The Achilles Tendon Apocalypse
This last year I have watched more NCAA gymnastics than I ever have. Not only is it more accessible, but for the first time in years, I was also not coaching at meets on the weekends. This gave me the opportunity to tune in to ESPN’s “Friday Night Heights”. Over the last few seasons, I’ve…
At What Age Do (Should) Gymnasts Peak? A Controversial Topic
One thing I think COVID has brought for the better in the gymnastics community is an increased focus on change. Change at all levels, stemming from abuse stories, injury and scientific advancement. Having no competitions for a year, I personally was able to take the time to reflect on what is important to me, and…
5 Exercises to Improve Active Flexibility and Mobility
Coming back to training in early February, I was inspired to focus on increasing my gymnasts’ mobility and active flexibility- both in their leaps/jumps and in passive stretches. A few years ago, we had a strength and conditioning coach come into our gym to talk about how strength is a crucial aspect in achieving active…
A Controversial Topic: How Many Hours Should Female Gymnasts Train?
Something I’ve really thought about over the past few years is how many hours gymnasts should train. Or better yet, how many hours gymnasts should be in the gym, and what the time in the gym should look like. The first time I remember actively thinking about this topic was in 2009. The new TV…
Working with the Cycle- Coaching Female Gymnasts Through Puberty
A few weeks ago I went in to see my massage therapist. As always, we chatted about a variety of things- then, the topic of periods came up. I currently struggle with an irregular cycle and ovarian cysts so needless to say, my cycle has been a mess since can I remember. She told me I might like…
Promoting Safety in Gymnastics: Landings
In watching NCAA gymnastics this weekend I was inspired to make my first blog post about landings. Seeing these top-level gymnasts land in a variety of ways- whether it be the legs almost completely straight, an arched back, knees turned in, etc.- made my biomechanics-oriented brain hurt. In fact, a 2007 study that looked at injuries in NCAA from 1988-2004 found that 70% of injuries that were…
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