How to be a Successful Gymnast

By Allie SalasEDT 321

How to be a Successful GymnastSlide 11Practice, practice, practice!They say practice makes perfect. At EDGE, we like the gymnasts to practice how they are going to compete. It helps prepare the gymnasts mentally. The gymnasts work out 5 days a week for 4 hours each practice. The optional levels practice from 3:30pm-7:30pm (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.) and 9am-1pm on Saturday.

Slide 22Preparing for SeasonIn September, we mostly start perfecting the new skills we have learned to put into routines. When October rolls around, we put routines together and do a lot of quantity routines.During November and into December, the number of routines decreases and the quality increases. This helps prevent injuries and keep the girls safe for competition.

Slide 33Taking Care of Your BodyGymnastics takes a toll on the body, so it is important to make sure you and eating right. Make sure to get all your major nutrientsAthletes need a lot of carbohydrates for energy; protein for muscle; and fruit and veggies for vitamins and minerals.Learn more at Nutrition for the Athlete

Slide 44Getting some zzzsGymnasts train 20 hours a week. It is imperative to make sure your gymnast is getting enough sleep. Athletes should get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. This will help prevent injuries due to lack of energy, and the gymnast will be sharper mentally.

Slide 55Injuries Gymnastics and injuries go hand in hand. It is a dangerous sport, but some can be prevented.Make sure to stretch before and after practice to prevent muscle tears.When it does happen, make sure to tell the coach. DO NOT try to push through the rest of practice. The coach will know what to do, and will do whats best for the gymnast. Also, there are ways to bandage an injury, such as taping a hurt ankle to help support it.

http://bjsportmed.com/content/38/4/398/F2.large.jpgSlide 66Gymnastics and CollegeMany gymnasts aspire to continue their sport into college. There are many steps to earn a college scholarships. The gymnast has to fill out questionnaires for the colleges they are interested in. The have to contact the coaches via email or by phone. The coaches are able to contact the recruit after September 1 of their junior year of high school. You can find the list of colleges that have gymnastics programs and the number of scholarships available here 2014-2015 Commits Slide 77Gymnastics and College Cont.It is also a good idea to create a YouTube account and upload videos of your gymnast for college coaches. This allows the collegiate coach to see what their recruit is working on, and how they are doing during season.Heres an example of a recruiting video. Allie is showing colleges she is working on a new vault, and is working towards competing it.

Slide 88FinallyRemember, it doesnt matter the amount of medals you win, or what place you get a competition. As long as you set goals and you work towards those goals, you will be successful.Dont let anyone bring you down. You are in control of you body and your success. It wont be easy, but in the end it will be worth it. Keep working hard, and pushing through the tough times. Slide 99