Your body and mind both should be ready and healthy before you take part in a gymnastics competition. This is essential if you are to give a successful performance. There are several factors that you really need to keep in mind if you are to be ready both physically and mentally for the day of the competition. Here are some basic guidelines to follow.

Eating and Drinking the Night Before

You need to make sure that you take in ample complex carbohydrates that will keep the energy supply to your body constant. For example, multi-grain cereals, while grain cereals, bread, fresh and dried fruit, pasta, bagels, low-fat yoghurt, beans and fruit bars are all great choices. You can also have pretzels, waffles, rice, pancakes, potatoes and toast. Do not consume any fatty foods that do not store energy, drink at least 16 ounces of liquid to stay hydrated. Water and Gatorade are both really great options, do not try any new foods that could potentially upset your stomach.

Packing the Gym Bag

You need to pack your warm up suits. Take grips so that you can perform the uneven bar routine. Always carry your own music in addition to the one that your coach carries, in case of technical difficulties. You can also carry on some athletic tae if there is a current injury that you are ailing from. Carry a small snack and a bottle of water. Also remember to take a hairspray in case you have to touch up between rounds.

Get Enough Sleep

You must get at least eight hours of sleep before the competition. You will not feel tired during the day of the competition if you have given your body enough time to rest the night before. You also need to keep enough time for sleeping because you will need to wake up at least two or three hours before the competition and eat at least half an hour before it.

Prepare Your Body

You must keep your body well prepared for the upcoming competition. Take a long and hot shower the night before so that it can help release the tension in your muscles. Remove all of your nail polish. Remember that judges will remove points if any flashy or easily visible colours are seen on your finger or toe nails. You also need to get ready with the clothing, hair and makeup. You will need to get dressed in your competition leotard and pull your hair tightly back into a bun with no loose bits of fly-aways hanging around your face. This is why a hairspray should always be there to hand. You can use a glitter hairspray so that you give yourself a bit of a shimmer. The makeup that you use n=must have a simple and clean look. Your undergarments should also be compatible with the attire you wear. Judges will deduct points if your undergarments are showing.