1. Riding Freestyle
Riding freestyle BMX is as fun to watch as it is to ride. The fast riding and gravity-defying jumps are speedy and exciting, but they also put BMX riders at risk for a variety of injuries. Ankle and wrist injuries are common, but neck and abdominal injuries also occur frequently. Abdominal injuries can result in organ damage and cracked or broken ribs and pelvic bones, so it's important to know how to prevent abdominal injuries in freestyle BMX and always ride safely.
2. Gear For Protection
Most BMX shirts and pants have knees and elbows reinforced with padding and plastic shields to brace against impact in case of a fall. Look for BMX shirts that have similar reinforced panels in the abdominal area. The fabric of your BMX gear should be lightweight but tear-resistant so it can protect your abdominal area from flying debris or rocks and asphalt if you fall. If your BMX gear doesn't have protection built in, buy a safety vest. These are usually made of plastic and rubber and can be worn right over your shirt, protecting your chest, abdomen and spine.
3. Protect Yourself
There are abdominal protectors and braces that can help prevent abdominal injuries in freestyle BMX. Abdominal binders and rib belts protect the abdominal area during sports and work activities. Binders are made of cotton or nylon and elastic and fasten with hooks or Velcro around the abdomen. They give compression to the abdominal muscles and prevent muscle strain. Rib belts are reinforced to protect the rib cage and spine. Binders and belts are both lightweight enough to wear under your BMX gear.
4. Jumping Safely
It's important to execute BMX jumps safely in order to prevent injuries. Practice your jumps consistently at a safe speed to master them. Never jump on gravel or an uneven surface; you could land unevenly and fall off the bike. Be careful turning and twisting around on the bike. Rotating your body too far in one direction when the bike is going another direction could result in strained abdominal muscles, so be careful about how far you go to defy the laws of gravity.
5. Be Safe In BMX
Practice basic BMX safety when you ride to prevent injuries to yourself and other riders. Always be aware of where other riders are riding so you can avoid a collision. Never try to hit or make contact with another rider while the two of you are riding. Hitting another rider could cause an abdominal contusion or even a broken rib, so be respectful of other riders and give them space.
