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7241 Whipple Ave. North Canton, Ohio 44720 330-498-4082 Fax: 330-498-4084 |
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Rips and New Years Resolution |
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Rips
1. What is ripping? A tearing of the skin on hands, usually from a built-up callus. It results from working on the uneven bars. Usually, the outer layer of skin rips, but sometimes it can be deeper and even bleed. Should bleeding occur, the gymnast should immediately notify a coach.
2. Rip kits a. Each gymnast should bring their own rip kit in their gym bag for every practice. This kit should include the following: nail clippers, tweezers, manicure scissors, gauze pads, Band-aids, Neosporin or an antibiotic cream, and gymnastics tape. b. Due to increasing EPA regulations regarding injuries, especially involving bodily fluids, we need to enforce this policy rather stringently.
3. “Rip” pointers: a. If part of the skin is still attached, carefully cut off this flap of skin with small scissors (do not tear skin off). Remove thickened areas at edges of rip to prevent further ripping. b. Wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Pat dry. c. Apply small amount of Neosporin to raw area, cover with appropriate- sized Band-aid, and secure with gymnastics tape wrapped around your hand. d. At night, apply a generous amount of Neosporin, Vaseline, A&D ointment, or Preparation H (or similar hemorrhoid cream) to raw area and cover your hand with a clean cotton sock. e. Expose the “rip” to air during the day. If the raw skin is dry, apply a thing coat of Vaseline, A&D, or Preparation H to keep the healing skin soft. f. Repeat step #4 until healing is complete. g. At your next practice after ripping, your hand still may be tender doing bars. You may have to do less routine work and conditioning instead (chin-ups, leg lifts, and scissors). Taping and/or wearing grips will help until the area is healed. h. Rips usually heal in a couple of days.
4. Cutting down on rips a. Try wearing grips. Some gymnasts prefer them, some do not. b. Keep skin on hands soft by liberally applying a hand lotion several times a day (preferably containing Vitamin E). This lotion need not be expensive. c. Use an emery board to carefully file calluses off.
5. “Rips” are a gymnast’s “red badge of courage” and a normal consequence of working bars. With good maintenance and care, they won’t become a problem. |
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9 New Years Resolution (copied from International Gymnast Magazine)
1. I will always arrive at practice on time—maybe even early! - and never, ever blame my parents again for getting me there late! 2. During practice, I will avoid requesting bathroom and water fountain breaks every 15 min. (This may be difficult!) 3. If I make a mistake during one of my routines, I will not blame the equipment, my grips or that the chalk was too…..chalky. I will always take responsibility. (Did I really just agree to that?) 4. I will use only the required amount of chalk for each turn instead of leaving a trail of powder each time I walk away from the chalk box. Chalk is not free, so I am told (repeatedly). 5. I will refrain from begging my coach to teach me skills I am NOT ready fo. 6. I will refrain from refusing to attempt the skill my coach says I AM READY for. 7. I will get my splits!! No ifs, ands or buts! I REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME. Honest! 8. When it is time for conditioning, I will not mysteriously develop a splitting headache and ask to be excused (well, at least not more than once a month). 9. When practice is over and my parents ask me to get ready to leave, I will not make them repeat themselves (too many times). |
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