Why Cooling Down Is Important In Gymnastics

Cooling down is a vital part of a gymnast’s routine in the gymnastics hall, but sometimes we forget that cooling down is just as important as warming up!

After spending time on the floor, it’s important to let the body cool down from its high body temperature and heart rate. Cooling down immediately after a gymnastics class can also reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness in the following days. The best way to cool down after your gymnastics class is to stretch.

Suggested Cool Down Routine

Standing Quad Stretch

Stand nice and tall. Lift your heel up behind you and grab it with your hand. Pull heel to bottom until you feel a stretch. Keep your knee pointed down to the ground and positioned below your hip. Hold for 20 – 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

Butterfly Stretch

Sit down on the floor with the soles of your feet together. Grab ankles and rest elbows on knees. Push your head and your stomach down as far as you can. Hold for 20 – 30 seconds.

Closed Pike Stretch

Keep a nice straight back and straight legs. Reach forward pushing stomach to knees hold for 20 – 30 seconds

Shoulder Stretch

In a seated or standing position, reach your arm across your chest. Use the other arm to push up close to the body. Hold for 20 – 30 seconds. Repeat on the other arm.

Seal Stretch

Lay on your stomach with your hands on the ground just below your rib cage. Gently raise your upper body up until your arms are straight. Hold for 20 – 30 seconds.

All PCYC Queensland classes follow the Gymnastics Queensland syllabus which includes warm ups and cool downs.

If you miss the start of gymnastics class, your coach might ask you to warm up before jumping into activities. This is simply to keep you safe and make sure gymnasts don’t injure yourself themselves during class.

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