Summer Training Edge
Summer is an exciting time for gymnasts. Summer is when the focus of practices turns toward developing new skills. Most gymnasts will tell you that they do gymnastics because it is "fun." If you ask them to define "fun" they will probably communicate something along the line of "being with my friends and getting new skills." This means that summer is the season to renew your gymnast's spirit and enthusiasm for her or his sport.
Most gymnastics programs offer additional workouts or camp training over the summer. Have your gymnast take advantage of this opportunity. While more hours in a chalky gym might not initially sound appealing, remember this is the time when your gymnast can really develop some needed strength or flexibility, and take the time to experiment with new and more difficult skills. Stretching and cardio workouts like jogging, biking, or swimming are great ways for your gymnast and the entire family to spend quality time together and have fun while also helping your gymnast to improve an area of weakness in a positive and social way. Setting goals at the beginning of summer that can be achieved by the end of summer is a great tool to help your gymnast “see” the progress that he or she has actually made over the course of his or her summer training.
During summer there is no pressure of busy school days filled with homework and tests, so it is the perfect time to enhance your gymnast’s social life. Plan sleepovers, movie outings, picnics, and pool days with teammates and friends. Carpooling is a great way to save on gas money and make the trip to the gym more fun for your gymnast. Carpooling also helps to solidify the routine and consistency of attending practices on a regular basis.
Gymnasts who engage in enjoyable activities with their teammates, improve their areas of weakness through supplemental training at home, and attend some additional workouts or training camps over the summer are more likely to feel recharged and enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and competitive season. They are also likely to feel close with their teammates, proud of the new skills they learned over the summer, and a new sense of confidence about their higher level of fitness or flexibility.
For more information on the psychological aspects of gymnastics explore the website, or contact the author of this article at . Dr. Christine Hiler is a licensed psychologist and the official team psychologist for American Twisters Gymnastics in South Florida.