Preschool Gymnastics Mobile Circuit Training !

Creating an obstacle course for a gymnastic class for preschoolers is one way to help young children develop gross motor skills while having fun. An obstacle course can have areas where children crawl, do tumbling and jump. It can improve coordination and agility and provides good exercise.

Instructions

Step1
Keep in mind preschool children are just developing the skills needed to be a gymnast. Gymnastic lessons for young children should focus on developing coordination, balance and flexibility. Set up a course that helps children develop those skills.

Step2
Determine how many stations you want to include in your obstacle course. Be sure you have enough room for each area. Consider having four to six stations.

Step3
Setup an area where children can practice forward or backward rolls. This is a basic gymnastic move most preschoolers will be able to do. Place mats down to provide a soft area.

Step4
Create a station where preschoolers can jump. Use a foam pit or a ball pit. Consider using a springboard. Instruct children to jump on the board and into the pit.

Step5
Have children crawl under a rope tied between two chairs. If available, use a play tunnel for children to crawl through.

Step6
Add an area to work on balance. Gymnasts need to develop good balance. Have children walk across a balance beam close to the ground.

Step7
Consider having a mini trampoline for children to practice jumping. Keep safety in mind and have foam cushions surrounding the trampoline.

Gibson Athletic has an array of products designed specifically for preschoolers and recreational gymnastics. Our Mobile Preschool Circuit allows for easy set up and tear down and has been a great addition to many programs since its release. Please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call us at 1-800-275-5999 for more information on our preschool product line.


Source: Ehow.com

US Gymnasts Selected to Compete in Friendly Exchange

Bridget Sloan is still going strong since her Olympic debut. She was among eight selected for the friendly international exchange meet. The girls will be competing on May 1 in Muelheim, Germany, and on May 8 in Rouen, France

Lets take a look at what she debut at the American Cup for this upcoming season...




Source: USA-gymnastics.org
Youtube.com

JO vs. Elite Gymnastics

As an athlete and parent it's good to know what you are getting involved in. Whatever your gymnastics goals may be, the following video is a good way to learn what it takes to be involved in the world of gymnastics. Tammy Biggs, US Women's National Team Coach,explains her philosophy and the difference in expectations from the JO and elite programs.



www.gymnastike.org

CATCHING UP WITH NASTIA LIUKIN

Hear what Gymnastics Olympics Champion is up to now and her plans for the future...

What is your favorite memory from China?
Being able to be part of Team USA! It was the most amazing experience of my life! Living in the village was so cool, too. And of course winning five medals at my first Olympic Games.

How has life changed since the Olympic Games?
My life has gotten so much busier. I am traveling a lot for appearances, shows, clinics and photo shoots, and I’m meeting a lot of people. I love every minute of it and am still in shock sometimes when I think about it!

Have you seen any of your Olympic teammates since the tour ended?
Yes, I have seen them all quite a bit. We all stay in touch on a regular basis. We created such a strong bond throughout the years that will never go away. It was a very special team we had this year.

What has been your favorite thing you have done since the Olympic Games?
Modeling for Max Azria, (being guests on) Oprah with the whole Olympic Team, (being a guest on) Jay Leno and (performing in) the Tour of Gymnastics Superstars.

You have modeled for Max Azria and designed a fashion line for Vanilla Star. Are you interested in a career in the fashion industry?
I love fashion, and yes, I would love to do more things in the industry. Up until now, I haven't had too much time for that, so it’s nice to have time to try different things!

Do you want to pursue modeling?
I think it would be very fun. It’s something I enjoy doing, but as of right now, my priority is definitely still gymnastics. So the modeling can either wait or just be a sideline thing!

Modeling is said to be hard work – how difficult was it with the Max Azria shoots?
It was actually not too difficult! The whole shoot took seven hours, including hair and makeup.

Have any of the opportunities you have enjoyed given you insight into what you might want to do long-term?
Possibly modeling or acting. But also I want to stay involved in gymnastics for the rest of my life. It has gotten me all of these amazing opportunities!

Are you still traveling quite a bit?
Yes, I’m still traveling, but not as much as the last eight months. I'm REALLY trying hard to keep it to a minimum and mostly on weekends. That way I don't miss training.

Have you had a break? Were you able to go on vacation?
I didn't really take a vacation yet. But I was able to get a break from full-time training with all the traveling I did. But now I'm back in the gym and back to my normal schedule!

You finally went to Paris, correct? How was it? What things did you do/see?
I LOVED Paris! It’s always been on my "places to visit" list. I went with my mom and dad. We stayed in a beautiful hotel and our view was the Eiffel Tower! We were only there for two days, but we just walked around a lot, ate great food and went shopping, of course.

You have been all over the world for competitions and appearances. What is your favorite international city?
Melbourne, Australia.

What is your favorite U.S. city?
Los Angeles!

How is school?
I have actually decided to take a break from classes to concentrate fully on training and getting back in shape. It was a little hard with training and especially traveling. But I hope when things slow down, I can start back up.

Was it hard getting back into the gym? How is training going?
It was a little frustrating because I have never taken more then just three days off. After almost six months of not training intensely, it was a little hard getting back into it. But it just takes time and I had to be patient. Gymnastics is something I have a passion for and I love, and I know if I put my heart and mind to it, "impossible is nothing."

What’s your typical day like?
I wake up at 6:30 a.m. and go running before training. Then I train from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. I then have lunch, run errands or help my mom with anything she needs, and take a little rest. Then training again from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Are you excited to have the Visa Championships in Dallas?
I am SO excited for the Visa Championships to be in Dallas!!! I can't wait! Texas, especially Dallas, is a huge hot spot for gymnastics. I am hoping a lot of fans will come out and enjoy the weekend of great gymnastics! I've never had a big competition in front of a home crowd, so I'm excited but I know I will be nervous, too.

What are your future goals for gymnastics?
I would love to compete at the World Championships this year in London in October. The 2012 Olympics are a little more than three years away. Time is flying by already! I am taking it one year at a time, but the Olympics are, once again, in the back of my mind as a long-term goal.

What is your favorite gymnastics memory?
My favorite gymnastics memory is becoming the Olympic all-around champion. I will never forget that feeling of hearing my name next to those words.

Source: usa-gymnastics.org

KUPETS LEADS GEORGIA TO 5th NCAA TITLE

LINCOLN, Neb., April 18, 2009 – 2004 Olympic team silver-medalist Courtney Kupets, a senior at the University of Georgia, added three individual event titles to her 2009 NCAA team and all-around crowns at the 2009 National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships, held at the University of Nebraska’s Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb. Kupets won uneven bars and balance beam, and tied for first on floor exercise with Louisiana State University’s Ashleigh Clare-Kearney. Clare-Kearney claimed the vault crown.

Kupets now has nine career NCAA individual titles, surpassing the mark of eight set by the University of Kentucky's Jenny Hansen in 1993-95. Her individual titles are: three in the all-around (2006-07, 2009), two on uneven bars (2006, 2009), two on balance beam (2006, 2009), one on vault (2007) and one on floor exercise (2009). She also won three team national championships (2006-07, 2009). Kupets missed the 2008 NCAA Championships with a torn Achilles tendon.

On uneven bars, Kupets scored a 9.9500 to finish first, with Stanford University’s Carly Janiga placing second at 9.9125 and the University of Florida’s Alicia Goodwin and the University of Utah’s Kristina Baskett tying for third at 9.9000.

Kupets and Georgia teammate Courtney McCool, also a 2004 Olympic team silver-medalist, placed first and second, respectively, on balance beam with scores of 9.9875 and 9.9500. Sharing third place with scores of 9.9000 were Baskett, the University of Alabama’s Ashley Priess and University of Arkansas’ Sarah Nagashima.

Kupets and Clare-Kearney each posted a 9.9500 to top the field on floor exercise. Florida’s Corey Hartung finished third with a 9.9000. Clare-Kearney won vault with a 9.9000, followed by LSU teammate Susan Jackson in second with a 9.8938. Kupets and Baskett shared third place after each scored a 9.8563.

GIBSON Athletic is a proud sponsor of the NCAA. Please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call 1-800-275-5999 for all your gymnastics needs. Congratulations to all men's and women's NCAA Gymnastics participants on a great season!

Source: www.usa-gymnastics.org

10 things you should know before putting your child in gymnastics

1. Gymnastics is a progressive sport. It is a long road ahead and is a building process so nothing happens over night.

2. Parents must be patient and supportive when child is overcoming obstacles. Whether it is fear, frustration, coaching conflicts, injury etc. always support your child in a positive manner. There should be no punishments just guidance.

3. It is a commitment not only from the child but the parents.

4. You can start at any age! There are different benefits to the sport even if they have a late start or progress slowly. Gymnastics is great for focus, motor function skills, coordination, strength, and flexibility.

5. If a child becomes “fearful” always remain positive.

6. Never criticize or “coach” your child. Leave that to the coaches.

7. It can be a financial burden to a family if not prepared. Take into account enrollment, equipment, fees, travel, etc.

8. Competitive gymnastics can involve a lot of traveling.

9. Gymnastics requires a lot of commitment in and out of the gym. It is a lifestyle sport. Gymnasts give up a lot of extracurricular activities for training. There is little time for other sports and social activities. The demand for mental and physical toughness is high.

10. Do not put your child in gymnastics because you want them to be the next Olympian. Six girls are selected every four years and too much pressure can be placed on kids with that intention. This can lead to burn out and resentment. The athlete should be in the sport because she loves it and reaps the benefits of the sport not solely because she wants to be an Olympian. A very small percentage ever make it that far.

The benefits of gymnastics are well worth the hard work. If you have questions you should stop by a local club and ask to speak with a professionally certified coach. A lot of gymnastics clubs offer free trial lessons as well. Look at the quality of the facility as well as competitive background. Some gymnastics clubs offer strictly recreational gymnastics as opposed to high level athletics. Review your child’s goals and make the best decision for their needs together!

Author: Courtney Butler- Gibson Athletic

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Joining a Gymnastics Club

1. Is the gymnastics club USAG registered?
-Registered member clubs are also available at www.usa-gymnastics.org

2. Is the equipment in the facility up-to-date and safe?
-The equipment should all be in good enough condition where the safety of the athlete is not jeopardized. Mats should be in good shape, all equipment looking sturdy and stable

3. Are the coaches professionally certified?
-Coaches should be registered USAG members

4. What is the history of the gymnastics program there?
-Some gyms provide very high level gymnastics coaching and others recreational. Know the history of the gym, type of program they have, and the type of program you are personally looking for

5. Do they treat their athletes with respect?
-Coaches should sound knowledgeable; provide professional critique and understanding of the skill

There are many questions and concern when either joining or switching gymnastics clubs. Gymnastics is a high commitment level sport so we suggest you explore your options carefully before selecting your gym. There are many factors to consider when choosing a facility and coaches. It is much easier to make the right decision early on than to have to switch gymnastics clubs in the middle of an athlete’s career.

Author:
Courtney Butler
Gibson Athletic