Gym Momentum

What to Eat When You’re Hungover: Holiday Edition!

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For many if not most partygoers, the doorway to a holiday gathering might as well be a portal to a magical universe where cocktails flow freely, snacking practically becomes a competitive sport and calories are inconsequential. Along with overspending and overstressing, the season – and the gatherings that come with it – tends to prompt overindulgence in sweets, snacks and alcoholic drinks. Throw a cocktail or two or four into the mix, and watch good intentions disappear along with inhibitions.

When you’ve overdone it at a party, the next morning can leave you feeling less than festive. The holiday season, however, stops for no one, regardless of whether your body feels up to the challenge. Experts of both the nutritional and party-going persuasions reiterate what we all know: Drink plenty of fluids before the fête, stick to an allotted number of cocktails and nibble on healthful eats beforehand to minimize hunger in the face of endless party trays.

All good advice, but what to do when the damage is already done? It might be hard to stomach (sometimes literally), but the path to bouncing back begins with breakfast. Some tips for embarking on your road to morning-after recovery:

    • You’ve heard it a million times, but that’s because it’s true: Continue drinking water. Plenty of it. Chances are you’ll be dehydrated after a holiday shindig. Lots of fluids the morning after (ideally water, tea or sports drinks containing electrolytes) can help ease headache, fatigue and muscle cramps.

 

    • While coffee can seem like a post-party lifesaver (especially if you regularly partake), beware its possible upset of an already sensitive stomach – and don’t overdo it on the caffeine.

 

    • If you can eat, eat. Don’t starve yourself to overcompensate for the previous night’s sins.

 

    • That said, hangover hunger isn’t license to gorge. Stick to normal or even slightly smaller portions.

 

    • Avoid the temptation to “soak up” alcohol with heavy, greasy fare. It doesn’t work that way.

 

    • Restore normalcy with a not-so-rich, lower-calorie breakfast that includes both protein and complex carbohydrates. Think: eggs (or egg whites if you’re watching your cholesterol) with whole wheat toast, cereal, yogurt, a smoothie or fruit-topped oatmeal.

 

  • Don’t push it activity-wise. You and your digestive system bounce back more slowly as you age, and the only surefire cure for overdoing it is to let your body recover at its own speed, slowly easing back into your normal routine.

GOODLUCK!!

 

12 things to do before the Mayan Apocalypse

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  • Do you believe that the Mayan Apocalypse is upon us?
  • Are you fully convinced that, in a scant 12 days, whatever Vague Disastrous Thing the Mayans predicted will finally occur?
  • Are you giving serious thought to heading to the top of Mount Pic De Bugarach, as some French people are, so you can be rescued by aliens?

Then you absolutely must do the following, right now, using the time you have left.
12. Buy Apocalypse supplies! On the recommended shopping list are canned food, bunkers and flares to summon aliens to rescue you. When the Apocalypse comes, it will announce itself to you so you can make it downstairs to the shelter in time, can opener in tow, and when the aliens arrive they will translate the fact that you are shooting fire into the air in their general direction as a sign that they should come help you. This makes a lot of sense, so you should buy all these things.

11. Buy merchandise advertising your awareness and preparedness for the Mayan Apocalypse, preferably a T-shirt or bumper sticker that says, “Mayan-Apocalypse Ready.” This will show your friends, neighbors and business associates just the kind of person you are!

10. Tell all your friends and family members about the coming Apocalypse. When they suggest that the world has never ended before, shake your head knowingly and reply, “That’s what they said the last time, and look what happened.” Point out that the Mayan Apocalypse is one of the few remaining apocalyptic predictions that has NOT been disproven.

9. Throw a human sacrifice to appease the Mayan gods. Start with Donald Trump.

8. Quit your job, and don’t be shy about stating the reason. The world is ending in 12 days. Who needs a job? Answer: Lots and lots of twenty-somethings, currently living in their parents’ basements. Let us at least perish with the knowledge that we were gainfully employed. It would mean a lot to us.

7. Stop bathing. Who has time to bathe? The world is ending! You have lots and lots of other bucket-list items to finish, and you should focus on those. If anyone comments on the smell, tell them that “when the aliens come, we’ll be lucky to smell at all.” Point them to your T-shirt.

6. Get a tattoo that reads, “BIG BELIEVER IN THE MAYAN APOCALYPSE,” preferably somewhere tasteful, like your face or neck. The Mayans, I hear from the same reliable source who told me about the flares, will give preferential treatment to people with face tattoos showing how ready they were.

5. Call Mitt Romney. He’s going through a rough time. Like the Mayan Apocalypse, he is something people believed was “inevitable” for a long time, but that a lot of voters were not particularly enthused about. And maybe his inevitable presidency starts Dec. 22, after our alien overlords arrive.

4. See “Les Miserables.” The world might be ending, but that’s no reason Anne Hathaway’s career should suffer!

3. Find someone you think is attractive but could not stand to live with for any length of time, and marry him or her. What’s the harm? When you say, “I will love you ’til the end of time,” you’re talking a matter of hours, after all.

2. Demand that every restaurant/coffee shop/mall/assorted public place currently blasting “Little Drummer Boy” or any equally obnoxious Christmas music cease and desist, right now. You have minutes to live. You should not have to spend them listening to someone inanely repeat “Rum pa pum pum.” You have enough regrets to deal with.

1. Give me all your money, right now. What do you care for money? The Apocalypse is at hand! Embrace your children. Embrace your new spouse. Put out a Craigslist ad for sensual companionship. I don’t care. My point is, your possessions are holding you back. Give me the key to your house. Enjoy the time you have left. Give me your car. Squeeze each fleeting moment to the dregs. Put your kids in the care of someone more responsible. Love, laugh, live!

AND FOR ALL MY GYMNASTS- HOW ABOUT GOING FOR ALL THOSE SKILLS WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH!


Heck, this goes for believers in the Rapture too.

Gifts For Your Coach: 10 Gifts For Your Coach Under $50

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Coaches are nearly impossible to shop for. They give you so much (and we’re not  talking about presents!), how can you find the perfect gift in return? Even though you may wish you could splurge on a nice Corvette or a tropical vacation to show how much you love them, there are awesome, affordable alternatives that are even more thoughtful.

 

Calendar
A wall calendar with black and white photography by Ansel Adams is an elegant choice. It’s almost like buying your parents art, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Cloud Atlas”

Cloud Atlas is a novel-turned-movie that was a huge hit at the box office this year. If your Mom or Dad loved the movie, it’s a safe bet your coach will love the book, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Frame

For the ultimate sentimental gift, opt a picture frame filled with a favorite gym photo. (CVS and Walgreens both will print photos for under a dollar each.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slippers

Slippers are a cozy choice and will be appreciated for winters to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 iPad Speaker

Your parents will appreciate the retro-meets-modern feel of this iPad speaker, styled after an old-fashioned gramophone. The speaker doubles as a charger and is available in four colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College Sweatshirt
Seniors, if you know where you’re going to college next year, get a head start and deck out your coach in college gear! Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and car decals are all awesome choices.

Holiday Coffee Sampler
If your coaches are useless before their first cup of coffee, this set of six coffees should be at the top of your shopping list. Now you KNOW, I am huge on buying local! So first see if you can get a coffee sampler from a local cafe. It will make you, your coach AND the local economy happy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hulu Plus
If your coaches are TV junkies, gift them with a Hulu Plus account for unlimited access to the site’s TV and movies.

 

 

 

 

 

Art
Spruce up your coaches office with a piece of art from Art.com, a site that sells famous prints for as low as $25. This work is called “Long Distance Romance” by Irene Suchocki.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head Massager
This head massager may look funny, but it brings pure bliss to your scalp. It’s perfect for a stocking stuffer. And it might help your coach relax and be in a better mood in the gym!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truly a fantastic book that every coach should have.

 

 

And on the outside chance that any of my gymnasts are reading this, I’ll take the Corvette.

What’s on your Christmas list?

Editorial Part 2 (and the last one)

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Extreme apologies for the diversion from gymnastics. There are number of gymnastics clubs and YMCAs in the Newtown Connecticut area. All the coaches and owners at these gyms are great people and the lives of their clients have been forever changed.

 

It was so painful, you could not watch.

It was so heartbreaking, you could not listen.

The president wiped away tears, but what parent didn’t, as we stared at the television screen and saw the looks on the faces of the children who got away?

On this horrific Friday, we went to an awful place even this blood-soaked society has never been. And what you wonder is how we ever find our way back. When enough will finally be enough, or if we are too far gone to know.

It was all there again; senseless carnage in a culture that lives and dies with violence. A culture that is entertained by it, profits from it, talks it, glorifies it, swims in it. And every so often, when the day is bad enough, gets shocked and sickened by it.

Virginia Tech and Colorado. Wisconsin and Connecticut. On and on and on. Bullet after bullet, body after body.

Much of the discussion in response to all the dead kindergartners in Newtown, Conn., will focus on guns, and rightfully so. If little girls gunned down at their desks don’t force the issue, what will?

But it is so much more. What is it about us, that so many pull triggers? This was the act of a disturbed man, but why so many acts, and why so many killers? No new gun control law can answer that.

The psychologists will eventually tell us their theories about this individual and why he picked up weapons one morning and decided to shoot 5-year-olds. If only it was as simple as one madman. Only as infrequent as one grim Friday.

But it’s not. You wonder if we have created too fertile a breeding ground for violence. You wonder why the predominant emotion among so many of us so often is rage.

And then you look around, and the way we communicate with one another.

You look at our talk shows that once fostered thoughtful discussion and meaningful debate. Now they value one word only. Attack. Attack. Attack. The more vicious the better, because it sells.

You look at our Internet, and its vast promise of an interchange of ideas. And then see how that promise has been perverted, to where assault is made all the easier by anonymity, and even the media no longer has use for beauty or perspective, because scandal and conflict and heated rhetoric get so many more computer hits.

You look at our entertainment, and note the high body count, where we are numb to bloodshed and blind to its consequences. Where the winner is often the one who kills best.

I look at my own pitifully trivial world of sport. Where proposals for safer football rules are hooted down, because the game might be less violent, and the crowds might stay away. Where the fig is asking gymnasts to risk it all for a medal.

 

I look at some of the mail I get. Abusive, brutal language from those furious about an article I wrote or didn’t write. If gymnastics provokes such fury, one can only imagine what the real world must do.

If rage and rancor are so much a part of our daily lives, it should not be a shock that gunfire breaks out. It has happened so often, that now when the first reports come, we ask the same questions, dulled as we are by mayhem.

Where? How many? How young?

What terrible questions for a society to have to keep asking itself.

No, our violence-rich culture does not make murderers of us all. But cigarettes don’t give everyone lung cancer. That does not make them non-lethal.

The haunting memory from Friday will be of young voices, shrieking in fear. Of parents thrust into their worst nightmare. Of Christmas stockings that will never be filled.

Have we finally had enough? It must not start with just gun control. It must start with us. We’ve surrendered common civility because something else makes more money, or gets more attention. The result? Many simply live angrier lives.

But a few pick up guns, and go off to kill children who still believed in Santa Claus.

Tony

ENOUGH THOUGHTS, ENOUGH PRAYERS. Enough… an editorial

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Back in July, President Obama expressed his sorrow regarding the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. But, “There are going to be other days for politics,” he said, “This is a day for prayer and reflection.”

Just five months later — as 26 more people, including 20 children, were added to the list of 100,000 people who are shot or killed by a gun every year — the message was no different. Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary, said the day will come to talk about sensible gun control, “But I don’t think today is that day.”

As the news unfolded, many of the nation’s top leaders had similar things to say. Both senators from Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal and Joseph Lieberman, sent out their “prayers,” calling the day’s events a “tragedy.” Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer of New York are also “praying,” and added that the events are “horrifying.”

This will not be the first time — or the last — that our elected leaders hide behind the politically convenient veil of compassion, only to turn the other way as more innocent lives continue to be taken. We will condemn, convict, and deride the man who carried out this senseless attack, just as we turn a blind eye to the dozens of others who will unquestionably follow in his footsteps.

And as Albert Einstein reminds us, we will forget who the real enemy is. As Einstein said, “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”

In the name of sensitivity, we tighten our lips when tragedy strikes. But I cannot think of a more insensitive person than one that watches as innocent children are killed, yet simultaneously leaves in place the system that allowed it to happen. Those are the real criminals among us.

Why is it that we are so paralyzed by our emotions? Why do we feel compelled to save the serious discussions for when our grief wears off? The tears shed and the sorrow felt in the midst of this tragedy are just as real as the job numbers and unemployment rate that garner our attention within minutes. Let’s not idolize our brains at the expense of our hearts.

With the fiscal cliff debate captivating the entire conversation in Washington, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. But the news from Newtown, Connecticut is a striking reminder that, regardless of the dominant political issues of jobs and the economy, what matters most is that the hearts of our friends, family, and children can continue to beat. If only our elected leaders could remember that.

The constant “thoughts and prayers” for the victims are surely comforting, but they are far short of a serious solution. If our leaders truly want to lead, it’s time they put the lives of their voters before the fears of their advisors.

During an address to the nation tonight President Obama said:

“This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another,” Obama said. “But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight. And they need all of us right now.”

I know I usually keep my political rants away from this blog. I’m sorry. But it’s time to get off our collective ass and do something. This last congress was a joke and an embarrassment. They have been elected to DO SOMETHING. To make the USA a better place. They have failed.

Contemporary Coaching Challenges

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If You do not follow VERN GAMBETTA’s Blog, Functional Path Training. YOU SHOULD

Contemporary Coaching Challenges

Coaching in 2012 has some different demands that when I started coaching in 1969. In so many ways how we meet those demands and adapt to the changes in society and sporting culture will determine our effectiveness as coaches. Here are three areas that I see as particular challenges today:

Increasing Specialization – For whatever reason there seems to be more coaches who are specializing in narrower and narrower areas. I still maintain that it is best to specialize in being a generalist. To ultimately prepare your athletes it is important to have command of the big picture, to know how all the pieces fit. Narrow specialization does not allow this.

More Emphasis on Science and Technology – Science has given us the ability to measure & see things as never before but the challenge is to determine what is relevant and what is a curiosity. Coaching demands a balance between art and science. We must be careful that we do not become so dependent on science and technology that we lose sight of the art. Remember that coaches, like artists hone their craft, they practice and adapt constantly. They achieve greatness through attention to detail. Constant challenge and refinement fuels their passion.

More Management Responsibilities – Certainly the world around the coach and athlete has become more complex. There are more people involved in the process of athlete development than ever before. In many cases the effectiveness of the coach is measured by how effectively the coach can manage all the external factors so that they can effectively coach the athlete. Today when the athlete is near or at the elite level there is an entourage that must be constantly reminded that the goal is to help the athlete perform at their optimum in the competitive arena not to get more endorsements or a larger contract. That will come with performance. It is imperative that the coach has command of this. It is not the most fun part of coaching or the most gratifying but in today’s world it may be most important.

Vern Gambetta.

1 year at Gym Momentum

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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

Full Twist

Gymnastics Coaching 

Gymnastics Zone

The Couch Gymnast

GymCastic 

Gymnastike

The All Around 

National Gymnastics Examiner

Functional Path Training

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!

 

 

 

Good advice for you Graduating Seniors

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Each year there I take the time to give advice to the girls on my team who are graduating. College Gymnastics and College Life present a huge range of new opportunities and problems. I try to cover everything from how to deal with a new coach and new team mates. How to handle issues with room-mates, professors and R.As.

Today in my wonderful little college town the high was like 80 degrees, which is a nice little change from the 95 -degree heat we’ve been having. But, that also means that fall is just around the corner. With fall comes new classes but more importantly –- new freshman. Look, I still remember freshman year like it was yesterday, and I remember being terribly nervous. So as the anxious freshman wandered into my campus store today, my heart reached out for them.

It’s so overwhelming to live on your own and the first week of moving onto campus is INTENSE. For some students there’s fraternity and sorority recruitment -– which is another level of intimidating. But many students will be spending this week attending something they’ve only seen about in Animal House or in a completely inaccurate scene on ABC Family –- their first college party.

 Enjoying  and Surviving your first college party.

Utilize the “Buddy System”

For those of you who are unaware, the buddy system was ingrained into most of our heads somewhere between preschool and first grade to make sure we hadn’t wandered off or found something shiny and gotten lost. Its use in college is not much different. Bring one friend that you’re going to keep track of all night. When she’s grinding up on that cute boy who looks vaguely like her ex, you will be wing-girling it up with his BFF.

If you’re grabbing a drink, she’s right behind you filling her keg cup. You don’t have to be each other’s shadows but there truly is safety in numbers and it’s easier to keep track of one friend than a whole mob of girls. You can keep each other in check and watch out for any completely traumatizing moments or just makesure you each get home safe by the end of the night. My recommendation? Go with your new roommate — it will give you two a chance to bond.

You Don’t Have To Drink

If you’re not really into the whole drinking scene it’s totally not a big deal. You are still welcome, and it’s really only awkward if you make it awkward. Most house parties are going to have some sort of pop (or soda) to make mixed drinks with. Grab a solo cup and get a caffeine buzz going. People aren’t going to bug you about not drinking if you have a cup in your hand.

 

Maybe Don’t Do A Keg Stand

There’s nothing wrong with letting loose your first “free” week of school, but there’s also nothing more embarrassing than being “that girl” at a party. If you’re trying to play keep up with people who have a higher alcohol tolerance than you just to be “cool” than you’re only going to lose. I mean, lose the game, lose your dignity, and possibly lose your pants? None of those things are great.

 

Girls: Not Every Guy Is Nice, Not Every Guy Is A Creep

If you are genuinely creeped out by someone, don’t be afraid to make it known to your buddy and keep a watchful eye on your drink. However, just because a boy is talking to you does not mean he is going to roofie you, and you don’t need to be scared of everyone. Trust your gut.

 

Go All Out

Something I miss a lot about house parties? The costumes. Don’t be scared to get a little creative! It’s nice to find someone you can pick out costumes with but feel free to make it your own if you’re the type that likes to stand out. People will always dress up for toga parties, Halloween parties, or any excuse to wear a goofy costume. You’re not going to be “lame” if you join in on the fun.

Heels Are Equal Parts Cute And Impractical

The weather here in New Hampshire gets a little chilly come wintertime! Last year we were hit with an ice storm and tons of snow right around December. I heard a from one of my college employees last year that while walking from one “Ugly Sweater” party to the next, a friend began complaining about how her feet hurt from her super cute winter heels. She offered her a piggyback ride and ended up in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. If you think you’re going to be walking around a lot, maybe don’t pull out the six-inch stilettos. Also, people are going to spill beer on you. If you’re worried about your favorite shoes getting ruined, I would keep them in your closet for a different time. I’m not promising ruined shoes by any means, but just weigh the pros and cons of cute heels on a sticky basement floor.

 

Don’t Run If The Party Gets Busted

Don’t run from a situation because you’re scared, like talking to the guy who’s been eying you all night. Don’t run from the cops, because they will give you a ticket if they catch you running. Now, I don’t know how it works in other places but the more respect you show a police officer, the more likely he’s going to treat you with respect as well. They are police officers in a college town, busting your party is not breaking news to them. It’s like busy work. There are always unfortunate circumstances, of course, but seriously – don’t run from the cops.

The Four T’s

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Once again I find myself getting lost in the posts from Vern Gambetta and his website Functional Path Training. Hope you enjoy this post inspired by him.

 

The Four T’s

Teach – Coaching is teaching. Look for teachable moments and take advantage of them. Recognize all learning styles and use them.

Technique – Establish a sound technical model and then continue to refine it based on the individual. Fit the technique to the individual not the individual to the technique.

Tactics & Strategy – Teach the game and it nuances through exploration and play.

Training – Train appropriate to the sport and the individual. Focus on the process and the outcomes will follow.

Change

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Change and transformation are major themes in my coaching and hopefully yours. I want to emphasize that that big changes will occur if we start small. As Gandhi said:  ‘We must become the change we want to see.” So to change  our lives, our teams, in our schools, the community and the world we must first change ourselves. Sometimes this is the most difficult change we will have to make. We must get out of our comfort zone. Start small and finish big. Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

Start with yourself. Howard Thurman said: “ Don’t ask what the world needs. Rather ask – what makes you come alive? Then go and do it! Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” You must come alive and challenge yourself daily to be better and make those around you better. Get out and lead, don’t follow, think, don’t accept current trends and fads as dogma. Challenge yourself and challenge others. Be a change agent.

IS CHANGE REALLY POSSIBLE?

REVIVE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION
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