Five ways to practice Gymnastics at home!
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out in gymnastics or already on the competitive team, there will come a time, when you'll want to practice at home. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to build your skills without all of the equipment you have access to at the gym. However, first, we ask that you warm up completely (a full-body stretch!) and wear appropriate gear (think a Destira leotard!) before attempting any of these. Now, let’s get started! Here are five ways to practice gymnastics at home.
1 - STRETCH: As a gymnast, you know one of your most important traits is your flexibility, and that’s a super easy thing to work on at home. How? More stretching, of course! Think about the areas where you could use the most improvement and do basic stretches daily to increase overall flexibility.
2 - STRENGTH-TRAIN: Push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, planks, lunges, squats… these are all exercises you can do within and around your home (or backyard!) to strengthen your core and build muscle.
3 - FIND YOUR BALANCE: As you do the exercises above to strengthen your core, you’ll naturally improve your balance, but there are drills you can safely do at home to take it a step further. Try balancing on one leg, or even walking as if you’re on a tight rope to concentrate on keeping your center.
4 - BUILD ENDURANCE: Endurance is critical to a gymnast’s ability to perform extensive routines and practice, practice, practice. What better way to boost it than to get out and RUN? The key is to avoid injury by stretching before and after, as well as by wearing proper shoes. (P.S. This is also a great way to sneak in muscle strengthening in your legs!)
5 - PERFECT THE BASICS: While it may be tempting to work on back handsprings and other advanced moves, home is not the place for it. Instead, set your sights on polishing basic skills like back bends and handstands, which are the basis for so many gymnastics skills. Get them right, and you’ll be surprised at how easily the others may come. (Tip: Use a wall as support for your handstand. It’ll help perfect your form!) Focus on one of these tasks per night, as time allows, and it won’t be long before you see improvement in the gym. However, don’t forget to rest. It’s the best thing you can do for your body, especially when your working hard in the gym every week.
