Q&A for How to Stretch Before Gymnastics

Stretching for 20 minutes at one session should be safe. Ask your coach or trainer for advice. Start by practicing bending backwards over the back of a couch/sofa or a big arm chair. That way, you won't hurt your head or neck when you go back. You can also practice bending backwards over a big exercise ball.

Write on a calendar/diary, set an alarm, set aside a certain time each day so you'll make it a habit (you will be more flexible in the evening, but stretching gently when you first wake up is good also). Maybe get a friend or parent to remind you daily.

Just push past your limit a little bit and hold it till the pain goes away then do it again.

In Germany, two pioneer physical educators, Johann Friedrich GutsMuths and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn started the sport.

Keep doing basic yoga or stretches every day until your body gets used to different positions. It won't guarantee you to be as flexible as your friends, but it's a good start. If you keep practicing and training, you could be as flexible or even more, it all depends on how much effort you put into it.

Practice lifting yourself in a seated position, then practice getting yourself halfway up into a press. Eventually it will come.

You're using your arm muscles. After you use a muscle, it will feel sore or cramp. Make sure to stretch afterward and don't work out the same muscle group two days in a row.

The ideal way is by standing then leaning back with your hands up until you reach the ground. However, you can start by laying down and then pushing off the ground.

No, try to touch your nose to the ground when doing a middle split or straddle.

Yes, it does. It helps your muscles relax and it helps you be a better gymnast.

The trampoline won't help, however it may give you a good bounce to get your leg all the way over. Keep practicing!

Check out this article on How to Do a Back Handspring .

Stretching for at least 30 minutes every day will help you maintain flexibility and increase your range of motion. Ask your gymnastics coach for specific guidance.

Yes, it's possible! Do stretches every day for about fifteen minutes. Follow along with Anna McNulty Stretches. She has transformed others into better, stronger, and more flexible people!