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 Lay flat on the ground against a wall with your hands … Continue reading Strength and Conditioning for Press Handstands
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 and the gymnast’s core. The Gym Spot gives a step-by-step guide … Continue reading How to do a Press Handstand
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 is most suitable for me or my child?” There is a … Continue reading How to Choose the Perfect Gymnastics Mat
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 clubs are closed and gymnasts are training from home. Affirmations are … Continue reading Positive Affirmations for Gymnasts
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 are mostly for those who wish to start practising yoga but … Continue reading How to Use Yoga Blocks for Beginners
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 how to install here), put the straps on, stand with your feet … Continue reading 5 Flexibility Trainer Strap Exercises
Introducing our latest club to sit in the hot seat for club focus, Roleystone Gymnastics Club! How did your club start? RGC, have been operating for over 35 years. We started as a small club in our local Roleystone Hall packing away all the equipment every day and setting up again the next day. In the early 90’s we moved to our current building a … Continue reading Club Focus: Roleystone Gymnastics Club
To help maintain strength and flexibility, it’s important for young cheerleaders to condition at home. The Gym Spot has put together some drills that will help with their conditioning training whilst the lockdown is in full effect, using minimal to no equipment. Warm Ups Naturally, before you participate in any type of physical activity, it is important to warm up. Participating in high impact activity without … Continue reading Cheer Conditioning at Home
A kip is a technique usually performed on the women’s uneven bars and is an integral part of gymnastics. Gymnasts usually employ a kip to mount the bars smoothly and a connecting element in bar routines. It allows the gymnast to swing below the bar to arrive in a front support on the bar, and from the front support, they are able to perform any … Continue reading Kip Variations
