Good Luck at AWG trials!

Good luck to Sydney, Tiana, Alysha and Sheehan at AWG trials this weekend!

New Suits are here tomorrow!

The new VCIA suits are sitting at DHL and I will be picking them up tomorrow before practice. If you are interested in seeing these new babies (I'm a little curious myself), feel free to track me down and ask to take a peek.
Becca

Volunteers Needed for AWG this weekend!

We are in desperate need for more volunteers for the Alberta Winter Games trials! The sign up sheet is located on the window- please be sure to have one adult at each judges table (it is super easy to be a scorer and even easier to be a flasher!). We also need more food donated for the concession so if you feel like being Martha Stewart we could use your services (and no, I'm not talking about insider trading...).

Just a Quick Note...

It has been almost 4 days and the equipment should be dry from the recent "shower" it took. Because indoor playground is still going on Wednesday we will be setting the gym back up at 1pm. Therefore, training will only be until 1pm. We would appreciate if the parents could stay and help as it is a hefty job to do.

Thanks a bunch!
Salta

What did Santa Bring You?

Well now that Christmas has come and gone (Merry Christmas by the way!)- it's time to get back to the gym! I would like to do a New Years Resolution wall this year so we can really focus on some goals. If all the girls in the program would like to bring in a card with their resolutions on them I would love to post it up! Please use a flash/recipe card and don't forget to put your name on it! feel free to explore you artistic side (you can use stickers, photos, markers- etc.).

I will be posting them on the 31st of December.

And up on the roof.....

So, tomorrow is Christmas Day. Hurray! Has everyone sent Santa their Christmas lists? Yesterday I had the pleasure of running into him at The Forks- wanna know what I asked him for? A few things actually:

1. A tumble trak
2. A viscious dog named Hector to chase girls down the runway who run to slow on vault (no Syd, not you!)
3. A massage therapist which we can lock in the back room and take Him out as we need him
4. A extra computer for the office so Janet no longer has to share her space with us messy coaches
5. An expresso machine to put beside the beam
6. A gigantic bean bag chair beside the floor for after those tiring floor routines
7. A remote control with a mute button for athletes during those really hard conditionings
8. And of course- a happy new year!
9. For all of Salta's athletes to stick their beam routines at competition this year!

Hope you all get what you want for Christmas!!!

Merry Merry Christmas!

Hi everyone! As you all know the Christmas party is tonight- YAY!
Just a reminder to not forget things like your toothbrush- cause you don't want to kill anyone with your halitosis- your sleeping bag, pillow, and pj's. Incidentally, Kayla's got this cool game planned. Oh, and just so you know- you're all going down...I don't take any prisoners. Muhahahaha!....yeah...whatever that means...

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

Elite Canada- Event Finals

Congrats Laurel for placing first on floor with a 13.85!!! She also came in fourth on bars with a 12.20!
Way to go kid!
Click here to see complete results

ELITE CANADA- DAY ONE

Congrats to Laurel for placing 5th AA at Elite. She qualified for finals in bars in 2nd place and floor in 5th place. We`re proud of you Laurel! Good luck in finals.
Click HERE to view complete results

Christmas Sleepover... some more info!

Training will STILL be held on the same day as the Christmas Party. We will train until 7pm.
A sign up sheet has been started and if you see Tera with your $5, you can place your name and what you will be bringing for food (can I request some of Eva's veggies and dip?) on the list.

Also, if you wish to participate in the Secret Santa please bring a wrapped gift with a value of $5.

As a request, if anyone has a karaoke machine that we could use for the night, we would appreciate it! If anyone else has any other new suggestions for activities please feel free to email me!

Christmas Training

The last day of classes for competitive gymnasts is December 21^st. The regular classes will start back on Thursday, January 3^rd 2008. Since school is still out, training will be in the morning from 9:00- 1:00.

Christmas is approaching very fast and so is our 11^th annual Christmas camp. You are invited to take part in one to all four days of the camp to work on routines, new skills, maintain your strength and flexibility, and most importantly have fun.

Schedule and times are as follows:

Competitive

Thursday, Dec. 27 9:00-2:00

Friday , Dec. 28 9:00-2:00

Sunday, Dec. 30 9:00-2:00

Monday, Dec .31 9:00-2:00

Silver and Gold

Sunday, Dec. 30 9:00- 1:00

Monday, Dec 31 9:00-1:00

The cost is $25.00/day or $90.00 for all four days for the Competitive. The pre-competitive will be $20.00/day. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. If you are planning to attend the Christmas camp, please sign up at the desk with Tera.

Christmas Sleepover

Salta's Christmas sleepover will be on December 21, 2007! As the date draws closer I will post more information- so save the date!

Some Visitors!

We had the pleasure of having a couple of boys from the West Wind Men's Team come and train with their former coach (Dave). It was interesting to see some of the skills that the boys where doing (a full twisting butterfly is very cool). The boys will be coming down from time to time for some tune ups (plus, they miss their old coach) so if you missed them this week they will be back!

Coaches Clinic Recap

A big thanks to all the Coaches and Jr. Coaches who attended the clinic. For most of the Jr. Coaches, this was a great opportunity to learn some of the basics of front tumbling. This also gave them a opportunity to learn how to spot some skills. Dave, you did a fantastic job of explaining things (we even extended our vocabulary!). For all of those who missed, I will be placing a handout into your mail box.

Our next meeting will be this Sunday at 3pm. We will continue on with front tumbling. If you have any questions please feel free to bring them with you as we hope to have a discussion forum after.

A huge thanks to Sheehan and Alysha for demonstrating (and Sheehan, may Dillan never trip you on the playground again... )

In case you havn't heard...

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Trials to Alberta Winter Games will be taking place on January 6th, 2008.

Watch for the new sign up sheet coming to your friendly neighborhood gym.

Back-spring gremlins???

So fear is a universally bad thing in gymnastics...right? Well...no. Fear itself has proven quite useful throughout human history (and pre-history), as evidenced by the fact that we are still around. Fear prevents us from doing the really stupid things that would most likely get us killed- rational fear that is. There is also another type of fear, an irrational type that, in gymnastics, can be debilitating. It can be like a little gremlin in our heads that prevents us from doing what we know we can do. An example of this is the "beam back-spring gremlin" that sneaks into our heads when we try to do back-springs on beam. And it comes at the oddest of times- like when we know that we can already do a back-spring on beam. But, for those fearful of you out there (and here I'm talking about irrational fear (I'm certainly not advocating jumping off roofs)), you needn't fear- all is not lost. There are a few specific techniques that you can use to overcome irrational fear.

Firstly, the ideas is to concentrate on the process rather than on all of the possible outcomes. That means that you shouldn't worry about all the possible ways in which you can hurt yourself, rather, you should think about those things that your coach has been telling you. Take the back handspring on beam as an example. Rather than thinking about all the ways you can fall off, think about what you are going to see and feel as you go through the motion. Think about what your legs are supposed to be doing as you jump. Think about seeing the beam before your hands hit. Think about watching for your back foot coming back down to the beam. And lastly, think about the solid and sharp finishing position. Of course, unless you have super-human information processing power (the thing your brain does when you think), that might be too much to think about in such a short period of time. So, just pick one or two things (your coach will normally give you a cue as to what you ought to be thinking about) and concentrate on those.

The second thing you need to do is trust your coach. Your coach has been involved in the gymnastics thing for a tad bit longer than you, and therefore she (hopefully) has more information than you. As a result, she knows when you are ready to learn a new skill. She also knows when something is unsafe. All this just means that she is in a better position than you to assess whether or not your fear is rational or irrational. So, if you don't trust your coach, either get a new one or adjust your perspective. Because, without trust, you're not going to get very far.

The last critical ingredient is to believe in yourself. By and large, you are your own largest obstacle to achieving your potential in gymnastics. By staying positive and focused on your goals you can be an asset to your own progress, rather than an impediment. I am often leery in quoting the man (he was a bit of a bigot), but, as Henry Ford once said, "obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

So, to recap: 1) Process, not outcomes, 2) Trust your coach, and 3) Believe in yourself. Oh...and one last thing....please tell that back-spring gremlin to take a hike- he kinda creeps me out.

This is David Sykes, filling in for Becca- she said she didn't know what to write and threw the computer at me...it kinda hurt...but I'll get over it...

Elite Screening Results

Congrats to Laurel for making it to Elite Canada! She posted some of the highest scores among her competitors this weekend!

Positive Self-Talk

"I'm Scared"....."I Can't"...."What If"....."That's Scary!".... "Impossible!"...

Sound familiar?

In gymnastics it is vital to have a positive view on your training. When the gymnast starts to doubt that she can NOT do a skill or starts to imagine injuring herself- guess what- she possibly will! It's important to enforce positive attitudes through training and competition. Negative thoughts can lead to negative actions.Positive thoughts of course can lead to positive actions. This is why Salta has adopted the “You believe… You achieve…” attitude.
In training, if you focus on how a skill should be performed, chances are you will achieve the skill in a faster time frame than if you think of what could go wrong. Think of how much energy is perhaps wasted worrying about what could go wrong or letting a few tears slide. Or how about standing on the beam for 5 minutes trying to convince yourself that the beam perhaps will be right under you when you land? Sound familiar. Well, let’s try to see this in a different way….
When you approach that skill that you generally have a fear of, try telling yourself
"I will do this properly" or "If my coaches know I can do this by myself they have 100% confidence in me, so therefore I should have the same confidence in myself!", or even, "I can and I will".

So, test yourself. Instead of wasting time avoiding the skill, get up and just do it. Let us see what you can achieve in training tomorrow.

If you believe it, you WILL achieve it!

Coaches Clinic

For all Salta coaches interested we are having a coaches clinic on December 2nd, 2007. All coaches are encouraged to attend. We will be covering front tumbling (ie. front handspring, flyspring, front tuck, front layout's).. the list goes on. If you have any questions or drills that you can contribute, feel free to write them down and we can all discuss them as a group!
See you there!

November 11th Training

Eva and Becca's group will be the only group training this sunday. For the rest of you, have a good Remembrance Day!

And the Raffle Winner Is...

Congratulations go out to Ken & Peggy Lesmeister for winning the $1500.00 raffle! The 5 prizes of $100.00 went to:

Lisa Anctil
Lynne Carter
Kurtis Walter
Cindy Hopfauf
Bob Burgess

Remember, if anyone is having a hard time spending that cash, I am volunteering my services as a professional spender.

What's In Your Gym Bag?

Here is a list of things that should be in your gym bag. Having these items will prepare you for evey practice. If I have missed something please email me and I will add it!


1. Your leotard (or 2)
2. Grips and Wrist bands*
3. Socks
4. Sweat pants or stretchy pants
5. A t-shirt
6. Extra elastics and travel sized hairspray
7. Hair Clips
8. Chap Stick
9. A roll of hockey tape
10. Watered down apple juice or gatorade (replaces fluid and carbohydrates at the same time!)
11. Some simple carbohydrates to eat on break

Emailing news

If you would like to receive newletters and memos through email, please submit your address to me and I will start a list.

Rebecca@inspiresportsinc.com

Physical Testing

Throughout the season we will be regularly monitoring these 4 tests:

1. Rope Climb
2.Cast to Handstand
3. Standing Vertical Jump
4.Stalder Press To Handstand
5. Leg Lifts

These tests are considered to be correlated to performance in gymnastics. By improving in these physical components, it becomes easier to learn skills. Additionally, we are monitoring height as an injury prevention mechanism. As an athlete goes through a growth spurt, their long bones grow first and there is an 18 month lag with the muscular system....aka... it takes 18 months for the muscles to "catch up" to where the bones where. During that time, many athletes lose specific skill and it becomes unsafe to perform some of their more difficult elements (due to the fact that they are tall and relatively weaker).

Mini Meet Today

Mini meet is today. I will be videoing and judging routines to compare in the months to come. This is a great opportunity to see how much the athletes improve over the next few months before competitions. For athletes who are not doing routines yet, they can start next month. Please allow for up to a week to get your results back. If you wish to have a CD-R to stick the routines on your computer, please bring one for me to burn it on.

Friday training

Just a quick reminder that everyone who trains this friday, November 2, 2007- class will be from 4:00- 8:00 due to many families who are attending the Cirque show. Any questions please feel free to call me at the gym or directly email me.
Becca

Happy 90th Birthday Alysha!

MMM, those where yummy cupcakes

Training Times

Just a reminder that due to the training camp on Friday and Saturday the P3-Elite are training on Thursday and FRIDAY from 4:30pm - 8:30pm. Silver and Gold will train with Kayla on Friday, same time as usual.

BOO!!!

We are closed for Halloween!!! Have fun trick or treating- but remember- please do not bring the candy to gym.

Late Raffle tickets result in Rope Climbs!!!

For all of those parents who still do not have turned in those raffle tickets- the draw is on Friday. We need them in ASAP!!!

Pre Season National Training Camp

Laurel, Sheehan and Jamie are off to Calgary on October 26th and 27th for a pre-season training camp at Stampede City Gymnastics Club! This is a fantastic opportunity as Claude Pelletier, Woman's National Coach, will be there to facilitate. Alberta's top national level gymnasts are expected to attend as well.

Just watch...

As you all have heard, there has been a case of HFMD in one of Salta's gymnasts. Please watch for symptoms as it is highly contagious (but also common) in infants and children. For symptoms please follow the link below:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/hfhf.htm

A big thanks to the parents who helped clean and disinfect the equipment- it was much appreciated!!!!

Cirque is Coming to Town!!!!!!!

That's right! Cirque Sublime is coming to Medicine Hat November 2, 2007. We would like to take all the girls to the show- but tickets are selling fast!

We will be attending the 9pm show. Tickets prices are as follows:

Adult: $49.50 + seating fee and GST
Youth: $29.50 + seating fee and GST

To purchase tickets online, click here:

www.tixx.ca

For information on the show, click here:

http://www.cirquesublime.com

See you there!

What- Gymnastics at Home???

That's right folks, you heard me right. There are some things that can be done at home to improve your gymnastics. Namely, flexibility. Flexibility is one of those things that can be trained daily. In fact, if you do train it daily, you will experience significant improvement. So when those commercials roll around you can sit in splits for those 5 minutes. That way instead of being a mindless consumer, you can be a mindless consumer with flexibility. The good exercises to work are as follows:

• Splits
• Pancake
• Pike sit
• Shoulder stretch over a couch

So I expect to see a marked improvement in flexibility over the next little while... cause, you know, for some reason we coaches seem to think it's important.

Happy Stretching!!!!

Your Fairy Coach Mother

"Fairy tales can come true...
It can happen to you...

If you listen to your fairy coach mother!"

Alberta Winter Games Trials

It's official! Salta is going to be hosting the trials for Alberta Winter Games for the southern region on Friday, December 7th, 2007. Volunteers are needed. A sign up sheet will be posted at the gym shortly.

Congrats to Erica and Jadyn!

A huge high five goes out to Jadyn and Erica. Both girls got there kips! I will be posting the videos later today.

Sell! Sell! Sell!

Just a reminder that raffle ticket books should be handed in by October 13th. The draw date is on Friday, October 26th, 2007 at 6pm at the gym. See you there!

Start Thingking Of That Pose!

Picture Day is Tuesday, October 22, 2007. Please be sure to hand in your form with payment prior to picture day- cost is $10.00 for the team picture and a single pose. Gymnasts will need their competitive suit (if they own one) or something that comes close to matching for the team pictures. Hair should be up and tidy. Don't forget those smiles at home either!

Videos!

Check out the the training videos! I will be posting videos throughout the season. Some will be pointing out how to make corrections,some will be just for fun and some may include recent accomplishments. Enjoy.

Welcome

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Competitive Blog. I figured we needed one so I can place important topics and answer any questions that come my way. I have inserted a calendar (on the side bar)- keep track of it as training plans and competitive schedules are posted here. I will be sending out permission slips so I can post videos and pictures of the girls up. Again welcome and hope you enjoy the blog!