Ninja Challenge

You've seen the obstacle course TV shows right? Well, now you can get your kids involved in learning what it takes to do those types of challenges!

Every Saturday this season Sept 2015-May 2016) Gonyons Gymnastics is holding the Ninja Challenge Obstacle Course Training. Ages 6-11 Sat. 1pm-2pm. $7 per class. Ages 12-17  and Intermediates by invitation Sat 2pm-3:pm $7 per class.

Some of our new and featured equipment for this class are the Rock Wall, Cargo Net, and Rope Climb.

Our new instructor has years of Parkour Training and he's excited to bring this program to our gym.

Cartwheels Again???

One of the most frequent complaints I hear from parents is "They're (the class) working on cartwheels again and my kid can do cartwheels so I need to move them to a different class." While it may LOOK like your child isn't learning anything new, trust me LOOKS are VERY deceiving! And 9 times out of 10 your child really doesn't need to be moved.

There are so many different components to this one skill. The coaches are looking to see if ALL parts of the cartwheel have been mastered. Are your feet and hands pointed in the right direction when beginning and ending the skill? Are the hips square? Are the toes pointed...the whole time? Are the legs straight? Did you end with your arms up in the air? Was there length in the cartwheel? Did it start with a hurdle? Was the hurdle correct? Etc...

Coaches know how to work on all the different areas with different drills. And Coaches know how to make a cartwheel easier for beginners and harder for those who need to be challenged. Adding length, one handed cartwheels, and wrong handed cartwheels (cartwheels done with the far arm)  add a lot of difficultly to the skill. Even the easiest skills take 800 repetitions to master so your child is going to have to work on the same skills for a significant amount of time.

If you feel your child is not being pushed enough, I suggest that before you ask to have them moved to a different class, that you first talk to your Coach. An open dialect with your teacher will help you understand how your child is progressing. We want your child to excel just as much as you!

So, YES, the class is doing cartwheels...again. And it's not bad a thing!

Summer 2015 New Features

As our summer classes kick off today we are excited to highlight a few new classes: Tuesdays Coaching Class and Wristband Wednesdays.

Tuesdays Coaching Class is for those who are interested in becoming an assistant or gymnastics coach. This class is free to current staff and current students ages 13 and up. Non students is $5 per class. Each week will cover spotting techniques, class organization, drills & skills, safety, and so much more. Bring a 3 ring binder as there will be handouts each week. Dress in comfortable clothing, you will be moving! This class will run for the full summer sessions, Tuesdays 4-5pm.

Wristband Wednesdays is an open workout class for ages 8 and up. It is $10 per student. No friends, No parents! Every student must have a signed Parent Consent Form on file in order to participate. Wristbands will be sold at the door prior to class time. No wristband = No participation (you will not be allowed into the gyms). Coaches will be on hand to supervised students, set up drills, and supervise use of equipment. Class time is 4:30-6pm

For more information on our summer programs visit our Website or Facebook page.
www.gonyonsgymnastics.com
https://www.facebook.com/GonyonsGymnastics?ref=hl

If you have any questions, please send me an email through our Website or direct message on Facebook.

Farewell Miss Lisa

Our dance teacher, Miss Lisa joined our gymnastics family 2 short years ago and sadly we now have to say goodbye. Miss Lisa and her family are moving to Chicago and we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors. We are going to miss her infectious smile,  her positive attitude, and her kind heart. Below is her goodbye post and pictures of her students that will miss her the most.

In September 2013 I pulled out of the Gurnee parking lot thinking what have I done I just quit my dream job. Little did I know two weeks later I would be standing in my little pink dance studio with a whole new group of kids. The past 22 months at Gonyons has been amazing the staff welcomed me with open arms, the kids skipped into their class eager to dance, and the parents always greeted me with smiles. I am truly going to miss my Michigan Dance family. I was thanked today by many parents for teaching their kids. Now it is my turn to thank you. Thank you for opening your studio to me and thank you for helping me realize that no matter where i am as long as I a teaching I am working at my dream job. I cannot wait to see these kids grow in dance and in their life. and yes trips to Chicago are required!!!

Brenda celebrates 30 years of service

Many people in our community know the name Gonyons. They know that about the two businesses, Gonyons Well Drilling and Gonyons Gymnastics. They recognize that these are family run small business - and good ones that the community supports. What most people don't know is that Brenda, the gym manager, didn't start out working there. She had went to college, got her degree, and was employed at a job with long hours, little pay, and too much responsibility. She was not happy and needed a change.

At that time the gym was expanding and Grace, the owner and Brenda's mother, needed to hire more help. Grace was able to give Brenda a job that was exactly what they both needed.

Back in the day, Brenda was a gymnastics coach. And through the years has learned every aspect of the business. Today she manages the gym full time and often works at the Well Drilling office as well. She's a woman of many talents. Through her keen business sense and strong leadership, the gym has continued to grow.

In recognition of her 30 years of excellence, family and staff gathered to celebrate a job well done.

Twas the Show before Christmas

Twas the Show before Christmas
And all through the gym
All the coaches were jolly
Singing yuletide hymns.

The lights were all hung
Round the building with care
In excitement the families
Would all soon be there.

The children worked hard
On routines and dance
Excited as reindeer
They began to prance.

The kids in their leos
And me in my hat
We all worked together
On moving gym mats.

When out from the bleachers
There arose such a clatter
All the parents were cheering
With smiles and laughter.

Away to the judges
I saluted and winked
And sprang to my event
Me and the music in sync.

Glowing with pride
Like Rudolphs red nose
Tumbling through the air
Til I hit my end pose.

When what to my surprise
Should I happen to receive
An award with my name
Oh it's hard to believe.

Thanks to Chevonne, and Lisa
And Kayleigh Bea
Your encouraging words
Meant the world to me.

Also to Courtney, Heather,
Bethany, and Paige
I owe it to you
For this trail I blaze.

Now Santa knows
How good I've been this year
It won't be too long
Til I finally hear.

His sleigh bells ringing
Flying through the moonlight
Shouting "Merry Christmas to all,
And to all a good night."

Safe Gymnastics at Home

Guest blog by Coach Heather

It’s back-to-school season … better yet, it’s time for a new season of classes at Gonyon’s Gymnastics! At Gonyon’s we are all aware of how difficult it is to stop gymnasts from doing gymnastics at home, outside in the grass or just about anywhere for that matter. While we encourage our students to practice on their own, we want them to be safe. Here are some tips and reminders for making sure your gymnasts stay safe outside of the gym. The Gym is Padded, Your Home is Not Gymnastics is a naturally fun activity and children enjoy it in both in the gym and outside of the gym. Gymnasts think they can make anything into a piece of gymnastics equipment. The difference between the gym and at home is that the gym is fully matted. At Gonyon’s we have mats everywhere, making the gym a much safer place to play and practice gymnastics. If You Are Not Absolutely Sure, Don’t Do the Skill To be safe at home, gymnasts need to lower the level of skill difficulty that they attempt to do at home. Although, it may be tempting to practice a skill they almost have in the gym, gymnasts should think carefully before attempting any skill they are not sure they can do safely. Never Try To Learn a New Skill at Home Gymnasts should never try learning a new skill at home. They first need to be taught by a professional coach with the correct mats and equipment. Only Do Skills at Home that Have Already Been Mastered Never do skills at home without proper gym matting that you have not safely mastered already in the gym. Mastering a skill means that you can do the skill EVERY time you attempt it. Watch Out for Hazards The gym is set up for our students’ safety. Gyms have wide-open padded areas that have been carefully cleared of obstructions. Your house is full of unsafe obstacles for gymnasts. Watch out for hazards including things like glass, mirrors, obstacles, and heavy furniture. Don’t Spot Others and Don’t Let Others Spot You Gymnasts should never spot other children while playing, nor should parents ever attempt to spot children. Spotting is more difficult than it looks and serious injuries can occur if a spotting error is made. Spotting is for professional coaches who have the training and experience to avoid any type of accident. Don’t Try This at Home Often friends, younger brothers and sisters, even older sisters and brothers want to try the skills that our gymnasts seem to do easily. Don’t allow or encourage your friends to try skills that you have spent many hours practicing and mastering. Other children and non-gymnasts do not have the skill and experience you do and may get seriously injured. Have Fun, but Stay Safe We love watching our students progress and learn new skills, but be careful. Follow the rules, use common sense and listen to that little voice inside your head. If it tells you not to try something, pay attention and wait to try it with a coach!

Tutu Care

Tiny Dancer Tutus and Tutu Dresses are made with very soft tulle. Your tutus are light weight and have a lot of volume. With proper care you will be able to wear your tutu over and over again. Simply follow the instructions below to keep your tutu in proper shape.

Removing Wrinkles:

If your tutu becomes wrinkled (this can sometimes happen during shipping) it is important that you DO NOT iron your tutu or put it in the dryer as both of these may cause the tulle to melt. To remove the wrinkles, simply hang the tutu on a hanger. You may then either steam it with a hand steamer or leave it in the washroom when someone is taking a shower. The steam will take the wrinkles right out. You can then use your fingers to comb out the tulle starting at the waist and working your way down. To ensure your tutu remains wrinkle-free, be sure to hang your tutu, or lay it completely flat. 

Keeping its Shape/Storing it:

Your tutu may have also flattened during shipping, or if stored for long periods without use. If this is the case, you'll want to fluff your tutu back into shape by holding it at the waistband and shaking it in different directions. You may also try steaming it and finger combing through the tulle as mentioned above. When storing the tutu put it in a closet out of reach of you little dancer. Turn it upside down and hang it by the pantie of the leotard. This pulls the tulle straight and will make it extra fluffy when turned right side up. 

Dealing with Static Cling:

If your tutu suffers from static cling, you can correct this simply by spritzing some water on your hands and finger combing though the tutu. You may also spritz your tutu using a combination of water and fabric softener. 

Cleaning you Tutu:

Only hand wash your tutu as needed. Place either the entire tutu or just the soiled portion in warm, soapy water. Gently scrub the soiled areas with your hands. Try to avoid scrunching the tulle while washing. Once clean, rinse your tutu thoroughly in warm water. Shake your tutu to remove the excess water and then hang to dry. The best way to keep your tutu clean is not to eat or drink anything while wearing it. 

Summer 2014 Day Camp

This is a weekly camp, not daycare. All gym rules apply to campers and parents. Weekly or Daily rates must be paid in advance on or before the first day.

Summer Day Camp hours: Monday - Friday 8am-6pm
Ages 3-12 (must be potty trained)
Additional hours before or after camp are available for an additional fee.
Weekly Rate $80
Daily Rate $25
1/2 Day Rate $15 (5 hours or less)
20% discount for 2 or more children from the same family.

REGISTRATION:
Every camp participant must have a completed camp registration form to participate in any camp activity. YOU MUST REGISTER AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE WEEK YOU PLAN TO ATTEND! Registration forms are available at the front desk

We will provide:
Certified Gymnastic Coaches. Adult Supervision. Fun, safe environment. NO TV...Lots of physical activity.

Daily Activities Include:
Gymnastics instruction
Dance, cheer, aerobic instruction
Indoor and outdoor games
Arts and crafts
Daily fun workbooks including reading and math
Sports...soccer, basketball, softball, etc...
Free time for puzzles, reading, and learning games
Weekly themes and events
Outdoor water games and free time

What to Bring:
Lunch every day. We will supply juice, water, and snacks.
Tennis shoes are required for outdoor play, sports, hiking etc...
Change of clothes, bathing suit and towel, and gym clothes
Sun screen and flip flops.

There are 12 weeks and Themes. Week 1 is June 9-13. Theme School's out for the Summer. Additional themes will be posted  in our Facebook Events closer to summer. Be sure to join the event and get updated posts :)

*Subject to cancellation if we have low enrollment. Don't miss out on all the fun!!!

 Facebook Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/290574354433700/ 

A Happy Healthy You

Hey Parents! Don't just sit there while your child is in class. Take advantage of this time and do something for yourself!

We all know the benefits the kids are getting while doing their gymnastics classes. What you may not know is that you can get in shape too by visiting our Shape Up room. We have a variety of circuit machines designed to tone your muscles and get your heart rate up enough to loose weight. Among those are a treadmill and vibe fit machine. All the machines having control settings that can be changed by the user so workouts can easily be customized for the novice, the expert, and everyone in between.

After you've had a good workout and got your blood pumping it's the perfect time to jump in a tanning bed! Exercising helps bring the melanin (pigment than allows you to tan) in your skin to the surface easier. This enhances your tanning experience. We have a variety of lay down and stand up beds. We also have upgraded beds with specialty bulbs as well as many excellent lotions and bronzers.

We feature tanning and shape up specials monthly! Stop by the front desk and take advantage of all the wonderful things we offer. Here's to a happy, healthy you :)

Gonyon's Policies

Gonyon's Policy #1:
You are responsible to pay for all classes during the session your child is enrolled. If your child misses a class it is your responsibility to schedule a make up class within 10 days. Make up classes will not carry over into the next session. There are no credits or refunds for missed classes. There are no credits or refunds given if your child drops out of the session.

Gonyon's Policy #2:
You are responsible to pay for classes on or before the first class in each session. Payments must be made to Gonyon's Gymnastics by cash, check, or credit card. A $10 late fee will be added for late payments. Monthly payments (those on competitive teams) are due the 1st of every month. Payments more than 7 days late will be charged a $10 late fee. Returned checks will be charged a $15 fee each.

 Gonyon's Policy #3:
All students must follow the dress code for classes. If students are not dressed properly for class they will sit and observe class only and will not be able to participate. Girls must wear a leotard, Boys must wear stretchy shorts and a t-shirt. Dance students must have the proper dance shoes. No jeans, no zippers, no buttons, no snaps, no belts.

 Gonyon's Policy #4:
PARENTS ONLY are allowed to watch gymnastics classes. No visitors, No children/siblings, No pets are allowed in the gym or classroom viewing areas. If you bring other children with you then you will have to remain in the parents waiting room with them and will not be able to watch classes. Parents may watch dance classes the first class of each month.

Handstands Around the World

  This is Miss Courtney, Miss Kayleigh, and Miss Paige in Cancun Mexico 2012.

Check out Madilyn, from our gym team, doing her handstand on the Sky Deck of the Sears Tower, Chicago IL 2013.

Miss Courtney, Miss Paige, and Miss Kayleigh again. This time at Daytona Beach Florida 2011.

Springers Gymnastics Team practicing handstands on their annual beach workout at
Kroeze Park.

AnnMarie at UofM Gymnastics camp

 Emily at UofM gymnastics camp.

 Skye on a work trip with her dad to Indiana.

 Kyra on vacation. Here she is in Kansas

.

Kyra at the zoo in St. Louis.

 Kyra at the Arch in St. Louis.

Kyra in Indiana and then at the Garden of Athens Gods in Colorado.

Madison at GR Ford airport waiting for her dad to come home from Switzerland.

Tiffany at Tough Mudder in Jackson MI.

Tiffany at Olive Garden, Jackson MI.

Mikayla in front of the Mackinac Bridge.

Kyra in front of Chow's Gymnastics. Home of 2007 All-around World Champion & 2008 Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist SHAWN JOHNSON.

 

 This family trip to Williamsburg Virginia looks like a lot of fun 

 Rylee showing off at Stony Lake MI

 

 Sienna in Traverse City, Mi

Morgan in twin lake, mi

Katie at Binder Park Zoo

Katie working on her balance on a paddle board

Madison In Petoskey, Mi overlooking Little Traverse bay

Madison at Marble Head overlook on Drummond Island, with Canada in the background

     Tiffany at the Whitehall Lighthouse

Abby (starting classes in September). Sleeping Bear Dunes.

 Kaylee at Silver Lake Sand Dunes!

Ella...Chilling Poolside in Portage!

Rylee at the Carrie Underwood concert!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I pay the registration fee every session?
A. NO. The registration fee is a once a year fee. Our year follows the school year and goes from Sept-May. There is no registration fee for summer classes.

Q. Can I enroll on line?
A. Sorry, but not at this time. The registration forms are on our Facebook page under the photo album "Flyers". There you can download and print the forms you need. Then return to the front desk with payment.

Q. When does my child advance to the next level?
A. Once you've enrolled in a class your child will stay in that class for the year. At the end of the year we test the students and will advance them based on their scores.

Q. What does my child wear to class?
A. Leotards are required. Dance & Cheer classes need to have the proper shoes. Boys need to wear shorts and t-shirt. NO BUTTONS, ZIPPERS, OR SNAPS on any piece of clothing! No baggy clothes of any kind.
*Shoes and socks are not necessary for any class except dance and cheer!

Q. What if my child missing a class?
A. If you miss a class, call the office and we'll help you set up a make up day.

Q. I filled out the registration forms last year why do I have to do it again?
A. We are required by law to have new forms filled out every year.

Q. Can my child join in the middle of a session? Will they be to far behind?
A. Yes you can join in the middle of a session! We will pro-rate that session for you so that you're not paying for the classes you weren't here for. (Please note that this applies to new students only! If you drop a session and then return later in the year you will have to pay the whole session and do make up classes) Our lessons plans progress throughout the year and every skill can be made easier or harder depending on the needs of the child, so no your child will not be left behind.

Q. Why can't siblings and Grandparents watch classes?
A. There are multiple reasons for this, the most important being Safety and Limited Space!

The Spring Show

Spring is in the air and we are busier than a hive of bees! While everyone else is making plans for Spring Break we are planning our Spring Show. The show is a Gonyons tradition going back many, many years. It's a big production with big rewards.

It all starts with a theme. Over the years we've had some memorable ones like Classic Rock, Animals, Show Tunes, Country, Around the World, and Candyland. This year it's Splish Splash. How do we pick the theme? Around Christmas time we have a staff meeting and we brainstorm! There's a lot we have to take into account before we can settle on a theme, for example we ask ourselves "Can we find music, leotards, and decorations to fit our theme?" Once the theme has been decided the coaches scramble to get their music.

Choosing a song for each class has it's own challenges. It has to be age appropriate and family friendly. Many times coaches will want the same songs! We have to post a song sheet and who ever writes it down first gets the song. We've learned it's best to be creative with our song selections.

Next we have to choose costumes/leotards to match the theme and the song. We also have to keep in mind the price and available sizes. Certain leotards are made for younger students, while others are made for the older kids. Also, we put a cap on the amount a costume can cost so we don't break the parents pocketbook. That means half of the catalog is automatically ruled out!

From there Coaches have to make up routines for each song. While this doesn't sound difficult, I assure you it's not an easy task. We have to make sure every student will be able to perform the skills in the choreography. That includes tumbling skills, dance moves, and use of props. Props can be an additional piece of equipment, ribbons, hats, maracas, etc... This guarantees no two routines will be the same!

Now comes the fun part, we kick the parents out of the gym and start teaching the routines to the kids. I know it's difficult not being able to watch classes, but parents we want it to be a surprise! Trust me, it's worth it!!! When the kids finally get to perform they are all smiles :)

As the day of the show draws near we get ready for pictures. At the beginning of May we start scheduling portraits. Pictures are not required, but for those who do want them they must be prepaid and scheduled in advance. It's necessary for us to do this so we know how long we need to book the photographer. Woodland Photography comes to the gym in the morning the day before the show. They do a fabulous job! Each year they make a special portrait of all the kids in their costumes for the Gym to display.

After the photographer is finished and packed up we get ready to tear the gym apart. Our entire staff and their families gather at the gym with as many trucks as possible and we pack up the equipment and haul it over to Oakridge Middle School Gym. We take the special regulation gym floor, bars, beams, rings, trampoline and vault. We also have numerous floor mats, wedges, port a pits, crash mats, and dismount mats to bring. Oh and don't forget we have to make sure we have all our props. Our checklist also includes tables, chairs, sound system, decorations, table service, trophies, and arts & crafts for the kids to keep busy back stage. Of course, hauling it to the school is just half the battle. Now we have to set up all the equipment and decorate the school. If it wasn't for our families volunteering their time and man power I don't think we'd be able to put on such an amazing show! It's a long hard day for all of us.

The day of the show we arrive at the school bright and early to do the final preparations. We have a concessions table that the Gym Team parents run while the Cheer Team parents sell flowers and candygrams.  All proceeds go to the teams. There's  lots of bustling going on  in the kitchen too. After the show students and parents are invited to stay and have cake and punch. 

Thirty minutes before show time students arrive, dressed and ready to perform. Parents drop the kids off at the locker room then find a spot in the bleachers. Coaches stay in the locker room with the kids. It it maned at all times. Kids stay in the locker room for the entire show. At the end of the performance they receive their trophies and they all come out for the grand finale. Now, usually we more than one show. For example: Mon & Tue classes in the first show, then Wed, Thurs, & Sat classes in the second show. The team kids perform at all show times. Some years we've had so many students performing that we've done three shows! In between shows the coaches grab a quick bite to eat before heading back to the locker room to do it all over again.

After the last show is done and the students have cleared the floor we go right into clean up mode. Immediately our staff and volunteers tear down the equipment and load up the trucks. We also clean the school so it's ready for students the next morning. By the time we haul all our stuff back to Gonyons Gym we're tired, sore, and hungry. We literally toss the equipment in the door and go out to celebrate a job well done.

During the next two weeks the staff deep cleans the gym and has to put all the equipment back together without the help of our families. Whew! We put a lot of time and energy into our Spring Shows! We also get all joy out of it. The kids are all beaming with pride after they get their trophies and, as a coach, that's priceless!!!

The Foam Pit

A gym without a foam pit would be like a school with no principal. It's an essential piece of equipment. While our littlest gymnast see it as a toy box, our team kids are thankful to have a soft place to land when learning new skills. And as with all our equipment it must be used properly to avoid injury.

Now, I know what you're thinking "How do you get injured in the foam pit"? Well, there are a few things to be careful of. Always jump in feet or butt first. Landing the the pit head first or on your belly can cause neck or spinal injuries! Also, if you don't look before you leap, you may end up landing on a fellow student.

Here are our basic rules for foam pit safety:
Do not land head first into the pit
Do not bury yourself under the pit blocks.
Do not attempt skills you cannot do by yourself safely
Do not dig holes in the pit blocks
Do not throw foam out of the pit
Do not pick the foam pit blocks apart
Do not throw foam blocks at anyone’s face
Do not jump into the pit from the trampoline

These rules are not meant to take the fun out of the pit experience, but are there to make sure your fun doesn't come to an unfortunate ending.

So, how is the pit an essential tool? Foam pits are very useful because it eliminates a huge amount of spotting from the coach. There are certain gymnastics skills that are very hard to spot and on occasions a coach spotting just gets in the way.

It's also great for conditioning! You see, those foam blocks are incredibly deceptive. The more you weigh the more they pull you towards the bottom. It makes moving difficult and gives your muscles a great workout!

Weather you're playing, conditioning, or practicing new skills a foam pit is a must for every gymnastics club.

The ABC's of the Gym

A is for Athlete. Gymnastics is the root of all sports. The strength and muscle memory you build can be carried over into every other sporting event.

B is for Balance. Gymnasts have a way of making even the smallest of movements look easy. The truth is it takes years to master the balance needed to prefect those tiny skills.

C is for Cartwheel. Of of the most basic skills. Seems so simple, but there's 4 things going on at once. That's why kids have to practice them A LOT!

D is for Dismount. It's the last thing the judges see and it's important to nail it. Our littlest gymnasts know it better as TA-DA.

E is for Elite. When you dedicate yourself to long hours in the gym you stand apart from everyone else.

F is for Flip. The ultimate show off skill to all your friends.

G is for Grace. Knowing how to hold yourself, present yourself, and even knowing how to correctly fall. It's not natural, it's a learned skill.

H is for Hurdle. This is the skill right before a round off. It's the power behind the skill.

I is for Iron Cross. It's the ultimate skill for men on the rings.

J is for Jump. Believe it or not, but there is a correct way to jump! Seems like a no brainer, but there are different types of jumps that use different muscles.

K is for Kip. The kip is an important skill that is used as both a mount and an element or connecting skill in a bar routine.

L is for Leotard. It's important to be properly dressed.

M is for Meet. Whether your at a sanctioned meet or a fun meet performing in front of judges can cause a case of the jitters.

N is for Never give up. There's no such thing as I can't.

O is for Obstacles. There will always be obstacles in life. How you overcome them is what makes you strong.

P is for Practice. Practice make permanent so practice like you are performing.

Q is for Quick. When doing all those skills you have to make sure you quickly spot where your gonna land.

R is for Run. Essential for building power.

S is for Stick it. Here's that dismount skill again. It's a difficult thing to stop all your movement in one small moment.

T is for Tumble. The very first tumbling skill is the forward roll. It's the building block of skills to come.

U is for Uneven Bars. The women's apparatus in which the bars are different levels of height.

V is for Vault. To run full speed at a stationary object and skillfully vault over without crashing into it!

W is for Warm up. It's important to properly warm up before doing any sport to prevent injury.

X is for X marks the spot. The dismount skill is so important it's made the list for a third time.

Y is for Yes. The exclamation you make when you stick it.

Z is for Zone. An athlete's focus.

Progressions

The art of Progressions is the foundation of teaching and learning Gymnastics. This makes it safe and approachable for anyone, regardless of the amount of experience they have.

The first step is to break down the skill and  learn the movement pattern. For example, if the skill is a backward tuck, then the very basic movement pattern is a straight jump followed by tucking the knees into the chest. This is practiced without the full turnover against a wall or on a resi pit so that you can learn to apply speed and power to the skill. It also teaches you to jump high before tucking.

Once you know what you're supposed to be doing you practice with assistance. The ides is to make strength and power requirements less by using mat layouts and elevation. For example, doing a back tuck into the foam pit to make sure you're landing on your feet or using the trampoline so you can focus on the flip and not worry about the height. From there the coach will spot you through the skill. This will provide enough support without taking the hard work out of the task. You'll be given some helpful hints on how to improve from your coach and gain confidence.

Then practice makes perfect! It will take 800 repetitions to perfect the action so that the body does it instinctively. That doesn't mean 800 back tucks, that means 800 progressions! Practicing the individual drills for a skill keeps you from getting sloppy and picking up bad habits. It also keeps you from getting injured.

Once you've gotten the basic movement patterns, you can perform the skill in pieces. Again using the backflip, you can practice the jump and tuck without a full turnover by jumping back against a mat set up on a wall. As you jump backward, you will hit the wall with your upper back as you tuck your knees to your chest. This step gives you the sense of going through the motions while also applying speed and power. It also teaches you to jump high before tucking.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/438513-gymnastics-drills-and-progressions-for-skill/#ixzz2DY0Hqeue

all gymnastics skills are taught and learned through the use of progressions that make them safe and approachable for anyone, no matter how much gymnastics experience you may have.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/438513-gymnastics-drills-and-progressions-for-skill/#ixzz2DXwHdAe2

all gymnastics skills are taught and learned through the use of progressions that make them safe and approachable for anyone, no matter how much gymnastics experience you may have.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/438513-gymnastics-drills-and-progressions-for-skill/#ixzz2DXwHdAe2

all gymnastics skills are taught and learned through the use of progressions that make them safe and approachable for anyone, no matter how much gymnastics experience you may have.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/438513-gymnastics-drills-and-progressions-for-skill/#ixzz2DXvybker

Tricks and Treats

There are many ways to "trick" kids into learning and "treat" them to some laugh out loud fun in the process. Let me reach into my goodie bag and show you some Tricks and Treats of learning at the gym.

Cartwheels. Often we'll use a piece of foam for kids to jump over or hold so they can kick while learning cartwheels. The strategy is they're focused on the foam more than the "I can't or I don't know how". This makes it fun and helps them learn to pop the hips and lift the legs.

Balance. Bean bags on the head while walking on the beam is crazy fun. Instead of them looking at the beam to walk, they have to focus on keeping their heads up and look only at the far end of the beam. Some kids will figure out how to place it so their ponytales hold it in place, while others hold it with their hands til they get the hang of it.

Rainbows. The rainbows hold endless fun. From helping learn how to hold the splits to learning how to spot backward skills. The kids just see it as something to climb on and rock in. They have no idea that they're learning gymnastics until the Coach helps them finish the skill. The surprised looks of "Oh wow. I did it!" always bring a smile to coaches, students, and parents.

So next time you see your child having way to much fun, remember they're being tricked into learning some pretty awesome skills, and the end result is rewarding :)