Discover Some Unique Ways Gymnasts Can Benefit From A Sports Training Program

Gymnastics Strength Training

Gymnasts need high levels of bodyweight strength, balance, flexibility and coordination to be successful. On top of their regular training and sport practice, additional benefits can come from an organized workout plan.

An advanced and highly challenging core stability training routine should be the foundation of their workouts. Upper body strength and power, particularly when using bodyweight and some functional resistance tools, are also beneficial. And with a greater emphasis on isometric work than most sports, static strength work would be of great value, as well.

Leg strength and power work definitely should not be overlooked, either, as it can lead to enhanced performance in vault and beam routines.

Sometimes individuals have problems mastering certain techniques not because they don't understand how to do it, but because they lack sufficient strength. For them, a solid workout routine may correct technical problems better than repetitive practice in any event.

Targeted flexibilty exercises that loosen up tight muscles will also improve performance, although most experienced gymnasts do not have a problem here

Upper and lower body plyometric training can also be of value provided the individual is not at risk for developing overuse injuries by adding these high-intensity exercises to an already intense practice and competition schedule.

Gymnastics Speed Training

This probably has minimal value in most cases, although there may be a benefit to improving sprint speed for floor routines and vaulting events. Generally speaking, though, young athletes whose primary sport focus is gymnastics do not need much speed development.

They do, however, need stay lean and fit. Outside of their actual sport practice, a group fitness program that emphasizes fun while building the cardiovascular system can have positive effects both physically and mentally.

Injury Prevention for Gymnastics

Protection from injury should be a primary focus of training for gymnastics. There are many simple yet highly effective training strategies that can protect you from short-term and long-term pain.

Those who are extremely flexible will benefit greatly from a proper strength program that stabilizes loose joints. Every athlete must strike a balance between mobility and stability in their joints, and tipping the scales either way is a sure-fire way to get hurt. Gymnasts are often more mobile than stable, and should be dilligent in correcting any imbalances they have.

Increased balance will lessen the chances of ankle sprains, and knee problems that may crop up from poor landing positions. High-level balance work can do wonders for both, along with some hip strengthening to further protect their knee joints.

Core stability training will help to prevent back injuries, another common problem in the sport. It also takes stress off of other joints like the hip and shoulder and keep those areas healthy, as well.

Youth Gymnastics Training Considerations

The three big areas that young gymnasts should be training even at a young age are core stability, balance, and coordination.

All of these skills can definitely be trained and improved early in life. Balance and coordination in particular are best trained starting at age 7, when the human body is most capable of improving these skills.

The core work will help to build strength and power from the inside out while giving you more protection against back injuries.

I would caution against doing too much other strength training, as the sport demands already do a lot to strengthen kids quite well. Exercise for young kids should be fun, engaging, and never pushed to the extreme.

Mental Toughness Development for Gymnastics

Competitions are stressful events. Those with high levels of self-confidence and mental toughness will see them as a challenge, but those who lack them will grow to fear the heat of battle.

There is an exciting new field of athletic intelligence development, called Sports Axiology, that can help young athletes conquer the mental side of sports. It can have a dramatic effect on a gymnasts career, to say nothing of the impact on the rest of their lives.

Power Source is excited to soon be a provider of this invaluable service, starting in the Fall of 2010.

Gymnastics Training at Power Source

Massachusetts and New Hampshire gymnasts have access to our elite training programs to help them prevent injuries, and build all the physical skills they need to excel.

Although not a huge need, our Game Speed 102 and 405 Clinics can assist with sprint development for certain events. Power Source's fitness programs might be a better fit for those who want a fun change of pace to their exercise.

Gymnasts ages 7-10 in MA and NH can maximize their long-term health, coordination and athleticism by taking part in our age-appropriate training programs for them.