As a gymnast, you know that the sport can be quite demanding physically. It requires exceptional strength to perform those tricky maneuvers on the bars, balance beam or rings. And when it comes to the bars, your hands are the only things that are holding you up. It’s no secret that being a gymnast is rewarding, competitive and very challenging. However, it’s not without the risk of injury. The constant strain put on a gymnast’s hands can cause painful blisters, tears and other hand injuries that can sideline you for weeks. But there is a simple solution – the humble gymnastics hand grips. In this blog post, we’ll explain why gymnastics hand grips are essential for every gymnast and how to choose the right ones.
1) Why Gymnastics Grips are Essential
Gymnastics grips are an essential part of a gymnast’s safety gear. They protect your hands from calluses, blisters, and cuts that can be painful and potentially costly for a gymnast. It’s not just their protective function that’s important. Gymnastics grips also improve your grip and make it easier to stay on the bars, rings, and other equipment. You won’t have to worry about slipping off during dismounts or other high-intensity moves because you can maintain your hold.
2) Types of Gymnastics Grips
There are a few types of gymnastics hand grips available on the market, but the most common ones are palm protectors, dowel grips, and strap grips. Palm protectors cover your palms to protect them from rough bars and provide extra grip along with your skin. Dowel grips come with a small wooden dowel in the grip, which helps to maintain a grip on the bar and support the wrist. Strap grips, on the other hand, have a small wrist strap that holds the grip in place and provides added support.
3) How to Choose the Best Gymnastics Grips
When choosing the best gymnastics grips, you need to consider factors like size, material, and type. Always measure your hands and ensure that the grips you get are the right size. The material used in the grip will affect how comfortable and durable they are. Leather grips are more common and last longer but require appropriate care to maintain them. Synthetic materials are also available but don’t last as long as their leather counterparts. Then, consider the type of grip that will suit your needs best. Different grips are good for particular types of gymnastics, so be sure to make an informed decision.
4) How to Use Gymnastics Grips
Once you’ve found the perfect pair of gymnastics grips, it’s essential to know how to use them correctly. Your grips should fit snugly but not be too tight, as this can impede circulation and cause discomfort. Ensure that they are fastened in the right position, and the dowels are in the correct place, aligned with your wrist for dowel grips. Then, take some time to get used to the grips, starting with some lower skills until you’re comfortable. Lastly, maintain and keep the grips clean after each use to prolong their life.
Conclusion:
Gymnastics hand grips may seem like a small addition to your gear, but they play an important role in preventing hand injuries and improving grip while you practice gymnastics. Make sure to take the time to choose grips carefully, considering factors like size, type, and material. Lastly, be sure to care for them to keep them in good condition, so they can continue to perform their job of supporting and protecting you. Remember, safety should always be your number one priority – don’t compromise on it.
