: ballistic stretching, static stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation.
8. Muscular Strength- Producing force using muscles. Muscular strength has also
been defined as the maximum pull or push that can be exerted one time by a muscle
group. Muscular Strength is a health-related component of physical fitness. Examples of
muscular strength exercises: Performing a bench press, squats, pull-ups, biceps curls,
or lunge pictured below. Examples of muscular strength in sports.
Equipment Handling
Defective Equipment
Defective equipment can lead to tremendous safety issues. A loose post or a few
rusty nails can endanger students during their play. Schools, therefore, need to inspect
equipment and facilities regularly to ensure that they are in working order. If possible,
they should arrange for professional inspectors to examine the equipment and facilities
at least once a year.
First Aid
All P.E. classrooms should have easy access to a First Aid kit, and all classroom
curricula should include instruction in basic first aid procedures. In addition, teachers
should make sure that there is a simple protocol for contacting emergency services and
managing physical accidents.
Wearing inappropriate clothing during P.E. exercises can lead to injury. Players
should wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes with rubber soles for most activities.
Gymnasts may practice barefoot, but should not wear socks, to reduce the risk of
slipping. Metal jewelry or belts can also cause injuries during a P.E. class; they should
be removed before beginning instruction.
The definition of health-related fitness involves exercise activities that you do in order to
try to improve your physical health and stay healthy, particularly in the categories of
cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and body
composition. An example of health-related fitness is aerobic exercises you do to
improve cardiovascular endurance.
2. Muscular Strength- Is vitally important, not only in sports but in day-to-day life. We
need to be strong to perform certain tasks, such as lifting heavy bags or using our legs
to stand up from a chair. Strength is defined as the ability of a muscle to exert a force to
overcome a resistance. Avoid injuries, maintain good posture and remain independent
(in older age)
3. Flexibility- Is the movement available at our joints, usually controlled by the length of
our muscles. This is often thought to be less important than strength, or cardiovascular
fitness. In daily activities we must be flexible to reach for something in a cupboard, or off
the floor. It also helps: Prevent injuries, improve posture, reduce low back pain, maintain
healthy joints and improve balance during movement.
5. Body composition- Is the amount of muscle, fat, bone, cartilage etc that makes up
our bodies. In terms of health, fat is the main point of interest and everything else is
termed lean body tissue. The amount of fat we carry varies from person to person and
healthy averages vary with gender and age. A healthy amount of fat for a man is
between 15&18% and for women is higher at 20-25%.
In times of illness, or in ageing, these components are often features of our lives that fail
and their levels are reduced. Exercise and activities that promote skill components of
fitness are therefore very important at all ages.
1. Agility- Is the ability to rapidly and accurately change the direction of the body at
speed. It necessitates a combination of speed, balance, power and coordination.
5. Muscular Power- Is the ability to contract muscles with speed and force in one
explosive activity.
7. Speed- Speed is a measure of the ability to move all or part of the body as quickly as
possible.
Non Locomotor or Axial Movement- These are movements that occur in the body
parts or the whole body and do not cause the body to travel to another space.
However, non locomotor movements can be combined with locomotor movements such
as a walk and arm swing.
Locomotor Movements- These are movements where the body travels through space
from one location to another. Locomotor movements primarity use the feet for support
however, the body can travel on other parts such as the hands and feet.
a. Axial Movement- Small movements of the shaft with respect to the housing in the
axial direction do not affect seal performance, provided that the total counterface
surface meets the same demands in respect of hardness, accuracy and surface finish.
b. Locomotor Movement- Locomotor movements are any movements that take place
over some distance. These include walking, running, leaping, jumping, hopping,
galloping, crawling, sliding and skipping.
a. Hands Position
1. Hands on Waist- Place hands on waist. Fingers pointing front thumbs pointing
backward.
2. Hands on Chest- Palms facing down, thumbs touching the chest, elbows in line with
the shoulders.
3. Hands on Shoulders- Bends arms from the elbow, finger tips touching the
shoulders, elbow in line with the shoulders, rib cage lifted.
4. Hands on Neck- Bend arms from the elbows, place hands behind the neck, finger
tips meeting each other, elbows in line with the shoulders.
5. Hands on Hips- Place hands on hips, thumbs pointing back and fingers pointing
front.
b. Arms Position
1. Arms Forward- Raise arms forward with palms facing each other. Hands in line with
the shoulders, elbows slightly extended.
2. Arms Sideward- Raise arms sideward, palms facing down, finger tips in line with the
shoulder.
3. Arms Upward- Raise arms upward, palms facing each other, elbows touching the
ears, the whole arm in line with the body.
c. Standing Position
1. Feet Together or Feet Parallel- The feet are about one (1) inch apart, toes pointing
forward. Arms at the sides.
2. Stride Position- The feet are apart about 12 inches wide. The stride may be made
wider than 12 inches. The weight of the body is on both feet and the trunks is at the
center. Arms at sides.
3. Lunge Position- Bend one knee, the other leg straight. Weight on both feet. Hands
on hips.
4. Half-Knee Bend- Feet together, bend knees to about 45 degree angle; feet flat on
floor, body erect; hands on hips.
5. Full Knees Bend or Squat Position- The knees are fully bent, sit on the heels of the
feet. The weight of the body is on the balls of the feet.
d. Kneeling Position
1. Kneeling Position- Kneel on both knees, knees close together, body erect, hands on
hips.
4. Kneeling Position One Leg Extended Sideward Position- Kneeling on one leg, the
other extended sideward, forward or backward.
e. Sitting Position
1. Long Sitting Position- Sitting with legs extended forward, toes pointed, trunks erect
and hands on hips.
2. Hook Sitting Position- Sit on buttocks, bend knees close to the body. Trunk erect,
hands on shin of the legs.
3. Long Sitting Rest Position- Legs and toes are extended forward; hands at the rear
in the floor. Elbow and body straight.
4. Tuck Sitting Position- Sit on buttocks, bend knees close to body; round back so that
the forehead and the knees are in contact; hold shin of legs.
5. Stride Sitting Position- Sitting on buttocks, spread legs apart, trunk erect, hands on
thighs.
6. Side Sitting Position- Sitting on buttocks, bend right or left leg in front; other leg
extended sideward. Hands on knees.
7. Hurdle Sitting Position- Sitting on buttocks, bend right leg at the back about 90
degree angle, the other leg extended diagonally forward.
8. Heels Sit- From kneeling position, sit on the heels of the feet, toes pointed. Hands on
hips.
f. Lying Position
1. Back or Supine Lying Position- Lying on the back, the body us well extended, arms
overhead, toes pointed.
2. Front or Prone Lying Position- Body is well extended and in front of the body in
contact with the floor. Toes pointed, arms forward.
3. Side Lying Position- With the body well extended, the side of the body is in contact
with the floor, one hand on the floor overhead and the other hand bent close to chest
palms on floor. Toes pointed.
4. Hook Lying Position- In a back lying position, bend knees, with the feet close to
buttocks, feet flat on the floor. Arms overhead.
5. Tuck Lying Position- Lying on the back, pull the knees close to the forehead, hold
shin of legs.
1. Supine or Back Arm Support- From a long lying position, lift the body with straight
arms support. Body, legs and toes well extended and one straight line.
2. Prone or Front Arm Support- From a front lying position. Lift the body to front arms
support; body, legs and toes well extended and in one straight line.
1. Dog Stand Position- From a kneeling position, place the hands on the floor, elbows
straight, toes pointed, the knees and hands are the base of support.
2. Bridge Stand Position- From a hook sitting lift the trunk; legs and arms in right angle
with the trunk.
In the year of 1983 Howard and Karen Schwartz developed a very new and competitive
sport called sport-aerobics. In the year 1984, their group organization known as the
sport fitness international has the credit of organizing the first national aerobic
championship. Sport-aerobics at the beginning, started featuring competition in four
categories namely individual male and female, mixed pairs and trio which have the
facility to include any of the three athletes. In the year 2002 the competition was
improved to a group of six athletes. The verdict toward the competitors is done on a one
minute, forty-five seconds routine done to music. Judges elect two criteria namely the
artistic merit and the technical merit with an overall 10 pints each. In 1996 sport-
aerobics is officially adopted as a Gymnastique discipline.
If you have yet to embrace an active lifestyle, take note of these other perks of aerobic
exercise:
Mental benefits. "Aerobic exercise has been shown to increase your confidence,
emotional stability, memory, and brain function," notes Tripps. Studies show that
about 19 million Americans experience depression every year. It is widely
accepted that aerobic exercise improves the symptoms of depression.
Health benefits. Besides strengthening your heart and lungs, aerobic exercise
can help lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, improve your
immune function, and lower your blood pressure.
Physical benefits. Aerobic exercise burns up calories, which can in turn help you
shed excess weight. Aerobic exercise also tones your muscles and improves
posture.
Fitness benefits. In addition to looking better and being healthier, aerobic
exercise increases your stamina, giving you more energy for both work and play.
You will sleep better and handle stress better, and you’ll feel better about
yourself.
First and foremost, doing aerobics increases cardio respiratory fitness, which is
one of the five essential components of physical fitness. Cardio respiratory fitness is the
ability of the body's circulatory systems to maintain oxygen levels and supply fuel during
sustained physical activity.
The Karvonen Formula is a mathematical formula that helps you determine your target
heart rate (HR) training zone. The formula uses maximum and resting heart rate with
the desired training intensity to get a target heart rate.
Ideally, you should measure your resting and maximum heart rate for more accurate
results. If the maximum heart rate cannot be measured directly, it can be roughly
estimated using the traditional formula 220 minus your age (see this table of heart rate
max). Also, an average value of 70 bpm can be used for resting heart rate if it is not
known. See also Resting Heart Rate, and this guide tomeasuring heart rate.
Your fitness goals, present fitness level, age, health, skills, interest and convenience are
among the factors you should consider. For example, an athlete training for high-level
competition would follow a different program than a person whose goals are good
health and the ability to meet work and recreational needs.
Your exercise program should include something from each of the four basic fitness
components. Each workout should begin with a warmup and end with a cooldown. As a
general rule, space your workouts throughout the week and avoid consecutive days of
hard exercise.
Here are the amounts of activity needed for the average, healthy person to maintain a
minimum level of overall fitness. Included are some of the popular exercises for each
category.
The keys to selecting the right kinds of exercises for developing and maintaining each of
the basic components of fitness are found in these principles:
Specificity: Pick the right kind of activities to affect each component. Strength
training results in specific strength changes. Also, "train" for the specific activity in
which you are interested. For example, optimal swimming performance is best
achieved when the muscles involved in swimming are trained for the movements
required. It does not necessarily follow that a good runner is a good swimmer.
Progression: Increase the intensity, frequency and/or duration of activity over
periods of time in order to improve.
Regularity: At least three balanced workouts a week are necessary to maintain
a desirable level of fitness.
Overload: Exercise hard enough, at levels that are vigorous and long enough to
overload your body above its resting level, to bring about improvement.
Some activities can be used to fulfill more than one of your basic exercise requirements.
For example, in addition to increasing cardiorespiratory endurance, running builds
muscular endurance in the legs. Swimming develops the arm, shoulder and chest
muscles.
If you select the proper activities, it is possible to save time by fitting parts of your
muscular endurance workout into your cardiorespiratory workout.
Step aerobics is a form of aerobic exercise that uses a 4- to 12-inch platform or step. It
is a low-impact form of exercise that is less stressful on the joints than higher impact
exercises such as jogging or running. Step aerobics was invented by Gin Miller, an
aerobics instructor who had injured her knee and was undergoing rehabilitation by
climbing her porch steps over and over. She realized this was not only a low-impact
exercise, but it could also provide an effective cardiovascular workout.
Choosing an Instructor
It is important to find a qualified, certified instructor. The instructor should have at least a
general group fitness certification, such as ACE or AFAA. It's also important to find an
instructor who meets your individual needs.
A step instructor will provide both visual and verbal cues to lead the class in step
movements. All movements are done at a specific cadence (typically 125-128 beats per
minute), so most instructors utilize music that keeps the cadence. The class will start
with a warm-up, proceed to step patterns, and end with a cool-down and stretch. The
majority of classes are done without special equipment, but some instructors may
implement a toning segment and utilize hand weights, resistance tubing, or other
strength-building equipment. Remember your step height depends on your fitness level,
stepping skills, and degree the knee is bent when stepping up. Beginners should start
on a 4-inch platform. As you improve, you may add risers to increase the step height,
but make sure the bend in your knees does not exceed 60 degrees. The most popular
step heights are 6 and 8 inches.
What to Wear/Bring
Wear comfortable fitness clothing, such as shorts, a tank top, or T-shirt, that will allow
you to stay cool. There are specially designed cross-trainers or aerobic shoes you may
want to purchase that provide the support you need for aerobic classes. Be sure to
bring water with you to class and hydrate before, during, and after the workout.
1. Walking
Let’s look at some of the ways a walking habit can improve your health:
2. Running
Like walking, running is an inexpensive exercise you can do anywhere at a time that
suits you. It is beneficial in helping to improve heart and bone health. Its advantage over
walking is that it improves heart fitness and burns kilojoules at a greater rate. It takes
roughly an hour for a walker to burn the same number of kilojoules that a runner burns
in 30 minutes.
Jogging is running at a slower pace which is still a great aerobic exercise. Like walking,
running or jogging can be a social activity you can do with a friend or in a group. Many
areas have running clubs which welcome runners of all skill levels.
3. Swimming
If it’s too hot to walk or run, swimming can be a cool way to get fit. It’s a low-cost
workout for the whole body especially the muscles of the back, shoulder and arms and
improves flexibility as well. It’s a good way to exercise if you’re overweight, pregnant or
have joint problems as the water helps support your weight and can reduce the
pressure on your joints. The risk of injury to muscles, ligaments or joints is also low.
4. Aquarobics
These exercise sessions are done in a swimming pool and are available at some fitness
centres or through local community health services. Aquarobics is a low-impact way to
improve heart fitness and muscle strength without stressing the joints. It’s particularly
suitable for anyone who’s pregnant, has joint problems and is overweight or unused to
exercise.
5. Cycling
Cycling does double duty as an aerobic workout as well as being a low-cost, eco-
friendly form of transport. It’s good exercise for improving leg strength and toning leg
and buttock muscles but with less stress on joints compared to running or walking. If
you’d rather not ride outdoors, exercise bikes at home or in a gym are a good
alternative.
Spinning classes available at some fitness centres are another indoor cycling option.
These involve simulating different biking activities on a stationary bike for example,
cycling uphill or sprints and are choreographed to music.
6. Rowing
Rowing is a low-impact alternative to running or cycling that can improve heart fitness
and strengthen the muscles of the upper body, back and abdomen. You can enjoy
rowing outdoors by joining a rowing club or hiring a rowboat, or indoors using a rowing
machine at the gym or at home.
7. Boxing
This is a good aerobic workout that also boosts upper body strength and helps you let
off steam. Boxing classes are widely available in many gyms. Some classes involve
sparring with a partner you take it in turns to hold a pad or pads while the other person
punches them while wearing boxing mitts. Others involve no mitts or pads, just air
punching and other moves that simulate boxing training. You can also use a punching
bag either at the gym or in your own home.
9. Team sports
Fast-paced sports such as soccer, netball or basketball provide an aerobic workout,
improve muscle and bone strength and provide a social activity as well.
10. Dancing
Faster styles of dancing such as jazz, hip hop, African and Latin American can provide
an aerobic workout and improve flexibility and bone strength as well as being a lot of
fun. It’s also an indoor activity you can do in all weather conditions. Dancing classes are
available in many community centres, gyms and dance schools.
1. Warmup
Warming up before exercise is essential for muscle health. Warm up your arms, neck,
shoulders and the core because all muscle groups work together to support the body
during exercise. After stretching, start with marching in place to warm up more. Move
your arms back and forth in rhythm with your legs. Breathe deeply while warming up to
get oxygen circulating throughout your body.
2. Step Touch
Step touch is a basic aerobic dance step that involves gently stepping from side-to side,
usually to a music rhythm or beat. Begin moving your arms more dramatically back and
forth, and then bring them in front of you slightly to intensify your workout. This dance
move continues to warm up your muscles and increases your heart rate. Perform this
basic aerobic step for a few minutes, then begin to alternate the move with other basic
steps.
3. Step Out
Pump up your aerobic activity with step outs. Instead of moving from side to side, stay
in one spot with your legs separated a bit, and alternate your weight back and forth on
one leg at time while rhythmically tapping the opposite foot lightly on the ground. Keep
this movement going for a few minutes and continue to mix in step touch movements.
Also continue to move your arms back-and-forth.
4. Heel Back
Move from step outs to heel backs. Instead of tapping alternate feet on the ground,
begin lightly kicking your lower leg and foot upward behind you. It’s not necessary to
kick the entire leg behind you. Heel backs are similar to alternating hamstring curls.
Repeat for one or two minutes, continuing to breathe and move your arms in rhythm
with your leg movements.
5. V Step
Begin to travel more with the V step. Move forward by stepping out wide in front of you
with one leg at a time. Then step backward with one leg at a time closing the distance
between your feet. Imagine you’re making a V shape on the floor with your steps.
Repeat this aerobic step for a few minutes.
6. Mambo
After completing basic aerobic dance steps, begin to add more advanced moves, such
as the mambo. The mambo involves stepping forward and backward repeatedly with the
same foot while shifting the weight rhythmically between the supporting, static foot and
the moving foot. Switch feet after a minute or two. Ramp up your mambo by shifting the
direction of your mambo steps to alternating side angles, and instead of stepping
backwards between angle moves, try triple-stepping sideways between each side
mambo move.
UNIT V: GYMNASTICS
Tami Mitchell
2015
2014
The B.C. Coach of the Year Awards are supported by the Bob Bearpark Foundation
to recognize a history and dedication to coaching in BC.
Each recipient has been selected for their outstanding coaching achievements
in the category they were nominated, and for their unique contribution
to the advancement and well-being of their athletes and their sport.
Whistler Gymnastics
2013
Sheila Mozes
Tami Mitchell
"PLAY" Gymnastics Club of the Year
Gymnastics BC presents this award to member club
that best exemplified the PLAY principles in the past year.
Whistler Gymnastics
2010
Sport BC's Community Sport Hero Award
Karin Jarratt
2001
Gymnastics For All (Recreational) Leader of the Year
Awarded to the coach/administrator who has worked towards the overall growth
and development of recreational gymnastics in BC.
The recipient must have demonstrated volunteer commitment
and made significant contributions to recreational program development.
Sheila Mozes
2000
Gymnastics For All (Recreational) Leader of the Year
Awarded to the coach/administrator who has worked towards the overall growth
and development of recreational gymnastics in BC.
The recipient must have demonstrated volunteer commitment
To develop movement skills and improve motor skills, which improve the healthy
development of the body, to give an opportunity to develop sport culture and improve
sport performance, to arouse and maintain the interest towards active and regular
training and doing sports.
1. Aerial- A stunt in which the gymnast turns completely over in the air without touching
the apparatus with his or her hands.
2. Salto- Flip or somersault, with the feet coming up over the head and the body
rotating around the axis of the waist.
4. Back-in, Full-out- A double salto with a full twist. The complete twist is performed
during the second salto.
5. Dismount- To leave an apparatus at the end of a routine; usually done with a difficult
twist or salto.
6. Flic-Flac- Also known as a flip-flop or back handspring. Take off on one or two feet,
jump backwards onto hands and land on the feet. This element is used in a majority of
tumbling passes on the floor exercise. It’s also used a great deal on the balance beam.
7. Full-in, Back-out- A double salto with a full twist. The complete twist is performed
during the first salto.
8. Giant- A swing in which the body is fully extended and moving through a 360 degree
rotation around the bar.
9. Half-in, Half-out- A double salto with a half twist on the first salto and a half twist on
the second salto.
10. Handspring- Springing off the hands by putting the weight on the arms and using a
strong push from the shoulders. This can be done either forward or backward and
usually with a linking movement.
11. Kip- Movement from a position below the equipment to a position above, usually on
the uneven bars, parallel bars or high bar.
12. Pike Position- Body bent forward more than 90 degrees at the hips while the legs
are kept straight.
14. Release- Leaving the bar to perform a move before re-grasping it.
15. Round-off- A dynamic turning movement, with a push-off on one leg, while
swinging the legs upward in a fast cartwheel motion, into a 90 degree turn. It is used as
a lead-off to a number of skills.
16. Scissors- A requirement on the pommel horse, which combines cuts and
undercuts. The legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement.
17. Tuck- A position in which the knees and hips are bent and drawn into the chest,
with the body is folded at the waist.
18. Twist- Not to be confused with a salto, a twist occurs when the gymnast rotates
around the body’s longitudinal axis, defined by the spine.
19. Virtuosity- The artistry, or the degree of rhythm and harmony, displayed while a
movement is executed. In general, the more seamless a series of skills appears to be,
the greater the virtuosity and the higher the score.
Many gymnasts have been injured by colliding with and falling off of equipment, but lots
of injuries occur during floor exercises too. Most injuries are relatively minor with
sprained ankles, wrist sprains, and foot injuries among the more common ones.
Broken bones, ligament tears, and concussions are also hazards for gymnasts, as are
lower-back problems, Achilles tendonitis, and other overuse problems. Gymnasts also
might put pressure on themselves to stay thin, and poor diet and nutrition can make
people weaker and more prone to injury.
Gear Guidelines
What you will need in the way of protective equipment varies from event to event. Some
of the more common items include:
Wrist straps, guards, and grips. These are used by male gymnasts on the still
rings, high bar, and parallel bars and by female gymnasts on the uneven bars.
They're meant to improve a gymnast's hold on the apparatus and decrease friction
on the skin to keep hands from developing painful blisters. Most grips consist of a
piece of leather attached to a wrist strap. Other options include wrapping the hands
in sports tape or gauze. Gymnasts, especially beginners and youngsters, should use
grips, tape, or gauze to protect their hands from blistering and tearing. Typically, the
pros go bare handed to "toughen" their palms with calluses but it's a painful process
that can take months.
Footwear. What you wear (or don't wear) on your feet depends on the event, the
performing surface, and your experience. If you wear shoes while competing in the
vault, you might want to use ones with a reinforced toe to help absorb the pressure of
landing. Some balance beam competitors prefer shoes with rubber soles to protect
against slipping.
Spotting belts. You'll want to use a safety belt whenever you are practicing a new
trick or attempting difficult maneuvers. Generally, these belts hook into cables that
are attached to the ceiling.
As with any athlete, gymnasts benefit from advance planning. Here are some things you
should do:
Stay in good shape. Eating a healthy diet and staying in good physical shape
whether you're competing or not is particularly important for gymnasts. Almost all
gymnastic maneuvers require strong muscles and excellent coordination, both of
which are enhanced when you keep yourself fit. Staying in shape also will make you
less susceptible to injuries.
Get a good night's sleep before a practice or competition. You'll be more at risk
of injury if you try to perform a routine when you're tired.
Warm up. Before you take the floor or get on any piece of gymnastics equipment, do
jumping jacks or jog in place for a few minutes to get the blood flowing. Then gently
stretch your muscles and joints. Dynamic stretching, where you make slow,
controlled movements to improve range of motion, is thought to be more effective
than static stretching before a workout.
Know your own skill level. When you are first learning an event, start with simple
maneuvers and learn them well before you move on to something more difficult.
Trying to attempt something beyond your abilities is a good way to get hurt. Never
attempt a maneuver in competition that you haven't practiced before.
Progress on each piece of equipment incrementally. For instance, when
attempting to learn the balance beam, start with a line on the floor and then a beam
on the floor before moving up to a raised beam.
When practicing a routine or trick that is difficult or dangerous, have a coach spot you
and ready to catch you in the event of a fall. This will greatly reduce your chances of
getting injured and help you maximize the benefit you get from practicing.
If you don't feel comfortable doing a maneuver, let your coach know. Gymnastics is
supposed to be fun. Doing a routine that you're not comfortable with will make you less
confident and more likely to get hurt.
Know and follow all the rules governing your event, and always know where you are
during practice and competitions. It may seem silly to say, but you want to make sure
you never wander into an area where you may be in danger of colliding with a gymnast
doing a routine.
If you notice any pain or discomfort while performing a routine, let your coach know right
away. Don't do any more gymnastics until the pain goes away or you've had the injury
looked at by a doctor and been cleared to start practicing again. "Playing through the
pain," as they say, will only make injuries more severe. That can keep you sidelined
even longer.
If your school or gym club has a trampoline, don't go on or under it when someone else
is using it. Keep the tarp surface clear of items like shoes and clothes. If you are on the
trampoline, make sure the area around it is well padded, and always aim for the center
of the trampoline when you land.
Eating Disorders
OK, so bulimia, anorexia, or other eating disorders aren't actually "injuries" but they can
lead to them. Poor nutrition, not getting enough calories, and purging habits (like
throwing up) can weaken gymnasts and affect performance. Eating disorders can
also cause serious health problems that aren't limited to injury.
There's a lot of pressure on a young gymnast to keep a trim physique, and that can lead
to unhealthy eating. If you think a friend or teammate might have an eating disorder,
don't be afraid to tell a coach or parent. The best way to fight eating disorders is to catch
them early.
Teen gymnasts are at a point in their lives when it is most essential to eat healthy foods
to support growth and performance. Eating disorders will lead to very serious health
problems down the road.