Our Barron Valley coaches have been so impressed at how 2019 has started for our competitive gymnasts. As coaches and gymnasts get to know each other, they've been working well together to put down some great foundation skills, which will assist the gymnasts in the year ahead. Sometimes the early months of the year can be a little frustrating for some gymnasts.  They might feel like they were building new skills and momentum at the end of the year, to then come back to some basics when the new year kicks off. One of the most helpful things we can do is explain to our gymnasts, this is all part of the process. The coaches have very well thought out plans covering the entire year's training, progressions and goals. Using this time at the beginning to get our brains and bodies back into the swing of things is extremely important and will mean more feelings of success, accomplishment and fun for the gymnasts in the long run.

So, what are we up to in Class?

The first 4-6 weeks back in the gym were our Brain & Body Preparation Phase At the start of the year we cut back on new skill development, to focus on some basic skills and techniques. We've worked hard to build up strength and flexibility and on making sure all of our gymnasts have really good foundations.  Now that the kids' bodies and brains are back into it, we're ready for some exciting skill development! Strength and Shaping Phase (4 - 6 weeks) During this phase, comp kids at Barron Valley are doing a lot of strength and shaping to get ready for the skills they've have been dying to jump into. We often tell the gymnasts their brain can learn skills, but you cannot learn strength. Strength is just something you have to get better at from working hard! Without the strength in the body, gymnasts will not be able to achieve a lot of the desired skills. Awesome effort during this phase, will mean the skills will come more easily in the next few months and gymnasts will feel ready & prepared when it comes to competition season and routine time! Keep working hard Team BV, we think you're amazing!