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Almost all high level gymnasts wear grips on their
hands. While they are worn by female gymnasts
on the uneven bars, males wear them on the high
bars and the rings. There are two types of grips:
dowel and palm. Palm grips are composed of a
strip of leather that covers the palm of the hand.
Dowel grips incorporate a dowel rod, which
creates a sort of bump on the outside of the grip.
This serves to control the gymnasts hold on the
bars and ease hand pressure and reduce the risk
of slipping off the bars. Both types are secured at
the wrist by either a buckle or a Velcro strap.
When Should A Gymnast Start To Use Grips?
As gymnasts grow, their increasing body weight
will begin to put stress on their hands. I suggest
starting with grips between a level 4 and 6. While
many low level gymnasts often use palm grips to
help avoid blisters and calluses, I recommend
starting them right off with a dowel grip. This will
get them adjusted immediately. If the gymnast
waits till they get to the circling stunts to use a
dowel grip, this will create a delay in their training
during the adjustment period.
It is of great importance to select the correct size
when purchasing grips. Also be sure to buy a pair
of wristbands to wear underneath them to
prevent the grips from slipping up and down on
your wrist, and to avoid irritation and chaffing. All
grips will require some time to be broken in; for
this reason many gymnasts own more than one
pair. If they feel too stiff, you can try rolling the
leather part around the dowel to simulate the
shape of the bar. Some gymnasts use a grip brush
to prevent their grips from becoming too smooth.
Others spray them with water to improve their
grip.
Talk to your coach before buying gymnastics grips.
We recommend Reisport or U.S. Glove gymnastics
grips which are known for their protection and
durability.
TIGER PAWS
Tiger paws are for gymnasts who have experienced a
wrist injury or are experiencing on-going wrist
pain, the Tiger Paw might be a good addition to
your yoga equipment bag. Anyone who does handstands, arm
balances, vaulting, floor tumbling , etc. may want to try the
Tiger Paw as a way of supporting the wrist and
preventing hyper-extension of the wrist joint.
Of course, good form, proper alignment, and
sensitivity to overexertion are the best ways to
avoid straining the wrists and possible injury. And
wearing the Tiger Paw does not mean that you
can suddenly do anything and everything on your
wrists without any regard for safety or the
limitations of your body.
Some people really like to feel “connected” to
their mat, and the Tiger Paw can
be annoying for such people. For me, the
advantages of wearing a Tiger Paw far outweigh
any minor discomfort or inconvenience
This product obviously isn’t for everyone. But for
those people who need a little extra wrist
support, the Tiger Paw works way better than
athletic tape or some of the other solutions I’ve
seen people try. Now I just need to figure out
how to clean it properly. The Tiger Paw is made
out of leather, and I imagine that you can’t just
throw it into the wash with the rest of your
laundry…
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