Gymnastics Stretching Techniques

It is important to use gymnastics stretching techniques as a warm up before doing gymnastics. Stretching techniques limber up the joints for a more ready body. If you regularly stretch before doing your gymnastics training, you will notice a big difference over time and possibly avoid injury.

1. Stretch your calves. Sit on the floor with legs pointing forward. Bend one leg up and grab it with both hands at the ankle. While the foot is flat on the ground, pull it toward your body as far as you can. Repeat with the other leg. 
2. Do the Cat Stretch. Get on your hands and knees with palms on the floor. Exhale and pull your head down and tuck it in under the body while you pull your pelvis toward your head. You should form an arch that opens downward. You are tucking in your pelvis in the same way an animal might tuck in its tail. Now inhale and arch your head and pelvis upward. You'll feel a gentle stretch that feels like you are elongating the spine. Repeat this set of two gymnastics stretching techniques a few times. 
3. Do the Seal Stretch. The Seal Stretch looks like a seal on land. Lie flat on your stomach with your palms on the ground next to your waist. Push your upper body off the ground like you're doing push ups. Only your lower abdomen is touching the floor. Stretch your head up as far as you can while pushing your chest forward. Take a few deep breaths during this stretching technique. 
4. Do the Rotator Stretch. You'll need a broomstick for this popular gymnastics stretching technique. In a standing position, put your right arm straight out in front of you pointing forward. Lift the forearm only so that it is pointing straight up. Hold the top end of a broomstick with your right hand so that the broomstick is behind your elbow and pointing to the floor. Grab the bottom of the broomstick with the other hand and push it forward. Switch arms and repeat the same stretching technique. 
5. Do the Ankle Rotation Stretch. Sit in a chair and point your foot and toes forward. Rotate your toes like you are drawing imaginary circles with them. Draw the five biggest possible circles with your toes in a counterclockwise manner. Repeat clockwise, then repeat the whole stretching technique with the other foot. Your feet are the foundation of your body. Ankle rotation is a powerful gymnastics stretching technique that will help you avoid injuries.