The transition from summer to fall brings new challenges for gymnasts as they balance back-to-school demands with increased training loads, requiring careful planning to prevent injuries and build a foundation for competition season. We discuss how to create a training plan that accommodates the physiological, mental, and lifestyle changes that occur during this critical period.
• Four key "buckets" for successful preseason training: strength/conditioning, metabolic capacity, gymnastics progressions, and physical preparation/education
• Why traditional cardio methods like long runs and endless panel mat jumps qualify as "junk mileage" that doesn't effectively prepare athletes for the demands of competition
• Difference between aerobic conditioning (not sport-specific) and the 60-90 second anaerobic bursts needed for gymnastics routines
• Sport-specific cardio progressions that build capacity while minimizing injury risk
• Why recovery between sessions is where actual improvement happens, not during the training itself
• Importance of proactively educating athletes and parents about sleep, nutrition, hydration and stress management
• Creating gym cultures that normalize recovery practices rather than only addressing them when problems arise
• Simple, practical ways coaches can incorporate education about recovery into daily practice
Try collecting high-quality, evidence-based resources on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress management to create simple one-page PDFs for parents and athletes as part of your welcome packet or regular communications.
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