How to Get Used to Dowel Grips
Grips are leather coverings that protect the hands and palms of gymnasts while doing routines on the rings or the bars. Dowel grips are grips that have reinforcement on them, as well as a light dowel rod to help take the weight off of the gymnast's fingers. While uncomfortable at first, these grips need to be broken in and practiced with in order to really get used to them before doing more difficult routines.
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Instructions
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Make sure that the dowel grips are appropriately sized; if the grips are too big or too small they won't be comfortable and will likely result in injury if used. Men's and women's dowel grips are sized differently so be sure to start with grips for the proper gender. The grip should be measured from where the hand begins to the tip of the middle finger. Do not include the wrist in the measurement.
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Break in the leather. With the dowel up and facing you, roll the grip like it was a map or a scroll, with the leather going around the dowel. Unroll the dowel, turn the grip around so the dowel is facing away from you and repeat the process, rolling the grip in the opposite direction around the dowel. This should help break in the stiffness of the leather grips.
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Wear the dowel grips while doing simple routines. Single turns on a set of uneven bars and quick routines with several, simple maneuvers will help you break in and get used to the dowel grips. Take regular breaks to make sure the dowel grips don't chafe and blister your wrists and hands.
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Tips & Warnings
Putting athletic tape over your skin or clean wristbands under the dowel grips can provide extra padding to help you use the grips comfortably.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images
