Hand guard

Hand guards, or grips as they are also called, help gymnasts on the bar related apparatus.

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They are made up of a strip of leather and a wrist strap of either velcro or a buckle. The strip of leather is about 5 centimeters across and has finger holes at the top for the third and fourth fingers. The holes should go down to the first knuckle. Gymnasts normally choose to wear something soft under the wrist strap. Now, some grips (especially the brand Super Grips) come with pads under the wrist straps that are removable.

Related Topics:
Leather - Velcro - Knuckle

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Some gymnasts choose to make grips out of sports tape rather than buy them. Making grips out of sports tape is espeically useful when you have a rip. (When the outer layer of skin separates from the lower layers. It's very common and very painful.) The use of water and chalk also aids in the various bar apparatus, to help reduce friction between the bar and hand. This is important as the less friction generated, the less likely blisters (or rips) will happen.

Related Topics:
Water - Chalk

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Most competitive gymnasts wear what are called dowel grips. These grips have a dowel rod wrapped in leather placed between the grip and the fingers. When worn properly, the dowel extends the reach of the gymnasts fingers making it easier to grip the bar and swing. The leather also protects the hands from the intense bar workouts required for upper level competition.

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Grips without dowel rods are also available and are more for recreational and low level competitive use. They don't make gripping the bar any easier, but help prevent rips from forming during shorter bar practices. These grips are cheaper and are usually made out of thinner leather.

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