Gymnastics Hand Grips
Gymnasts tend to prefer these grips due to the curved leather and ease of breaking in. Furthermore, they come equipped with an extensive wrist strap with ample padding that protects and supports their wrists.
Some grips require longer than others to become comfortable, and gymnasts should practice simpler skills while wearing them until they feel ready to attempt more complex ones.
Size
Before purchasing gymnastics bar grips, size should always be an essential consideration. When purchasing too small grips, fingers may become pinched together or even locked in place causing discomfort and potential danger. Finding the ideal pair requires paying attention to each product page’s sizing chart for guidance; coaches and gymnasts should evaluate fit once on hand using measurements alone (this chart only serves as an approximate guide as there may be dimensions such as wristband placement that cannot be measured with flat measurements).
Some manufacturers offer narrow versions of their grips for gymnasts with smaller hands and/or narrow palm pieces designed to give greater bar feel. It should be noted that typically these grips must be broken in more quickly than their larger and curved counterparts.
Most grips feature two or three holes for fingers to pass through; some models only offer one hole. It is essential that gymnasts use a wire brush on their new grips in order to roughen and remove excess chalk build-up, in order to improve gripping on bars better and decrease chances of finger rips.
Material
Selecting appropriate gymnast grips is essential. A pair should fit comfortably without being tight or leaving an awkward gap at the wrist strap, made from durable material like nylon or leather for prolonged use and abuse, yet easy to clean – grips should be given an occasional brushing with a wire brush to roughen them and remove chalk deposits; this should occur about once every two weeks.
Grip straps typically consist of strips of leather joined to wrist straps that encircle the wrist, secured either with velcro or buckles for easy adjustment and readjustment. Most gymnasts prefer velcro due to its ease of undo and readjustment; buckle grips are also common however. Softer materials, such as cloth wristbands should also be worn under wrist straps in order to reduce chafing.
All grips require some break-in time, and gymnasts should begin by wearing them for practice and performing basic swinging skills until they feel comfortable in them. Once worn, both gymnast and her coach should evaluate whether the grips are properly sized; size charts provide only approximate measurements; the fit must be judged when placed on one’s hand – otherwise holding onto the bar can become challenging or it could even restrict movement, increasing risk and injury potential.
Design
The palm piece of a gymnast’s grip is typically constructed from leather, and comes in various widths and shapes to meet different gymnast needs. Younger gymnasts or those competing at compulsory level tend to opt for thinner leather for easier breaking-in; higher level gymnasts who practice regularly may prefer thicker leather as this will last longer.
Gymnasts must attach the wrist strap securely to their hands using either buckles or velcro straps, then tighten it so it prevents slipping off during routines without pinching or being uncomfortable. Some grips offer soft wrist pads underneath their closure system to reduce skin chafing and discomfort.
Attaching a dowel or stick to the bottom of a palm grip helps transfer bodyweight from fingers onto wrists, increasing comfort. Additionally, this enhances grip strength for increased effectiveness at gymnastic training sessions.
Most grips feature two to three finger holes and come in skinny, straight or curved varieties. Beginners may benefit from skinny grips as they can be quickly and easily put on. Straight or curved varieties should only be considered advanced enough for gymnasts of level 4-6.
Care
Grip care is essential to providing your gymnast with a positive, enjoyable experience. They should always try their grips before using the bars to ensure they fit properly; too loose grips could slip off and cause injury; too tight ones could make movement uncomfortable or hard to use.
The sizing of grips varies among brands, making it essential to pay close attention to the size chart. Furthermore, leather grips stretch with use and may become too big over time if worn too often; replacement might be an option here too if this occurs. Finally, purchasing a grip brush will remove chalk residue from gloves, helping avoid finger compression when rolling the hand grip into place.
Some suggest spraying grips with water to loosen them or help chalk adhere, but this is definitely not advised! Water stiffens leather, causes cracking and makes grips less effective at holding onto bars. Furthermore, too much wetness could lead to rotting which will smell foul and potentially be hazardous for gymnasts – for best results your gymnast should store their grips in an airtight bag after each training session in order to maintain good condition of them.