A Window on ... Gymnastics

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	As a beginner there are some basic items of equipment you will need. You also need to find a club where you will learn all about gymnastics with a qualified coach in a safe environment. A coach will help you take the necessary safety precautions to avoid serious injury and will also advise you about exercise routines and the right diet.
	A Beginner's Shopping List These are the things you will need: suitable clothes gymnastic shoes a club or class that you can join
	Suitable clothes Clothing should be light and well-fitting. Leotards or shorts and tops are ideal. Some clubs may allow you to wear a tracksuit, providing it is not too baggy. They may have special club tracksuits for members. Belts, buckles or clothing that is too loose can cause safety problems and stop you moving correctly. During a competition, the women wear leotards. Modern leisure wear comes in a choice of colours but you may have to wear your club's special colours. Men wear white trousers and vests for rings, bar and pommell exercises but they usually change into white shorts and vests for floor and vault exercises. All competition clothing should be smart. The clothing needs to fit well but it should not be tight as you still need freedom to move.
	Shoes Gymnastic slippers are light and comfortable with thin soles. They need replacing when the soles get slippy. Always try them on before you buy to make sure they are a good fit and never try to do gymnastics wearing socks only.
	General Safety Tips Long hair must be tied back during practice sessions and competitions. Remove jewellery. Make sure clothing is suitable and well fitting. Take care of your hands. (Handguards can be worn to protect your palms when you are working on the pommell, rings or bars.) Use hand cream when you are not training and use a pumice stone on any callouses that build up. Tell your coach or teacher about any injuries immediately. Never forget to do some warm-up exercises before the start of each session.
	Diet and Exercise Gymnasts use a lot of energy so you need a well-balanced diet with energy providing foods. (See Fitness and Diet: HomeCampus) You may only attend a club once or twice a week so on those days when you are not training, maintain your fitness levels through some other form of exercise. Some of the basic exercises outlined in The Basics can be done at home or you could spend some time jogging or swimming to increase your strength and stamina.
	Gym Clubs Now that you are ready the only thing you need is somewhere to learn. Your school may have a gym club or you can join a local club - ask friends if they know of one or look in the local yellow pages. You may have to put your name on a waiting list because gym clubs are popular, but if you are really interested it is worth the wait!
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.