Compulsory vs. Optional Gymnastics: What’s The Difference

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Compulsory and optional gymnastics might sound independent of each other, but you can’t have one without the other. Every gymnast in the United States begins at the compulsory level before entering optional gymnastics. Knowing the difference is a crucial part of understanding the sport. Without understanding where a gymnast starts and what they are working toward, the pathway to success … Read More

How To Properly Care and Maintain Your Inflatable Mats

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Airtrack mats for home

The average gymnastic mat lasts about three years. To get the most out of your inflatable mat and possibly extend its lifespan, be sure to follow these four simple steps. These straightforward and easy steps will help you stick to a regular maintenance routine. You live for gymnastics. You love gymnastics. Your kids live and breathe gymnastics. Or, maybe, it’s … Read More

The Complete Guide to Gymnastics Levels

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Gymnast doing bar event on competition

Gymnastics levels are designed to help gymnasts understand where they are in their skills and serve as a guide for which skills a gymnast should learn next. Levels also determine which competitive events a gymnast can participate in. There are two programs: Junior Olympic and Xcel, that gymnasts usually advance through. Each program has its own set of requirements.  This … Read More

Air Mat vs. Tumbling Mat: Which Is Best for Gymnastics?

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airtrack vs tumbling

One of the great things about gymnastics is that it’s easy to practice without a lot of complicated equipment. This is especially true when you’re first starting out. If there’s one training aid that all aspiring Olympians can benefit from, it’s a dedicated tumbling surface a.k.a mats. Portable mats and tracks make drilling dangerous skills much safer. Some can even … Read More

Recreational vs. Competitive Gymnastics: Which is Better for Your Child?

Cara DevenneyGymnastics 101, Gymnastics Parenting1 Comment

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Find out the differences between recreational and competitive gymnastics, and which one will better suit your budding gymnast! New Found Love for Gymnastics So, your child wants to start gymnastics. They’re talking nonstop about Gabby Douglas, dreaming of doing handsprings and cartwheels just like her. They’re practicing splits and leaps in the backyard, their favorite stuffed animals and dolls acting … Read More

Oh No! Here Comes The Dreaded Gymnastics Burnout

Cara DevenneyGymnastics Life, Gymnastics Parenting1 Comment

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When you hear the word “gymnastics” what comes to mind? Do you think cartwheels and somersaults? Glittery pink leos and ballerina buns? How about hard work and dedication? Tears and bruises? Do you think hours of practice or even homeschool? Ice packs or massages? Not many people realize how tough gymnastics is and that it is a very competitive sport. … Read More

Gymnasts Are Ballet Dancers Too

Cara DevenneyMiscellaneous5 Comments

gymnastics-vs-ballet

Would you believe me if I told you that ballet dancing can actually improve your gymnast’s skills? Ballet dancing can help teach your gymnast how to manage and control their breathing while performing, enhance overall flexibility, and improve your athlete’s balance and posture. Many athletes that are involved with gymnastics are involved with ballet dancing too. Both sports go hand-in-hand … Read More

Gymnastics at Home Equipment: What You Need to Have

Cara DevenneyEquipment, Getting Serious1 Comment

Gymnast practice at home

Are you looking for a way to help your gymnast improve her skills? Home gymnastics equipment is the perfect way to help your gymnast practice and improve her skills. Not only does it allow for extra practice at home (Remember, repetition is key), but it’s also a great way for her to show you what she has learned in gym. … Read More

How to Protect Your Gymnast From Sexual Abuse

Cara DevenneyMiscellaneous, Gymnastics Parenting1 Comment

sexual-abuse-gymnastics

U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, was sentenced to life in jail for sexually abusing gymnasts and keeping it silent. Around 250 (and most likely more) gymnasts have spoken up about the accusations because they were not going to hide their secret in the dark anymore. This sex abuse scandal because one of the biggest sex scandals in all of … Read More