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Gymnastics culture:
“Time off is the worst thing for gymnasts. No more than 2 weeks off per year. Gymnasts will lose all their skills and power with an off season”
Yet here we are after 3 months off & most gymnasts are doing just fine when smart, scientific training is used
“Time off is the worst thing for gymnasts. No more than 2 weeks off per year. Gymnasts will lose all their skills and power with an off season”
Yet here we are after 3 months off & most gymnasts are doing just fine when smart, scientific training is used
Another brain spill thread on a conversation we need to have, but might shake the hornet's nest
Now don’t get me wrong, we still have to watch what happens with fully getting back to competitions (whenever those happen), injuries, attrition, & progress over the next year.
Now don’t get me wrong, we still have to watch what happens with fully getting back to competitions (whenever those happen), injuries, attrition, & progress over the next year.
That being said, this forced offseason experiment should be a HUGE eye-opener to everyone working in gymnastics. Maybe we should
1. Not follow the same year-round, brutally long competitions season model with young gymnasts just because “that’s how we’ve always done it”
1. Not follow the same year-round, brutally long competitions season model with young gymnasts just because “that’s how we’ve always done it”
2. Actually consider using the ideas from massive amounts of research studies that show significant concerns for injury risk, failure to reach full potential, and mental/emotional burnout because of early specialization and year-round training.
3. Gather an interdisciplinary team of coaches, former gymnasts, medical providers, and researchers to actually brainstorm practical ideas and then write a consensus statement to get the ball rolling
4. Use an open mind for innovation while putting health ahead of medals, money, and ego
I honestly believe 95% of people are well-intentioned and just need education.
That 95% needs to hold the 5% of not so well-intentioned people accountable
I honestly believe 95% of people are well-intentioned and just need education.
That 95% needs to hold the 5% of not so well-intentioned people accountable
Research studies for those interested
Popkin 2019 J Am Acad Orthop Surg - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31157759/
Popkin 2019 J Am Acad Orthop Surg - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31157759/
Moseid 2019 Scan J Med Sci Sports - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30450649/
LaPrade 2016 Orthop J Sports Med - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27169132/
Bergeron 2015 BJSM - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26084524/
Soligard 2016 BJSM - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27535989/
Meyer 2015 Sports Health - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4547120/
Meyer 2016 Sports Health - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517937/
Jayanthi 2013 Sports Health - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658407/
Hiding behind “they’ll lose all their skills” or “gymnastics is different, this research doesn’t apply here” is really dangerous.
And in my opinion it’s also a cop out from being open to changing your beliefs, admit you maybe were wrong, and being willing to put in the work needed to learn/build something new.
Now I’m not trying to be sassy or inflammatory here. I’m just really tired of gymnastics being a durability contest, instead of a work ethic contest.
It should be a contest where those who are dedicated, work hard, are willing to make sacrifices, and commit to the long haul of efforts.
But the last 20 years it has not felt like that. It’s felt like the people who are lucky enough to survive the physical, mental, and emotional gauntlet of youth gymnastics long enough without breaking go on to have a chance at winning.
Is 3 months off a year too much for gymnasts? I think so. But would a week off after major meets and 1 month off with general cross training after season have a massive positive impact on injuries, burnout, and career potential? I think so.
I just think honestly, we’re just all scared of change and admitting we maybe we’re wrong (myself included).
We’re all scared of social judgement (“but the parents/other gyms/other coaches will say….”). We’re also all scared of the unknown, not knowing if we’ll miss out or negatively impact long term career potential of a gymnast.
But we must try something different. This current approach is far from optimal. And it seems we have been given an opportunity here with COVID. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It won’t be perfect or work flawlessly on the first attempt.
But, as the saying goes…the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Much love everyone, stay safe
- Dave
Much love everyone, stay safe
- Dave
