The “Why, What, and How” for Soft Tissue Care in Gymnasts
The concept of soft tissue care has absolutely blown up in the last few years for all sports, but even more so gymnastics. Foam rolling, lacrosse ball work, stick massages, and other tools are being seen all across practice and competition floors…
SHIFT’s New 200+ Free Gymnastics Video Database Is Now Available On Youtube!
Got another big announcement this week! Over the last 6 months, I filmed an insane amount of gymnastics exercise videos for my favorite strength, power, flexibility, and injury prevention exercises. I did this because people contact me all…
The Biggest Areas For Change in Gymnastics and How Stress Affects Athletes
Since releasing my newest Gymnastics E-Book (find it for free here), I've been super grateful to be asked on a lot of podcasts and interviews. Most recently, I joined my good friend Dr. Ryan Debell on his show, The Movement Fix Podcast. To…
Why I Wrote My New Book, Achilles Tears and Tips to Change Gymnastics Culture – New Interview With the Routine Podcast
Hey everyone! Last month I was very thankful for the opportunity to be interviewed on The Routine Podcast with their hosts, Dianna and Chelcie. Originally, this podcast was going to center around the high rate of Achilles tears in collegiate/elite…
The Exact Drills I Use to Increase Overhead Shoulder Flexibility
Just like many readers, I work with a lot of gymnasts both on our team and at Champion who struggle with limited overhead flexibility. It can be frustrating for the gymnast due to a lack of progress in skills, and I often see it as a factor…
Increase Split and Shoulder Flexibility with These Easy (Yet Not Commonly Used) Exercises
Hip flexibility for better splits or leaps, overhead shoulder flexibility for better handstands, and behind the back flexibility for better pommel or bar swings are very common issues many gymnasts or coaches face.
I've spent many years in…
Changing Gymnastics Culture : It’s Time to Have Some Really Hard Conversations
Before I dive into the background and why I wrote this book, if you are just looking for the download form you can find it here. As I will explain, it is 100% free and I am only asking for email/name verification in an effort to maintain website…
Brain Spill #5: Stress Neuroendocrinology, Physical Therapy, Epigenetics, and Youth Athletes:
My blog posts in the last few months have been on the "meta" side of the fence, talking about things like overcoming failure, coaching style, and life psychology. I'm ready to dive into the wild nerdy rabbit hole again in a "Brain Spill" type…
Needle Walk Ins to Improve Back Leg Split Flexibility, Leaps, and Jumps
I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year! Readers have really seemed to enjoy some more "quick tip" posts with easy to use drills in practice, so I wanted to share another one of my go to's today.
All gymnasts tend to struggle…
10 Quick Tips – Safely Developing Hip Flexibility in Gymnasts
I've written some pretty in-depth articles on my thoughts related to hip flexibility research, injury mechanisms, and in gym methods, I think are useful. If you want to check them out, take a peek here, here, and here.
Also, if you want to…