Gymnastics requires commitment, determination and resilience. Whether a new gymnast, or a seasoned professional, there are a few habits that help practice make perfect. Here’s our top 10 Habits, which are a great way to start off a new year.
Spaced Repetition:
This doesn’t mean doing lots of repetitions on each day. Spaced repetition is practicing a small number of correct supervised repetitions on a daily basis. Spaced repetition should be employed for a minimum of 21 days to create a habit.
Nutrition:
Gymnasts should eat a diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates and good fats, which work together to build muscle and provide energy. Juice Plus is a great drink that provides multivitamins young gymnasts need.
Hydrate:
Drinking water to stay hydrated – not energy drinks – is important for keeping up metabolism and keeps the body and muscles functioning properly. Studies say that advanced athletes should drink 16 ounces of water per hour of training! Also carry and drink water throughout the day.
One-Track Mind:
Generally, people have “one-track minds” when it comes to learning. It’s important for gymnasts to focus on one skill at a time and learn it thoroughly before moving on to the next step or new skill. This is a good progressive training technique.
Warm up:
Warm up properly before practice and competition, to prevent injury. Start with simple ankle and wrist warm ups and then move to deeper stretching.
Don’t Over Train:
A young gymnast can’t go 6 days a week 5 hours a day training at 100 percent. Young bodies take 72 to 11 days to recuperate after a hard workout.
Strength Training:
Increase strength through weight training, not over repetition. This will increase the gymnasts strength without putting intense load placed on their bodies.
Pre-Workout Snack:
In order to give your muscles and brain the energy it needs to give 100% and stay fueled throughout practice.
Set Goals:
Analyze the events and the gymnasts possible weaknesses. Be precise about goals, set priorities and keep the goals small and achievable.
LOVE GYMNASTICS:
Love what you do and remind yourself why you are a gymnast! Do this first and all of the other habits will fall into place.
