coaches should not require weigh-ins

The last time I saw a scale in a Gym was 2003. I asked that it be removed.

Unless there is some specific reason — scientific research in training, for example — there’s no need for weigh-ins at training. And there are some risks, as we’ve seen in the past.

I prefer gymnasts weigh in at home in private. Or under instructions from medical staff.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. This is the new policy of British Gymnastics.

342 presses in 52 minutes

OK. Stefanie Millinger wins.

No parallettes.  My wrists hurt just watching this.

Nobody wants to try to beat Stefanie’s record.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

introducing Planche

ESSENTIAL for MAG.

And important for WAG – Cast Handstand.

Introduce it in conditioning from a young age.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. This is coach Alex McInnis who trained at Island Gymnastics Academy in PEI.

Feeding the Young Athlete

Coach Melissa Coombes recommends this book.

Amazon

You can read the first 38 pages online for free.

active hip / trunk flexibility

Artistic Preparation expert Julia Spivak recommends this drill.

Encouraging the gymnast to press forward with the hips rather than simply ARCH.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

correct position for L-sit

Bruce Craven is an owner of Craven Sports Services.

Currently Bruce assisted male gymnasts at Taiso Gymnastics Saskatoon. As always he’s focused on training the correct muscles for each element. And contracting those muscles in the best sequence.

Click PLAY or watch L-sit training on YouTube. (Flexibility and specific strength.)

Forward Walkover progressions

A long and comprehensive video. Of course many are appropriate, as well, for Backward Walkover and combining the two.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Ke Qinqin – oversplit on Beam

Ke Qinqin’s highest balance beam score to date is 14.900 at 2026 Chinese National Championships.

Amazing flexibility.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.