Category: physical preparation

why is the high V-sit called ‘Manna’?

7′ 4″ Victor Wembanyama is FLEXIBLE

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Check out some of his warm-up exercises.

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NEW Gymnastics Nutrition Book

Betsy McNally Laouar just published her 4th book.

You Can’t Flip on Empty: Fueling the Fifth Event of Gymnastics.

Through powerful stories from nearly 300 clubs, backed by current sports science and her own lived experience as an athlete, mother of two special needs children, and coach, Betsy reveals why athletes stall, parents struggle, and coaches feel stuck when fueling is left out of the training plan.

  • Why under-fueling is the silent performance killer (RED-S and beyond).
  • How small cultural shifts in gyms transform athlete confidence and endurance.
  • Practical fueling strategies for busy households that actually work.
  • A fresh, compassionate approach to food that prioritizes both performance and joy.

… Betsy McNally Laouar is a NSCA-certified personal trainer, certified sports nutritionist, professional bodybuilder, author, podcaster, and former gymnast.

Amazon

Normani was a gymnast

Normani Kordei Hamilton, known mononymously as Normani, is an American singer.  Now age-29, her early Gymnastics training stuck.

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Melissa Jefferson-Wooden vs 100 men

At the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m and etched her name in sprinting history.

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saving Handstands

You’ve seen Elite gymnasts hit difficult routines — only to fall on a Cast Handstand.

That’s a tragedy.

Gymnasts should specifically condition to SAVE HANDSTANDS when they happen to go over.

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That video is from an excellent, comprehensive post on Straddle Cast Handstand:

How to Gymnastics – Cast Handstand Drills for Bars

Coaching guru Leonard Isaacs challenges gymnasts to work from Planche to Reverse Planche, saving Handstands in both directions.

Olesya Kurchenko – physical ability

Olesya Kurchenko from Ukraine has astonishing active flexibility.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.