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Insta- Famous: Piper
At Gymnastics Direct, we are lucky to have an amazing group of young gymnasts as part of our Ambassador program. In the past 3 years, we have followed each athletes journey in the world of gymnastics whilst highlighting their achievements and goals within the sport. This week, we introduce you to one of our…
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Best Gymnastics Bar For Your Gymnast
A horizontal bar is an apparatus used within various elements of artistic gymnastics. Examples of such are Uneven Bar (WAG), High Bar and Parallel Bar (MAG). Whilst competition bar units need to conform to FIG specifications, home use bars are made in smaller sizes (width and length) to suit the needs and space limitations…
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From The Vault: MyKayla Skinner
The Gym Spot looks at retired artistic gymnast Mykayla Skinner, who took home the silver medal in vault at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Born in 1994, Skinner started in the sport of gymnastics in 2000. Her reason for starting was that she was heavily influenced by her sisters. She made her first…
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Strength and Conditioning for Press Handstands
Press to Handstand is a common yet difficult manoeuvre to master in gymnastics. In order to do this skill, the gymnast needs to have warmed up prior and conditioned. The Gym Spot looks at 5 ways in which a gymnast can build strength and condition prior to performing this movement. For Strength and Conditioning…
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How to do a Press Handstand
A press handstand is a handstand that can be performed from either a standing or sitting position, and essentially is the gymnast pulling themselves up from the ground with a ‘pressing’ motion in order to form a handstand. This skill is quite complex as it takes a lot of strength in the upper body…
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How to Choose the Perfect Gymnastics Mat
Protective matting is an essential part of gymnastics, cheerleading, acrobatics or any high impact sport. It allows for safer landings and helps build athletes’ confidence, especially when the individual is exposed to danger because of the potential fall height involved. Safety and function are crucial, and the question that arises most is, “What matting…
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Positive Affirmations for Gymnasts
For the last year or so, Australia has been in and out of lockdowns which have had a significant impact on young gymnast’s training regime and mental health. The Gym Spot takes a look at positive affirmations that can help gymnasts maintain a positive mindset especially amidst the conditions across the country where most…
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How to Use Yoga Blocks for Beginners
Yoga Blocks are utilised within the practice of yoga for those who are struggling with their flexibility or for those who have just started practicing yoga. Yoga blocks are useful for building upper body strength, practising alignment, protecting and building strength in weak wrists and gaining more depth into particular yoga poses. While blocks…
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5 Flexibility Trainer Strap Exercises
Gymnastics Direct’s Flexibility Trainer Strap is the perfect training aid for at home. It allows gymnasts, dancers, or cheerleaders to condition, maintain strength and improve their flexibility, balance and control! Take your training to the next level and improve your strength and flexibility with these 5 easy exercises. 1. Backbend After installing the trainer strap (find…