​Got kids in their first gyms? As a parent, this is your first gym experience too. What should you do? How you can help your child best? Read on and learn some helpful tips on how to help parents new in gymnastics.

Check for Gymnasts Hair Styles

​Please be informed that not all hairstyles and accepted in gymnastics. Female gymnastics commonly have their hair tied back. No bangs or loose hair is allowed in the front. Male gymnasts should use gel or hairspray and no long hair is permitted.

​Be Careful in Putting Makeup

Kids and even women in gymnastics are subject to wear makeup in minimal. It is minimal because too much can distract others or create an ugly impact on the gymnast herself.

No to Flash Photography

​Parents want to have memories of how their kids gracefully perform. However, most gyms do not allow any flash photography during the meet as this may divert attention. 

​No Heckling from the Stands

Being enthusiastic is fine but not in a way that it becomes disrespectful. Don’t ever cheer loudly. Don’t heckle other parents, teams, coaches or gymnasts. Please don’t interrupt others by expressing too much.

Stay Away from the Competitive Floor

​One of the rules and safety policies in gymnastics meet is not to allow parents from entering the competitive floor. Coaches are certified to handle anything that may happen. Just calm down and trust them.

​Don’t Come Near to Gymnastics Judges

If there is something that confuses you, don’t talk to any of the judges to clear your mind. Doing so is prohibited, disrespectful and very much destructive. You may talk to your gymnast’s coach instead.

Conclusion

​I hope you like our tips for new sports parents. Whether you are a beginner or not this article still gives a profound help.  Gymnastics is exciting. You and your kid should feel it as you complete every milestone that comes the way.

​Wearing makeup is normal for female gymnasts. It makes them look fresh and prettier. It adds attraction also.

In Olympic gymnastics, there is no net to score into but every routines and performance are heavily dependent on something you see - visuals. You don’t need to cross a finish line but you need to put in mind that everything is a competition.
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Perfect landings, incredible twists and wonderful handstands should also be done with perfect makeup. How do female gymnasts wear makeup? Here is how to win it.

​Wearing Makeup Gives Power

If you want to have the prettiest leotard or the most beautiful hair buns, you want to make your makeup look the best as well. Your makeup gives power in the sense that it catches the attention of others in no time. Make your makeup even sweeter by giving your smile throughout the routine.
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Remember, sports and beauty and congruous. If you feel you got the beauty, your confidence will go up. Nevertheless, it is important to apply makeup carefully. 

​Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Makeup

​Don’ts

Don’t put a lot of products. Overdoing makeup with a lot of products is not anymore good to look at. Instead, it is ugly and pretty much disturbing. Too much makeup is potential for epic breakouts when you sweat.
Don’t wear too greasy makeup. Anything too greasy will give you an irritably oily result after your workout. Also, it feels too thick or heavy on the face. 
Don’t wear a heavy foundation. You may put a little foundation during the meet but for the gym, wear less or no more for good. Foundation is too heavy that makes you feel uncomfortable in the end.
Don’t put too much in the eyes. Wearing eye shadow and mascara is good in some cases. However, it is good not to wear too much or not to put anything at all during your gym sessions. This is because a smearing black eye shadow may appear all over your face after you sweat.  

​Do’s

Keep the makeup light and minimal. Quick and natural is always a good choice.
Use products that help with shine and with spot-correct advantage. These will skip the need of putting so many items in the face.
Try tinted lip balm instead of too colorful lipsticks. It looks fresh while moisturizes.
Choose waterproof mascara. This is how to prevent a black eye shadow from happening.
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The best female gymnasts wear make-up the light way. The lighter the better. 

​Gymnastics is like other sports, there are dos and don’ts in it. Wearing nail polish is one of the intriguing questions gymnasts ask especially those women. 
What is nail polish?
 
Nail polish is a sticky liquid that is used to color your nails. Its use is not just to decorate fingernails and toenails but also to protect the plates of the nails from cracking and peeling. Nail polish offers decorative effects on the nail. It provides unique shade and texture in different colors. 

​Nevertheless, manicures and pedicures are not always good for certain reasons. For example, restaurants restrict employees to wear nail polish for cleanliness grounds. Other establishments like supermarkets and other schools don’t allow wearing nail polish as well. How about gymnastics? Let’s see.

Gymnastics Meet Guidelines 

When it comes to dressing guidelines for gymnastics meet, there are a lot of things you need to avoid for deductions. Here are some of the things you need to do and not to do in gymnastics.

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• Hair should be neatly pulled back. Use a bun or ponytail to tie the hair. No bangs or loose hair should be seen. If your hair is too short, choose a different hairstyle or use hair spray or gel.
• Leotard should be worn to the meet. You can bring warm-up leotard and competition leotard just in case. 
• No wearing of jewelry. Sometimes stud earrings are allowed. This is for safety purposes.
• Gymnasts should not be wearing nail polish. Doing so is subject to a deduction for some judges at meets. 

​Is nail polish really not allowed? 

The answer is NO, for some regions. Nail polish is discouraged at some American and British competitions. This provides a distracting look and is associated with health risks. 
However, other places in the world do not see much bad side about nail polish as long as the color is natural and does not create a distraction for judges.
 
The use of colored paints is also accepted if it is uniform to the leotard a gymnast wears so it looks like art. 
 
There is no exact code that points to the restriction of nail polish. If you think your coach and the judges hate it, it is for you to decide. 

Gymnasts need to wear knee pads because they need to protect their knees from scrapes and burns. Gymnastics is a sport that takes a bit of pain. If there are no protections, knees are going to hurt. 

Type of Gymnastics that Wear Knee Pads the Most

​Rhythmic gymnastics do a lot of floor-based moves so they wear knee pads the most. Gymnasts in this category do a lot of sliding, rolling and spinning. A simple back or chest roll could wound knees which make knee pads extremely useful.
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However, pieces of protective equipment are still used in a different style of gymnastics to prevent injury when knees are making frequent contact with the floor. 

3 Reasons to Wear Knee Pads

#1: Increase Performance

Without protective knee pads, it is impossible to win any game as hitting on the hard floor can damage your knees. On the contrary, if you always keep a protective gear ready, it will give you the confidence to play.

#2: Prevent Injuries

Training will make you do a lot of moves and that you need something to guard your knees against possible damages. Knee pads can help you protect your muscles and ligaments. It can also reduce the pain you might feel when hitting the floor.

#3: Offer Knee Support

​When your knees hit the floor with your full body weight at full speed, they will get badly injured. Knee pads offer support as they do not just guard the knees but also reduce the chance of overextending and having the knee collapse while moving.
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Most knee pads are made of a stretchy sleeve that slides over the leg. This covers the back of the knee to provide ultimate prop up to the knee muscles while guarding the patella bone. With this, you can perform different moves without worries.

​For gymnasts to perform safely, they need to use accessories that can help them land in safety. One of the safest tools you can find is a gymnastics mat. But gymnastics mats are different from the one you bring outdoor for a picnic.

What is Gymnastics Mats

Gymnastics mat is made up of a piece of foam covered with a leather, vinyl or plastic lining. The thickness is ranging from 1.5 to 28 inches enough to prevent athletes from getting injured. 

​Mats commonly come in blue color but there are now many options available. There are different mat sizes used in different training and practices. Small types are on the beam while the very large ones are for the foam pits.

These mats can absorb shock that can prevent users from slipping. Without mats, no gymnast can go back home without pain.

Common Types of Gymnastics Mats

Folding Panel Mats

Folding panel mats are thin and firm types that are about twelve feet long. These mats can be folded, hence the name, stacked and attached to the other mats by using Velcro strips. Folding mats are used for practicing tumbling moves and low balance beam routines as it provides a protective surface for anyone working.

​Blocks

Blocks are trapezoid or rectangular in shape mats used as step-stools for gymnasts. They can be attached to each other via straps and are firm enough to give a comfortable feel for players on bar or beam and also during vaulting practices.

Crash Mats

Crash mats are extremely thick yet very soft. They can work well in practicing high-impact routines by just bouncing. These kinds of mats are usually used when athletes are learning new skills.

​Beam Pads

Unlike crash mats, beam pads are thin. They are fastened around a balance beam to give gymnasts additional protection and a wider landing space when working on the apparatus.

Tips When Buying Gymnastics Mats for Home

​If you would like to use mats for your home, consider the thickness and dimensions. See to it you purchase one that will fit in your area. Folding mats or panel mats might be good as it can be folded to fit any space. However, you can still opt for other types for a more comfortable practicing. 

Sports are not just about winning. Sometimes, there are failure and disappointment come the way. Experiencing failure once in life can be out of bad luck. Sometimes, it is due to negligence and poor planning.
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Failure is a very common setback in sports that can ruin the entire game. If not handled correctly, it can ruin your entire world. Don’t let things hold you back by discovering the five common causes of failure and see what you can do to fight it.

#1: Distractions

What distractions can you think of? Financial difficulties? Family feuds? Love problems? Well, these can be a big problem but some simple things like your phone, your gear and outfit can also be the reason why you fail. Life is full of challenges. No matter what the reason of your distractions is, don’t let them take over you.

#2: Arrogance

​It is okay to be proud of what you have achieved of what’s wrong is to feel too much about it. Arrogance has nothing to do with success. Never feel like you are always the upper hand. Don’t overlook others. Be willing to listen to other’s advice. Humility is more important than your superiority. Remember, winners, are the humble persons that help others, not the ones that step on them.

#3: Lack of Belief and Motivation

Success is associated with strong belief and motivation. If you are lack of it, you can't win. Athletes who believe in themselves can avoid losing. They are not afraid to play and be the first one to practice. This level of motivation helps fire up resiliency against the feeling of negativity.

​#4: Bad Work Ethic

Establishing a good work ethic is important to anyone who plays. It can help one become disciplined, organized and responsible. A talented kid who thinks he does not need to practice may end up quitting the career without having anything accomplished. Don’t think as if you can flip the switch on game day because even the real winners know what it takes to work hardly.

​Final Thoughts

Failure is a part of our lives. However, experiencing crashes over and over again is a different thing. I hope this article sheds some light on your failure issues. Win the battle of life by facing up failures and quit in no way.

​Gymnastics is one of the most popular sports to watch during the Olympics. Gymnasts can do extraordinary feats. They can perform amazing splits, handsprings, and flips. Their stunning moves are so much stunning, like no bones.

Are these athletes born this way? Or do they do flexibility training? Answers might surprise you.

The Truth about Flexibility in Gymnastics

​If you wonder why gymnasts can bend like no bones, think about the power of flexibility. While some athletes are born with a super smooth body, others have to work hard in training to achieve this. 

​Gymnastics is a coordination of strength and flexibility. This helps to prevent injury. If a gymnast decides not to stretch shoulders during handspring, he/ she will have a difficult time to keep arms extended behind the head. Sometimes, it could tear a ligament and cause serious damage.
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Teaching flexibility is important for the progression of tricks and skills. Here are some of the reasons why gymnasts are so flexible.

​#1: Soft and Young Joints

Gymnasts tend to have young and soft joints because they exercise a lot. Human joints typically stiffen as they age. Unlike in the old days, most athletes in gymnastics nowadays are quite young. Younger gymnastics have stronger and more agile bones that make them perform so supple.

#2: Delayed Puberty

Gymnasts, most especially girls, experience delayed puberty because their body burns more fat than usual. Intense exercises increase the need for certain calories essential for one’s growth. Athletes are trained more than 30 hours a week which could develop eating disorders.

​Nevertheless, such intense training allows gymnasts to get a smaller and swifter body that is more timber.

Thoughts to Ponder

You don’t need to be extremely flexible to be a gymnast. People with generalized ligamentous laxity, sometimes known as “double-joined” are very flexible. But having these conditions are too risky.
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Sometimes, too much flexibility is associated with a life-threatened disease. In other words, it sounds good but quite deadly.
Taking up flexibility training is always essential. Have a professional coach with you or contact Gym Starz for assistance. 

Without discipline, it is impossible to reach success. Discipline is an essential foundation that molds an athlete’s future. Many people seemed to have immense potential but never get a lifetime career because they lack one thing – discipline.
Discover some more benefits you can get with discipline and learn what you can do to build it.

Participating in Sports​

To build discipline in yourself, one of the best things you can do is to engage in sports. Sports provide lifelong discipline that can help later on in life the whole lot. It can also create a strong athlete character essential in achieving great things.

​Being disciplined can be both rewarding and stressing. Stressing in a sense that you need to stick in the rules no matter what. Rewarding, on the other hand, because you and everyone around you will get a lot of advantages in return.

Benefits of Discipline

Value of Hardwork

Most things have no shortcuts. Everything has to pass the first step before reaching the successful end. As with sports, not to mention gymnastics, hard work is a useful ingredient. Athletes have to work hard, devote their time and strength in order to master routines.

​Deal with Losses

In life, there are times we win; there are also times we lose. And losses really hurt. However, you can easily manage those loses if you are disciplined enough. It is good to remember that learning from failure is more important as it helps yourself improve to a tougher you the next time.

Set and Accomplish Goals

Successful athletes do have goals, both short-term and long-term. Simple goals like learning a new skill within a week or improving techniques in a week or two can be learned in no time with discipline. Discipline gives focus on accomplishing these. Having a goal-setting skill is very much essential in sports and many other areas in life.

​The Bottom Line

Self-discipline makes it easier for an athlete to recognize the importance of every single thing in life. If you live with it, you have a big chance of winning.
 

​Getting involved in sports includes getting involved with pressure. Pressure can damage your performance the whole lot. In fact, it can smash you up mentally.

Gymnastics is one of such mentally draining sports. Sometimes, you need to perform not just one but more and more routines to level up. Sometimes, you need to spend a lot of time learning new skills even if you feel it is impossible to perform. Pressure from coaches and parents are always there too.
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The result? Many gymnasts feel an overwhelming pressure. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with challenges. Here are some of them.

​Discover your Enthusiasm

Homesickness, injuries, failure, and high expectations may decrease the sense of confidence and increase pressure. To help you fight mental roadblocks, find out something that interests you. Show up your eagerness. If you really like the sports you are in then show it.

​Do Extra Repetitions

If it is hard for you to learn new skills, try it again. Don’t give up so easily. Try to repeat the process without getting stressed out very quickly. Avoid negative thinking. Remember, practice makes perfect but it takes extra repetitions to reach it.

​Embrace Positive Comments

Listen and speak only with positivity.  A coach should be willing to lift up downhearted gymnasts. A piece of encouragement is a big help letting someone feel the world has not yet ended. Constructive words boost confidence. Both parents and coaches must not demand too much as high expectations could make the pressure even worse.

​Focus on Having Fun

When an athlete is having fun, he/she is more likely to stay. Make it a habit to focus on having fun instead of putting your mind on achieving results. Gymnastics is not meant to stress you out; it is supposed to be enjoyable.

Rules are everywhere. From your home to your school, workplace and training facilities, there are rules you need to follow.
Rules and regulations are provided for many reasons. The first is to promote safety. Gyms with safety precautions reduce the chances of injury. However, not all gymnasts are aware of the rules.
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Here you will learn some of the most important gymnastics rules and see why following them could give a bunch of benefits.

​The Rules that Really Help

Wear Gymnastics Clothes – Gymnastics clothes such as leotard won’t get caught on equipment.
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Only One Person at a Time on Equipment – Rings, balance beam, trampoline, and other gym apparatuses won’t work tough on two or more players.

Warm-up First - For you to avoid injuries, do a proper warm-up right before hand. No working out without appropriate loosening up.

​Destruction and Vandalism are Strictly Prohibited - Anyone caught damaging gymnastics tools and equipment is liable to pay them.

Do Not Attempt Not Permitted Skills – Before performing any skills above your level, let your coach know. Know your abilities or face consequences.
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No Shoe/Socks in the Gym – Gymnasts are required to play with their bare feet. Wearing a shoe or sock can decrease performance and is only a hassle.

​No Jewelry – To help you move lightly, wear no jewelry at all.

No Chewing Gums – No time for a cool guy in the gym. Only foods and drinks are allowed but need to be consumed in designated areas.
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No Training Alone – Training alone is very much risky. Have a coach with you for the best guide.

​How to Follow the Rules

Think about the benefits. Focus on the good side. Gymnastics rules and regulations help keep a gym safe, fun and friendly. With rules, there would be a clean and organize gym. Most importantly, a happy gymnast would exist.
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Do you have more gym rules to add? Let us know in the comments.