When it comes to flexibility and strength, gymnastics is a perfect combination. It’s a challenging sport that takes great skill in practice—but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some of the basics into your own routine. Here are three gymnastics moves to help you get more flexible or strong. Be sure to work up to each of these skills and to not push yourself in order to avoid injury.
Bridge
The bridge is a staple of gymnastics—it’s one of the first skills gymnasts learn and is used in a variety of ways. It can create back flexibility and strengthen the glutes, shoulders, and back.
Handstands
Handstands are a particularly good strength-training activity. Doing one with control requires flexing every muscle and keeping them tight. Learning to do one will give you more control over your body and is a full-body strength training move.
Splits
Splits or straddles are a great way to open your hips and stretch your thighs out. Opening your hips helps with yoga as well as general flexibility.
