How To Prepare For Your Gymnastics Performance
Posted on - 23rd May 2023
We understand the lead-up to any gymnastic performance is nerve-wracking and even more stressful on the day. Whether it’s your first competition or your hundredth one, it’s very normal to feel this way. It’s important to stay calm during your performance as it can affect your confidence, but we both know it’s easier said than done!
Due to the fact that a large number of our customers are gymnasts, we decided to put together an article on how to prepare for your next gymnastics performance or competition. Whether you’re training for an upcoming event or performing soon in a national or international championship, this is a must-read for all competing gymnasts!
1) Practice, Practice and More Practice
The first part is a no-brainer, that is practicing your routine as much as you can. As the phrase goes, practice makes perfect! It’s important to note, we are not talking about practicing so much, you burn yourself out (this is definitely not recommended). It is better having a manageable and effective training schedule in place to ace your performance on the day.
2) Stretching
To increase flexibility, you need to stretch every day, not just on training days. Flexibility enables gymnasts to perform complex stunts with ease, as stretching warms up the muscles and prepares them for intense routines. A 15-minute stretching session twice a day is enough to strengthen your muscles, keep them loose and help avoid any nasty muscle cramps. The key is to stay consistent with your daily stretching sessions alongside your training schedule.
3) Diet
Aside from physical performance, it’s vital to fuel the body with the right nutrition and keep it hydrated. If not, a gymnast can not perform to their full potential. Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat. Avoid any junk food, fried foods and caffeinated drinks. Make sure to drink 2 litres of water every day, especially before and after training and on the day of the competition. This will prevent dehydration by replacing any water loss during the performance.
4) Sleep & Downtime
Another important part of preparing for a competition is getting enough sleep and downtime. It’s recommended to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you are following all the other parts but not getting enough sleep, you will feel fatigued on the day of the competition, making all your preparations go to waste. If you’re finding it hard to fall asleep, we recommend listening to calming music or trying medication to help relax your mind and body. The night before a competition, you may experience some restless sleep, so we suggest getting enough downtime to clear your mind and head to bed a little earlier to get enough rest.
5) Find The Right Leotard
Once you’re following a consistent schedule of practicing, stretching, eating healthy and getting enough sleep, the last thing you need to do is have the right gymnastic leotard to perform in. There is something magical about purchasing a new leotard for an upcoming competition that adds to your confidence. Make sure to order a new leotard in good time before the competition, so you have a chance to practice your routine while wearing it. This will tell you if the leotard is comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movements.
Shop Gymnastic Wear From Olympique
If you haven’t found the right outfit, browse the full range of gymnastic wear from Olympique. Our gymnastic collection includes sleeveless leotards, long-sleeved leotards, gym shorts and more. Our leotards come in many beautiful and vibrant colours as well as in many sizes for both children and ladies.
We hope this article has brought you some reassurance before your next performance or competition. If you will be competing anytime soon, we wish you the very best of luck! We suggest you read this article again to prepare for future competitions to use as a helpful guide. For any enquiries, please get in touch with us.