Total fitness is a fundamental prerequisite to safe practices in gymnastics. Master first those basic skills that have the broadest application to the more complex skills. Know how to initiate, execute, and complete the entire movement. Develop awareness for the more critical aspects of each skill. Be keenly aware that a prime consideration is protection of your head and spinal column.
Open gym is a time for students to practice and perfect skills that have been taught in class .
It is not a time for experimenting with new tricks. Open gym is offered to give motivated students the opportunity to increase their strength and proficiency at gymnastics skills. It is not a Day Care. To be beneficial, open gym time should be limited to the amount of time a student spends weekly in class. This will avoid boredom and fatigue, which leads to mishaps.