Parachuting
Freestyle parachuting is a new and expressive aspect in skydiving. As with all methods of parachuting, there numerous injuries that can be avoided, especially for those initially coming into the sport.
Injuries range from muscular strains, especially in the biceps and pectoral ( chest ) muscles due to the arms being whipped out during decent, to a high number of leg and spine injuries associated with poor landing skills / conditions.
It's essential that all jumpers engage in safe jumping practices, these include regular checks of equipment, jumping within own limitations, belonging and learning from an affiliated club. A freestylist's life depends on their equipment and their knowledge to deal with split second emergency maneuvers.
Warming-up your muscles and stretching prior to jumping will give your body an increased range of movement, and thus place less strain during complex or simple exercises taking place under high pressure due to gravity.
Restrictions due to flying to jump heights 12,000 feet plus in small aircraft's, places the importance of warming-up and stretching whilst on the ground. This should be done with a minimum 10 minutes light aerobic work, such as jogging or skipping, followed by the mobility and dynamic warm-up exercises. The warm-up stretches, plus the sports specific stretches below, should be carried out in nonrestrictive but warm clothing, some jumpsuits are ideal for this. Stay warm whilst on the ground, regularly carrying out the dynamic movements, especially the swimming actions.
During your flight, keep your joints lose with the mobility exercises, and aim to perform as many of the sports specific stretches that are possible. The most important thing that you need to do, during the whole process, is to check your equipment, don't start any of the stretches or warm-up routine until your equipment has been properly checked.
Once you have jumped safely, try and perform the quick stretch routine to release the tension within your muscles, prior to checking and arranging your equipment, or having any jump debrief.
At the end of your days jumping, warm-up all your muscles again with light aerobic work, before using the cool-down stretches to help prevent muscle soreness.