I have been working with a few different gymnasts on In Bar Stalder. Thanks to Tammy Biggs I was able to fill in the missing link drill.
Brenna’s Best Bar Routine
Pretty sweet Bar Routine.
Al Fong put this up.
The Real Rewards of Coaching Gymnastics
Real Rewards of Coaching
As a young coach I knew there was more out there but I was not 100% sure what it was. It was the human element, the emotional intelligence piece, appreciating people and what they offer beyond their athletic skills. I must admit I took that for granted. I was into training, the X’s and O’s of coaching. I read and re-read books by Bill Sands and Gerry George. I read every article in Technique and every article printed by USECA. I was focused on designing better workouts and refining technique. There were championships, big wins and some disappointing losses. As I progressed in my coaching career and climbed the ladder so to speak I saw there was more to it. I gained a balance, a perspective. I realized that that yes the X’s and O’s were still important but it was the people I was coaching, the relationships, the satisfaction of seeing these gymnasts grow into responsible adults and move on with their lives outside of gymnastics.
At National Congress in Pittsburgh this year I ran into a gymnast who I had worked with nearly 30 years ago. Lizzy was part of an amazing group of young athletes I coached in New York in the late 80’s. They were amazing NOT because of their athletic accomplishments, but more because of their focus and dedication, the togetherness and team unity, the willingness to help each other be better. Lizzy epitomized what this group was about. She was not especially athletically gifted but she worked hard to get better and maximize her skills. What made Lizzy stand apart from everyone else was her love of the sport. Visiting with Lizzy brought back many fond memories of those days. It made me regret that I did not take more time to smell the roses and appreciate those kids for what they were. During our visit we barely talked about gymnastics. We talked about the progress of her career and what she had been doing in the last few decades. She is still involved in a type of gymnastics (circus arts) and is one of those people who jumps up on the flying trapeze in a heart beat. Visiting with her reminded of the real rewards of coaching – the people and relationships that endure after the championship trophies tarnish and the medals are stored in a drawer somewhere.
Make sure you take the time to appreciate what is going on around you.
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Resilite Gymnastics Equipment Review
I DO NOT SELL EQUIPMENT FOR ANY COMPANY. WHEN I DO FIND THE TIME TO WRITE A REPORT/REVIEW OF A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT- IT IS BECAUSE I USE IT!
This summer I have picked up a few new toys from Resilte. The The “Resi-Hall” and the new Vault Training Mat System.
Vault Training System is A LOT OF MATS. It comes with a 2 foot thick 5×10 and 3, 5 x 10x 8in. With one of the mats having a contoured front to simulate the vault table.
• The system can be configured at four different heights to allow the student to move up as their skill level evolves
• Firm synthetic suede vaulting area for extra rebound
• Energy-absorbing foam specifically designed within the landing area
• “Hook and Loop” connectors on each side of the mat ensures a stable vaulting surface
• Contoured Top Mat can be flipped for entry level competition
As soon as we unpacked it I redid my entire VAULTING plan AND had to shoot all new video for my vault lectures. The mat is just so versatile with your developmental gymnasts.
The mats all have a very solid feel to them and the velcro is large enough to really grip. We have used these mats with all levels of classes and team. If you are in the market for a new “Level 3” Vault mat. THIS IS THE ONE. Not only will it fill your need (at a very good price of $2700) but also it will help with the transition to the vault table.
It has already proven itself invaluable in teaching Yurchenkos.
The only thing that I wish could be improved on is that these mats are HEAVY. But- that is the trade off for solid foam.
The “Resi- Hall” is a great little system to help with teach everything from a straight hurdle and cartwheel to a better snap in a back handspring. Sometimes the best ideas are the simple ones!
We have all opened up panel mats part way, used little wedge mats and had kids go up against walls to get them to go straight.
These mats are a bargain at $300. As soon as I saw them I purchased a set for each of my gyms.
• This unit easily separates into two various stations
• Can easily be adapted to both the individual student as well as the entire class’s ability level
• Great for beginner to advanced students
Twisting Drill for Gymnastics
Rebecca Sykes shared this great drill. We have all gotten stuck with a kid or two needing something to fill the gap in twisting.
A+ for creativity! [Read more…]
Gym Momentum Training Camp Review
This year we hosted Gym Momentum Camp at Yellow Jackets Gymnastics in Boston. I was more than a little nervous because of new location and all the logistics that went into it.
The ENTIRE Korman family and the staff at Yellow Jackets were terrific hosts. There was not one thing that I ever wanted or needed that was not taken care of.
The gymnasts and their coaches as well as Gym Momentum staff all stayed at a local hotel. Accommodations were great and the hotel was in a very convenient locations.
My goal was to deliver quality instruction for BOTH gymnasts and Coaches. We were full with over 100 gymnasts and 30 plus coaches attending . The energy was incredible.
Gymnasts attending camp were from:
New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Texas
Connecticut
New Brunswick, Canada
Newfoundland, Canada
Alberta, Canada
Argentina
Reykjavik, Iceland
I pride myself at putting together a world class staff. 
As I said, I think the energy and enthusiasm that my staff had really was infectious to all the coaches and gymnasts. Each day we had 5 rotation in the morning (Olympic events plus dance) and 5 Rotations in the afternoon (Olympic events plus photo shoot) then a 45 minute open workout.
As a coach- I always was frustrated when gymnasts from my club attended a camp were were thrown for skills they either were not ready for or that were not taught in a progressive manner. Gym Momentum staff worked closely with all visiting coaches so that they knew what drill we were doing and what was the next step. Each night we had a Q and A session with coaches to answer any questions they might have and share our philosophy.
I believe the comments made by coaches that attended say it all:
Hi Tony,
I need to let you know that this was such a great experience for all my kids, staff and parents. Thank you for putting something together that was fun, educational for the kids & coaches, and that fired up my girls so much that we’ve added on an extra practice for this week.
As you know, we’ve been rebuilding and restructuring. Every year gets better, and opportunities like this are such a blessing. We had eyes, ears, and minds open all weekend, coaches & kids, and will 200% be back next year.
Amazing job, please take a moment and be proud of your and the staff’s hard work, and (maybe) take a nap!! We’ll see you at congress!
—
Sincerely,Samantha Kelley
Jean’s Gymnastics Director of Operations
Tony
I have to say that Gym Momentum has been by far the best training camp that my team has been to. It was well rounded with education for myself and for my athletes, and there is nothing better than that. Your staff, as well as yourself, were extremely approachable, helpful and knowledgeable. We are all ready to attack this summer’s training with gusto! 🙂
Jayne Geddes
River Valley Gymnastics, Canada
GYMNASTS ARRIVING
A couple VERY Tired girls arriving from Argentina
GYM PHOTOS THANKS TO REBECCA SYKES. ALL INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SYKED PHOTOGRAPHY
After Gym Momentum Camp We toured Boston’s Famous Quincey Market and Faneuil Hall
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- Possibly a little horrified by the street performer
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- Not as horrified
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- OK- He turned out to be a nice guy
Monday Everyone that was around went up to TAKE FLIGHT AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK
Some Gymnasts from Texas, Canada and Iceland walk into a gym… Gym Momentum had some gymnasts extend their stay to be trained at Atlantic Gymnastics in Portsmouth.
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- Lining up Before Training with Coach Daire
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- Lining up after Training
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- NOT REAL BROTHERS. But we do share a brain
What do Gym Momentum Gymnasts do when not in the gym?
GO BRIDGE JUMPING!!
And we have to EAT. BBQ at Gym Momentum World Head Quarters
I will continue to Update this page as I get in more videos and photos.
Vikoria Komova- Sweet Uneven Bar Routine
African Championships – How NOT to Coach
Seeking The Owl
This was such a powerfully made film submission that I just needed to share it. I have always believed that gymnastics is a metaphor for life and that what we learn during our time in the gym are life lessons to be used and shared for the rest of our life.