Assessing and Fixing The Dreaded “Pike Arch” Handstand: 6 Issues To Consider
The very commonly seen “pike arch” and rib flared handstand is something many gymnastics coaches and athletes are frustrated by. Although to the average person it may not seem like a big issue, in reality to the trained coach or medical…
Fixing Bridges and Preventing Back Pain – 5 Common Issues and How To Address Them
A good bridge is a fundamental part of gymnastics. Unfortunately, it is also a movement that gives coaches, healthcare providers, and athletes a lot of problems. Back pain with bridges and other hyper extension skills is a huge issue within…
Our New Warm Up With Video Walk Through (Part 2)
Last week in Part 1 of this article series, I outlined the first 4 parts of the new warm up I have created for our gymnasts. In this week, I wanted to give the video link to the last few chunks to our entire 25 minute warm up. Just like last…
Our New Warm Up With Video Walk Through (Part 1)
One of the most common topics I get asked about is what I have our girls team do for a warm up. Many people have heard me talk about my newer ideas for flexibility, and wonder how they practically show sup in training. The warm up is one big…
“Hip Flexor Tightness” in Gymnasts and The Most Common Error In Stretching
A topic that comes up frequently in my flexibility lectures and when treating gymnastics patients is hyper mobile athletes who feel "hip flexor tightness" or experience ongoing "hip flexor strains". This issue plagues many gymnasts leading…
3 Things That Must Go In A Gymnast’s Warm Up
As I continue to learn and think more, I'm always looking to tweak our gymnastics practices in an effort to help our athletes as much as possible. The warm up is one of the most essential parts of practice, as it helps prepare the body for…
5 Tips To Reduce Shoulder Injuries In Men’s Gymnastics
Although I work with a lot of female gymnasts, I also work with a handful of male gymnast and many have shoulder problems. Unfortunately, I know from personal experience and through college teammates that shoulder injuries run wild in men's…
Video Quick Tip! Full Tuck Handstand Drill For Overhead Strength
Here is a drill that I learned a lot time ago, but have recently been using a lot more putting my own spin on it. I think it's great to work weight bearing, end range shoulder control without allowing rib flare cheating. Many gymnasts will…
Screening Overhead Mobility Update For Coaches and Clinicians
When working with a client, it's important to assess overhead mobility in positions relevant to their sport or activities. After reading some newer research, learning some techniques from Mike Reinold, and playing around with applications in…
Applying Hip Strength Drills For Reduced Pain and Increased Flexibility
Over the last year, I have shared a lot of my thoughts related to how I have drastically changed my approaches to hip and shoulder flexibility training. The "Gymnastics, Please Stop These Stretches" series I wrote (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) were…