Christian Gallardo
Owner/Head Coach – Future Gymnastics Academy
Owner/Consultant – Gymnastics CCC2016 Olympic Gold Medal Coach (Gabby Douglas)
2016 Olympic Bar Finals Coach
2015 World Championship Gold Medal Coach
2015 World Championship Silver AA Coach (Gabby Douglas)
3 Time USA National Team Member Coach
USAG Master of Sport
Coach of Numerous State, Regional and National JO Champions
I am honored to be part of the Gym Momentum Camp because Tony Retrosi inspired the turning point in my coaching career. He made me believe that I could go from a common coach to one who was capable of coaching greatness. I look forward to the opportunity to share and spread that same passion with others!
Meet the Staff at Gym Momentum Camp: Wendy Bruce
Wendy Bruce Martin was a member of the 1992 Olympic team and 5x national team member. She has been involved in gymnastics for 37 years. She received her degree in psychology and is a certified mental toughness coach. Wendy owns the Mental Toughness Company, GET PSYCHED! is co-owner of Gold Medal Moms, and Author of the book, Breaking Through a Mental Block.
You can visit Wendy at www.Psyched4sports.com www.WendyBruceMartin.com or www.GoldMedalMoms.com email at gymnasticsmentalcoach@gmail.com.
Last year Wendy and I lectured and coached together at least 6 different times. Every time we get together I learn something and I am very happy to have her back another year.
Meet the Staff at Gym Momentum Camp: James Parent
James Parent is the Vice President of Tumbl Trak and has been present on one way or another at Gym Momentum events since the beginning.
His ability to communicate with both the gymnasts and coaches makes him everyones favorite.
I’ve been involved in gymnastics my whole life, whether it be as an athlete, coach, or manufacturing equipment. I’ve coached for over 15 years ranging all levels and both men’s and women’s gymnastics. I was a level 10 gymnast for 5 years who cared more about doing the crazy skills than doing the skills well. However, as a coach I appreciate the basics done to perfection. I’ve spent a lot of time touring the country talking with the most accomplished coaches in our nation. I love being a constant student and always learning from the best.
Meet the Staff at Gym Momentum Camp: Jody Nichols
Jody attended both the University of Massachusetts and Boston Conservatory as a
dance major. She has been teaching dance and acting to children, as well as
adults, at various dance companies for the past 29 years. She has
choreographed major productions for local theater companies such as Fiddler
on the Roof, Hairspray, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well, as local high
school productions such as Grease, and Anything Goes. She has helped cast and
choreograph a national commercial for Shiki Emoji wrist bands. Many of her
students have been cast in local and national commercials.
Jody created the Broadway Kids program nine years ago, to introduce young
students to singing, acting, dance, improvisation, and get them comfortable
performing on a stage. In 2016 they received the Bons Award for “Best Kids
Program“, readers’ choice from Northshore Magazine.
Currently, A Broadway Kids Company (ABC) is in its fourth year and offers a
variety of classes for kids ranging in ages from 1.5 to 18 years, with no
experience necessary. At ABC, my students learn about music, dance, and
acting in a fun and nurturing environment. ABC is a well-rounded educational
center for the Arts. Along with our weekly classes we also bring in guest
teachers from all over New England, and New York giving students an
opportunity to take classes with professional industry teachers, an
opportunity that they might not have otherwise. Miss Jody says, “I am thrilled to be back
for my fourth summer with Gym Momentum.”
Adult Gymnastics Camp at Atlantic Gymnastics
My gym in Portsmouth, New Hampshire will once again be hosting an Adult Gymnastics Camp for men and women. We have been lucky enough to host a few of these in the past. I love the energy, humor and work ethic that the adults bring to camp.
This camp was featured on Chronicle and in many articles and the Gymcastic podcast.
Many of the adults are used to coaching themselves in open gym situations so this is a very unique situation for them to have an organized gym and coaches.
The camp will be staffed by
–James Parent Vice President of TumblTrak
–Brian Kormann, Owner and Head Coach Yellowjackets gymnastics
–Liz Verhey, guest coach
–Gina Paulhus, AAU Ladies Division Level 8 National Champion, Certified Personal Trainer
–and ME! Tony Retrosi.
The camp brings in gymnasts of ALL levels from beginners who are looking for ways to get in shape/ stay in shape to former college gymnasts. IS ADULT CAMP FOR YOU?
Make the Adult Camp part of your New Years Resolution.
WHEN: Jan. 28-30, 2017
WHERE: 150 Gosling Rd. Portsmouth NH (Atlantic Gymnastics)
COST: Gymnasts ages 18+
$225 per athlete (covers training ONLY)
Teams of 3 or more
$175 per athlete (IGOT3)
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
*Saturday, Jan. 28 2:00 Doors open/forms/swag
2:30 – 6:30 training
7:30 dinner @ The Friendly Toast
Sunday, Jan. 29 9:00 – 12:00 training
12:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:30pm clinic upstairs in gym
3:30 – 6:30pm open gym
7:30pm Dinner
– Monday, Jan. 30 9:00 – 12:00 training
12:00 – 1:00 pictures and awards
QUESTIONS? gina @ homeexercisecoach.com
Where is Tony?
It is that time of the year that my schedule is filling up with Congresses, Workshops and Symposiums. I am going to try to keep this updated.
-Biggest mistake I ever made when my wife asked where I was traveling to, “Just check the website”. That didn’t end well.
If you want to try to catch me at a conference here is where I will be.
March 2- 6. Reykjavik Iceland. Various sites
April 28- May 1. Level 9 Eastern’s. Virginia Beach
May 5-8. JO Nationals. Fort Worth, TX
May 19-21. Milan Italy ASD ARTISTICA
May 27-29. Frosinone, Italy. Pro Sede Gymnica.
June 3-5. Hartford, CT US Classic (W). USA Championships (M)
June 16-19. Charolette, NC. Region 8 Congress.
June 23-26. St Louis, MO. Region 4 Congress. Men’s Olympic Trials. Women’s P&G Champs.
July 7-10. San Jose, CA. National Congress. Women’s Olympic Trials.
July 14-17. Boston, MA. Gym Momentum Training Camp.
July 29-31. Rock Hill, SC. Thomas Gymnastics.
August 5-6. Providence, RI. Region 6 Congress.
August 7-13. Reykjavik Iceland Training Camp
August 26-28. Rochester, NY USECA Coaches Symposium.
August 29- September 10. Rome, Florence, Monterosso al Mare, Italy
September 29- October 1. Idaho State Clinic
Why I love What I Do
There are three things that, if I had waited until I was completely ready, I never would have done. Get married, have kids, and open my gym. And yet, when I think where I get the most enjoyment and satisfaction in my life right now, it’s those exact three things – my wife, my kids and my business.
That is why it was so difficult to no longer coach in my gym on a daily basis and start GYM MOMENTUM. To share my knowledge and experience.
I’d wanted to take “my show” on the road for a while, but always had excuses. Finally, four years ago, conditions were “perfect”. And by perfect, I mean I had just had my hip replaced, So what better time to forego a regular paycheck and jump off the deep end? What could be better to rehab my hip than set up lectures and clinics through out the country and now the world.
In retrospect, I’m not completely sure what I was thinking. But I can’t imagine doing anything else. In fact, I might be downright unemployable now. I absolutely love what I do, not only because I love the work but because it enables me to meet some truly amazing people.
My goal in life has been to make a positive difference in the life of others in (and out) of the gym. Gymnastics is such a great sport. I am truly lucky to do what I do. In the last 12 months I have taught and lectured at gymnastics conferences and training camps through out all of North America (Let’s see if I can remember where I have been with out checking credit card receipts)
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Oregon, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Nevada, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon (in February- WTH was I thinking?)
Outside of North America I’ve taught in
Australia, Iceland, Italy
As this year finishes off, I will be headed back to Canada, then Brazil, Mexico and Hopefully Italy.
(BTW- If You are interested, I still have some open weekends)
Here is a small sample of some of the notes from gymnasts and parents I have received. I treasure each note.
Tony,
I just had to write again and say a huge thank you from all our gymnasts and staff, and from me personally. Not only did we all enjoy every minute of the time with you in so many different dimensions, the doors that you opened for us will have a lasting impact on the direction and success or our program and gymnasts. I had been concerned and nervous that we would have a fun and exciting weekend and then get back into our normal routine and not be able to use the information within our program. I’m incredibly impressed at how you were able to touch on so many facets of what we need, and do it in such a positive and encouraging way. I had told you beforehand that I probably needed some encouragement- I never would have been able to guess at the way in which you were able to offer it to me and us.
The reason people email you after you have left is that it takes time to digest and try out what we have taken from the weekend. This week I have discovered a lot more of what you said or were giving us that I didn’t realize at the time. Probably the biggest one happened 5 minutes before the clinic ended and you were showing progressions for yurchenko drills adding the flip from the mat stack. You mentioned putting it all behind the table and I asked if we had room. Your nonchalant response was “I don’t know- we’ll find out”. Throughout the week I’ve realized that one of the biggest points of the weekend was you giving us tools to launch from and think for ourselves. It is not about following the exact warmup or exact drills, but taking the tools and applying them to our program to discover the best formula that works here- for us. That will be what we work to put together in our coaches meeting today, and something I’m already working to instill in the girls. It has been refreshing this week to see our staff having fun trying out new drills even for classes and applying concepts. Kat’s preschool circuits were much more creative and applicable this week because of the inspiration you gave.
In ways this week was hard for the girls because everyone wants to continue the high of the weekend, and the reality is that we still have season just around the corner. However, I feel like I have a new level of communication with the girls, and they definitely have a new perspective of themselves and the sport that I think will really last.
What this weekend opened for the girls is possibilities in the sport that they never knew existed. What it did for me is show me how I have slowly over time limited my expectations and what our program can accomplish so as to avoid disappointment. This created a ceiling for the girls and for my staff that you showed us doesn’t have to be there. Every coach and parent and gymnast had their expectations exceeded for the weekend and can see it carrying forward.
Everyone is already asking when you are coming back, and some have even asked for specific dates. Once you catch your breath, we would love to to start talking in that direction.One more quick story- sorry to be long when I know you are at training camp. On Wednesday Mary was at the grocery store. An employee passed out and stopped breathing. Mary- 16 years old, performed CPR and recussitated and saved the man’s life. Doesn’t necessarily directly relate to gymnastics but you did work with her this weekend and I wanted to share and brag- I am so impressed with her…
Have a great weekend- Lillian says hi!
Gym Momentum Training Camps
July 14-17 in Boston, MA USA
July 28-31 in Edmonton, Alberta Canada
I will be a featured coach at Thomas Gymnastics’ Camp in Rock Hill SC July 21-25
Adult Training Camp Review
GYM MOMENTUM- NOT JUST FOR KIDS ANYMORE!!!
Adult Gymnastics Training Camp Portsmouth–Review
by Gina Paulhus
July 17-19 the first ever all-adult gymnastics training camp took place in Portsmouth, NH. The camp was born out of the idea that it would nice for adult gymnasts to have a judgement free zone to learn drills and technique while also having the opportunity to socialize outside of the gym. Plus, it’s a great excuse to take a trip to the Seacoast in the summer!
Our slogan was ‘Proud to Hang Around Bars All Night.’ Which didn’t exactly happen–because most of the athletes turned in early to keep up with the rigorous schedule of the training camp. There was 14 hours of gymnastics planned over two and a half days. The athletes ranged in age from 23 to 61.
The camp attracted gymnasts from Across the USA in addition to a couple of athletes from Canada and the UK.
The camp was able to accommodate the needs of the beginner gymnast all the way up through USAG/AAU/NAIGC competitive level 9. To keep a positive atmosphere we listened to a variety of 90s music (a huge request!). NEXT YEAR- WE MAY GET A DJ!
Friday night after warm-ups we split into groups (the athletes were divided by level into 3 separate groups). These groups were called ‘Stone Age,’ ‘Paleolithic Age’ and ‘Ice Age.’ Everyone was full of excitement and eager to get on the equipment. Friday night we focused on physical preparation for warm-up purposes, floor basics, bar basics, and beam. We met for a quick dinner at Chipotle’s and a few ambitious campers hit up downtown Portsmouth.
Saturday included two training sessions. In addition to the four women’s artistic events, we offered a dance warmup, a men’s event warmup, and individual and group sessions with Dave Burchuk from Lighthouse Physical Therapy. There was an option for choreography critique as well. Sandwiched between the two trainings we had Mental Training and Nutrition for Gymnastics clinics by the pool. Everyone enjoyed a dinner out together Saturday night, and some even snuck in a trip for ice cream.
Sunday started bright and early–8am. We had a morning training and then an afternoon training. Morning training included a conditioning option, which many of the adults were interested in. This impressed me since people were getting pretty sore by now! The presence of a TV camera filming for the NH Chronicle perked everyone up for the afternoon training. We also had an optional show in the afternoon where the groups presented what they had worked on at camp. We presented 12 awards, including an award for:
Good Samaritan–For always looking out for the safety of other campers–Abbie Green of Cambridge MA
Most Last Minute–for emailing me at 1am on Friday night asking if she could come to camp on Saturday morning–Jill Lacedonia of CT
Best Dancer–for her spontaneous outburst of dancing to ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy’–Traci from PA
Gym Nerd—for his disturbing recount of fluff pieces shown in 1996—Stefane Tiki Victor from DC
After awards we hit up Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, and ended camp with a lovely seafood dinner up in Kittery.
Congratulations to all the friendly, hardworking athletes who came to our first camp. The athletes did a tremendous job pacing themselves and also listening and incorporating the corrections given by the staff. We used a white board to list the skills that were learned or improved at camp and it was an amazing accomplishment for this seasoned group of adult gymnasts. Camp was abuzz with discussions about ‘next year…’ which means that this camp will have to be an annual event!
The Adult Gymnastics Staff for 2015 were:
Lara Weed, Allison Brisson, Ryleigh Osborn, Alexis Nault, Eileen Palazzolo, Cori Cunningham, Andrea Pye, Gina Paulhus and Dave Burchuk (physical therapy).
Our Host:
Atlantic Gymnastics, Portsmouth NH
Our Mentor and Inspiration for camp:
Tony Retrosi
I am in the process of choosing video and photos to share. Look for a future post with more photos and video! And if you are interested in coming to next year’s camp, please contact me:
gina @ homeexercisecoach.com.
Will it Ever be Good Enough? I Spent too Much Time being Embarrassed by My Bronze. | Get Psyched!
Source: Will it Ever be Good Enough? I Spent too Much Time being Embarrassed by My Bronze. | Get Psyched!
Back in 1992 my only goal was to make the Olympic Team. When that dream happened my next goal was to hit all my routines during the competition. I didn’t think about medals, or making finals, or even being put on the front of the next Wheaties box. I was intensely focused on my skills and what it took to make them.
My goal did come true and when my competition was over, my routines along with our team’s performance earned us a Bronze Medal. I was elated. First I made the team, then I hit all my routines, and to top it all off I was bringing home a medal. For a minute or even an hour I had accomplished everything I had set out in my career.
Then little by little and day by day my fantastic accomplishment seemed to not be good enough. When I got back home of course my immediate family and friends were ecstatic with my medal. Our local community was loving and supportive because they knew that Bronze was a huge accomplishment for our city. Yet, everyone outside our little town wasn’t so satisfied with third place.
Third place in the eyes of society is pretty much a loss. I would get comments from people saying, “Oh, you got third, better luck next time.” Or “Are you going to go back and try for gold?”.
No agent was interested in third place. Marketing agencies are really good coming up with slogans like “Be like Mike.” They wanted people to look at Michael Jordan and buy Gatorade so they too could be the next member of the Gold Medal Winning Dream Team. They weren’t really interested in promoting hey “Be like Wendy. You too can lose first and have to settle for third in the Olympics.”
Our society makes it clear that the only thing we care about is first place. When someone trains their entire life and becomes the second best athlete on the Earth, the TV commentators, newspaper reporters, and even those in our own sport tear them down and moan and groan about how they just lost it all. If someone is the second best runner on Earth, I am pretty sure they kicked butt and won second. Yet, second and third just aren’t marketable. Not many strive to advertise people who have lost.
After a couple of years of trying to hang on to the last shred of dignity, I finally realized that I had to put my third place medal away for a while. And so I locked it up in my safety deposit box and there it sat.
Winning a bronze came with no fame and fortune. It came with nothing. What I once thought would be the answer to all my dreams really was just a meaningless piece of tin on a ribbon. Somehow the zest of winning a bronze medal had not lasted very long.
It wasn’t until I was in my middle 30’s that I started to “Get it.” I had a few of my friends over my house and after about an hour one of my friends embarrassedly asked if she could see my medal. I laughed and said of course. I took it out, put it around my neck, danced around the house, and had an odd sense of happiness. Something had changed inside me. I felt a sense of pride. I hadn’t felt pride since the first time it was placed around my neck.
My friend asked if she could touch it and then she said, “Do you know how freakin’ cool this is? I have been alive for 40 years and I have never seen or touched a real Olympic Medal before. Do you understand what you did in your life? Do you know how cool this is?” And for the first time in a long time it finally started to sink in.
For many years I was embarrassed about my loss. I had spent my entire life training, hoping, praying for all the stars to align and for me to make it to the Olympics. And then when everything worked out…it wasn’t enough.
I felt guilty that I didn’t do more. I thought that maybe I should have trained harder and won an individual medal. Maybe I should have kept training and tried to make the 1996 team. Maybe I could have been rich and famous and my life could have been full of fame and fortune. My life would have been complete if I could have just won a Gold.
But sitting next to my friends that only knew me as a mother, wife, and coach now wanted to know me as an Olympian. They wanted to hear all about the competition. They wanted me to tell them all my stories. So for hours and hours everything came out. All the memories poured out of me and it felt so good to let them out. For the first time I was happy to tell them and after the night was over I kept my medal out of hiding.
Sometimes we get so caught up in an idea that we need to take a step back and look at the big picture. We can forget to see the truth. Winning doesn’t always mean that we are in first place. Winning for me meant that I overcame injuries, doubt, and a really shaky competition season to make it to the one competition in which I dreamed about my entire life. Winning to me was being the first in my family to be an Olympian. Winning to me was hitting ALL my routines. Winning to me was being a part of something with only 100 other women gymnasts. Winning to me was my Bronze Medal.
So today my medal hangs proudly on my wall. It isn’t a gold, but now I realize that it didn’t have to be. My medal represents all the other athletes out there that think that if only they had won…then their life would be complete. Sometimes we get so caught up with what we could have done or should have done that we forget to appreciate what we did do. We forget to look at our accomplishments whether big or small and feel pride for what we achieved. I had been so caught up with embarrassment of not winning a gold that I forgot to realize that my bronze was more than enough.
My life has been filled with a successful gymnastics career, an amazing family, and wonderful friends. I was already living the life that fame or fortune couldn’t and wouldn’t change. My past had created my future and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For those who don’t win first place at your next competition…that doesn’t mean that you lost. Your success comes from what you did achieve and the wonderful person you are becoming. You and your own personal achievement are and will always be good enough.
Wendy Bruce Martin was a member of the 1992 Olympic team and 5x national team member. She has been involved in gymnastics for 36 years and coaching for 22. She received a degree in psychology and is a certified mental toughness coach. She is married and mother of 2 and enjoying writing about her experiences.
You can visit Wendy at psyched4sports.com or email at gymnasticsmentalcoach.com
Gym Momentum Training Camp Video 2015
Here is the first of what I am sure will be MANY videos from Gym Momentum Camp 2015
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