HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OF CHILDREN’S GYMNASTICS

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OF CHILDREN’S GYMNASTICS According to a study conducted by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, gymnastics is one of the toughest sports in the world. The 16-year data studied by the researchers reveals that injuries incurred by gymnasts are as common as those suffered by soccer or ice hockey players. These two sports are not for the faint- hearted and this should impress upon the fact as to the level of difficulty of participating in gymnastics. People who want to learn gymnastics start very early. This makes it even more important to have proper health and safety guidelines in place for children. Here are some of the precautions that should be followed by the parents when they are enrolling their children in a summer camp to learn gymnastics. GET THE BASICS RIGHT The technique is all-important in gymnastics and this is something only a good coach will be able to teach a kid. Coaches are the authority on telling the child how far to push and how to stretch the body. However, parents should make sure that they have examined the condition of the gym and the equipment. The gym should be well-furnished and every piece of equipment should be in top condition. PROPER SUPERVISION This applies to any activity involving kids. But, with gymnastics, you need to be extra cautious. A coach should be present at all times to oversee the kids. Even their

2. slightest movements should be monitored so that they do not fall or cause themselves any permanent injury. Gymnastics is easily one of the hardest sports on the planet. Many professionals have suffered life-threatening injuries during their performances. So, adult supervision is a must for children at all times. SUPPORT THE BACK Gymnastics takes a toll on the spine. The movements involved in gymnastics require a lot of core strength. So, it is important that the child is encouraged to do exercises suggested by the coach to build that kind of a strength. If the child does not practice to improve their core strength, the intensity of gymnastics can strain or sprain their back. DO NOT SKIMP ON RECOVERY In sports, it is common to suffer injuries during practice. Kids can recover quickly and rejoin their gymnastics practice in no time. What is important is that the recovery time should not be compromised at any cost. They should take ample rest and should use the braces or supports prescribed by the doctor. Exerting the body while it is healing can turn out to be more damaging than the injury itself. Gymnastics is a tough sport to be a part of. It requires long hours of training and the kids will have to prepare their bodies to be able to endure the movements that the sport entails. Therefore, before enrolling your child in a summer camp that trains the children in the sport, make sure that your children are ready to take up such a challenge. Know that different kids have different body types and not all of them are suitable for gymnastics. Take all the precautions necessary so that your child is able to enjoy gymnastics without suffering any injuries.