The goal of most GYM OWNERS is to win big! Both on the competition floor and in business. Unfortunately, most businesses fail or struggle for years before making money. Often struggling gym owners skip over or ignore two important concepts that successful owners know. [Read more…]
Letter to Tony 1993
My gym (Atlantic Gymnastics) is turning 20 next year. When I opened my gym I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing and I was looking for advice on how to navigate this crazy adventure. If I were to write a letter to myself and mail it back in time to NEW BUSINESS OWNER TONY imparting some kind of wisdom or advice to my former self that I wish I had known I would give the following advice.
7 ways to increase productivity
I am currently sitting in Legal Seafoods in Boston waiting for my flight to Houston. I will be coaching at the JO training camp this weekend and I am stressed trying to figure out how I will get it all done. I am a notorious list maker. The best intentions and most focused to-do list can be derailed by the slightest distraction. Productivity killers are everywhere. [Read more…]
Natalia Yurchenko Website and Blog
According to Rick McCharles blog, Natalia said:
I’m constantly being asked by gymnasts, coaches, parents and fans my thoughts about recent competitions (e.g. McKayla Maroney’s vault in the 2012 Summer Olympics), new routines, gymnastics news and coaching techniques. Now, I have a forum through which I can share news and my thoughts about a variety of gymnastics topics !
Take some time and check out her website and Blog.
Have some news or a Blog you have heard about and want to share? Keep the Momentum going!
If it is to be, it is up to WE
If it is to be it is to be, it’s up to WE.
Success is not about me, it is about we, it is about collaboration, working together with other people to achieve a shared goal. You can’t do it alone. You need a support team. [Read more…]
3 Traits that can make or break a Coach
It’s easy to feel confident when you have a Highlight-reel coaching resume’. But any self made coach will tell you that it’s not WHAT your done, but HOW you did it that matters most.
Many coaches may not have common personality traits, but they do share a small set of similar psychological characteristics. I believe there are 3 common characteristics shared by the successful coaches. (I am sure there are more than 3 but if I wrote them all now, there would be nothing for me to write about another day!). [Read more…]
Mentoring
Typically your level 4 team is your youngest competitive group in the gym. Over the course of the year, this group will spend about 400 hours in the gym on their gymnastics education. Your Level 10s may spend about 1300 hours in the gym on their gymnastics education.
How much time are you spending on YOUR gymnastics education? [Read more…]
MIAA decides to drop Men’s Gymnastics. BUT- you can help!
From my Friend Jourdan Marino
Hey Everyone,
Many already know, and many may not, but the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) has decided to drop Men’s Gymnastics as a Varsity sport in Massachusetts despite the support of town administrators. Many have benefited either directly or indirectly from Gymnastics being at the high school level and it’s in jeopardy of being gone. The ramifications will also be felt at the Women’s high school level if this does not change. Although we have the support of town administrators which is great, I urge anyone that cares about this sport being available at all levels to write to the MIAA and politely ask them to reconsider this drastic decision. If you have a personal story, that is even better. Their information is below. If you have any questions or need any more information please contact me, Sean Monaco, or any other MA High School coach anytime. Also PLEASE pass this message along to anyone else that may not already know of this issue. The more letters the better!M.I.A.A.33 Forge ParkwayFranklin, MA 02038email: miaa@miaa.net
Article in BOSTON GLOBE [Read more…]
Marketing of Mens Gymnastics
This is a re-post from a 2011 but the subject is fresh in my mind. I have edited and added to it so even if you read it last year, it is worth reading again (imho).
This last weekend I went to see the Kellogg’s Tour of Champions in Boston. It was a great show and the athletes in all disciplines looked great. What started me thinking about this was a podcast by GYMCASTIC a week ago where they interviewed Paul Rugerri. Men’s gymnastics needs a better marketing plan. (or maybe it just needs a plan). On a recent trip to Italy I was surprised how the general public had a basic idea of their men’s olympic team. Yes, it was a “prime time” event on TV but also these men were on TV talk shows and reality shows. They were used in commercials. Let’s face it, Men in gymnastics have beautiful bodies. I am not advocating the sexualization of our sport but at least they are Men and not Boys.
Just my thoughts. 11/13/12
In the end- it all comes down to marketing.
There have been some great products which failed because of poor marketing. There have been some incredibly crappy products that made millions because of good marketing (and some luck).
In my opinion- such is the state of Men’s gymnastics in the USA. I have just returned from USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade show that was held with the VISA Championships. As a coach of women’s (girls) gymnastics, I don’t often get a chance to see a men’s competition. After watching the first day of competition I was so impressed. What a GREAT PRODUCT on the floor. The sad part was- there were very few spectators to see it. OK, it was a Wednesday night. Maybe the 2nd day, Friday night, would bring in more spectators. It was better, but still not good.
Face it- Gymnastics is the original X GAME. The original extreme sport.
You want to see people fly? We’ve got that.
You want to see people flip? We’ve got that.
You want to see guys risk their lives? Yea, we’ve got that too.
For girls gymnastics, we want to market the “All American Girl”. But that doesn’t work for guys. We don’t want the “All American” image. We want to Rebel, the bad ass. Look at the movies that are popular, look at the TV shows and even comic books. The Bad Boy image works.
Market that Image everywhere-
- On a cooking show
- On the Travel Channel
- On the Speednetwork
- On ESPN commercials during the X-games.
As a coach and former gymnast, I know (and believe) that gymnastics is the real base for all sports. Especially X-Game type stuff. THIS SHOULD BE OUR CALLING CARD.
Let’s see the men’s team roll up to workout on motor cycles. Go into the gym and show Shawn White how to do a triple-triple.
OK- time for me to breathe again
1 year at Gym Momentum
1 year ago I began Gym Momentum. Wow, a year already!
In the last 12 months I have posted a few hundred articles, blogs, videos, crashes and drills.
I have given probably 20 different clinics, spoken at many Congresses and Conferences throughout North America AND hosted the first annual GYM MOMENTUM TRAINING CAMP which was a HUGE success. (Photos from Gym Momentum Camp)
I want to thank everyone who has contributed articles and videos as well as thank everyone who has let me bounce ideas off them.
Thanks to Tumbl Trak, Mancino and DGS for supplying equipment and gifts for Gym Momentum Training Camp as well prizes for our contests.
Someone asked me the other day how I come up with some of my ideas for articles and videos. Truthfully, sometimes it is a struggle. Often I will get a question from someone looking for a drill to help with a specific skill or group. As I am answering the question I realize that more people may have that same question and that is how an article is born.
I also follow quiet a few different Blogs and websites to try to stay current and see what questions others are answering.
In no particular order
I am sure there are a few more but these are the basics.
My biggest disappointment with Gym Momentum has been the lack of other coaches and gymnastics enthusiasts sharing their insight and knowledge. I really don’t ever want Gym Momentum to become just my soap box. I really want the involvement of others.
Take the time NOW and let me know:
1- what was your favorite post of the last 12 months.
2- what was your least favorite post?
3- Do you have a Blog that you follow that you think I should?
And remember, to keep the momentum going, YOU MUST SHARE.
What will the coming year bring?
Gym Momentum Training Camp June 21-23 in Huguenot, NY
More Clinics and Conferences! I am working very hard at updating my lecture topics and lecture videos/slides.
Items for sale in the “pro shop” section. DVDs, Books and lesson plans.
KEEP IN MIND- I TAKE REQUESTS!
