In gymnastics, participants must develop flexibility, balance, and strength. The most successful gymnasts are those who are naturally flexible. However, exercising those naturally flexible joints too much, especially the shoulders, can make them become too loose. The ligaments, or tissue that holds bones together, can be stretched to the point that they no longer hold the bones in the correct position. For example, if the ligaments in your shoulder are stretched too much, they will not hold the arm in its socket when you move it certain ways. This allows your shoulder to dislocate, or come out of joint (Fig. 1). Dislocation can lead to serious injuries. To prevent dislocation of any joint, you need to strengthen the muscles surrounding that joint. When the muscles are strong, they will hold the joint together, even if the ligaments are stretched.