altadore weightlifting & fitness club

An article from Roger Harrell, editor of DrillsAndSkills.com makes clear the many advantages of gymnastics as a fitness activity for adults.

He is preaching to the converted here. We agree, of course.

But the cautions are worth taking a look at:

A few points that must be considered when starting gymnastics as an adult. First is that it is difficult. Adults have few if any advantages over a five year old child starting this sport, and many disadvantages. Adults will start out with basic skills, and must be patient in learning new skills. One of the biggest hindrances I’ve seen in coaching adult gymnastics is that many adults are embarrassed watching 9 year old kids that are significantly better than them at the sport. ….

Second is an awareness of safe progressions. Adults do have a higher risk of injury then children in the sport.

… adults recover slower than children. Proper progressions and a focus on safety is critical.

Adult Gymnastics - Why We All Should Do It

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This is Brian Pinnell who started as an adult recreation gymnast in 2002 coached by our own Rick McCharles. Brian now supervises the adult program at the Christchurch School of Gymnastics in New Zealand.

He could do an iron cross the first time he ever tried one!

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One of our header images shows adult gymnasts flying through the air.

The first two are coaches Andrew and Sheena. But who is that on the right hand side?

(I took his photo the other night but forgot to get his name.)

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After months of consideration, we’ve ordered a Powertrack from Dave Ross at Rebound Products in Toronto.

We were convinced after Rick McCharles tested a Powertrack at Cirque du Soleil in Montreal.

This is by far the most expensive tumbling trampoline we could find — C$15,000 including shipping for 40ft — but we’re certain it is worth the big bucks.

Unlike most tumbling tracks, the Powertrack is rigid enough for heavy and powerful adult athletes. It is impossible to “bottom out”.

Once installed we expect trampoline tumbling to quickly become the most popular apparatus in the gym.

Dave Ross is the leader in trampoline design these days, recognized around the world.

Though Rebound Products is expanding their production facilities, we don’t expect to receive our Powertrack until January. Build-to-order equipment takes time.

We’ve also ordered a replacement trampoline bed for one of our pit tramps.

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Wow!

This is awesome.

With a membership of over 500 adults, Chelsea Piers boasts the largest adult gymnastics program in the world. Classes are offered for all levels from first-timers to seasoned pros. Our experienced staff is specially trained in adult gymnastics coaching, safety, and spotting techniques. Our 25,000 square foot gymnasium is equipped with state-of-the-art gymnastics equipment including all Olympic men’s and women’s events, in ground trampolines and foamed filled safety pits. Beginner to elite level classes are offered year round.

Adult Gymnastics - The Field House at Chelsea Piers - New York City - NYC

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Long time coach of the Altadore Weightlifting Club Richard Herb is not in charge this year. He got a promotion to Men’s Head Coach of Altadore and has been assisting their recreation program.

These days he is leaving the gym just as we are starting training.

But if you ever want his help, catch Rich before he gets out the door. And drag him back. He needs the work-out just as much as you do.

: )

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We have never had a good set at the club.

Sometime in future we need 12 inch wide bars like these ones at U of C.

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This thing is popular in some clubs as kids can (eventually) do something like a back handspring by themselves.

It is lousy for competitive, but great for rec.

More photos of this thing in action from Olympic Gymnastics, Perth.

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Rick McCharles

The best I’ve ever seen is the matting at the Christchurch School of Gymnastics in New Zealand.

I was there for installation, custom fit carpeted mats held tightly together with wide Velcro. It was done by a local mat maker who took pride in producing equipment at a far lower price than the major companies, but of superior quality.

Even so, this was an expensive project. But worth the cost, we felt.

A lot of minor, dumb injuries occur due to irregular beam mats.

The only downside to this set-up is that there is no way to change the position of the beams. They are locked in.

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Top of the wish list for Rick McCharles is the new trampoline vault horse.

One day all vault horses will be made of a trampoline surface. So far, this is the only model made. Cost is about US$1000.

It can be configured in many ways, but the best is low as a vault horse. (No beat board is needed when set up low off tumbling trampoline.)

Here are some of the other variations:

TumblTrak vaulting “Porta Table”

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