Managing Gymnastic Meet Anxiety Buzz phrases like “Stay calm,” “Relax and focus,” “Don’t over-think, just play” and “Have fun” swirl around the minds of competitive gymnasts. Gymnastic coaches constantly advise their gymnasts to relax and block out distractions, yet anxiety still seems to seep into the minds of many gymnasts wreaking havoc on their performance. Some athletes resign themselves to … Boost Confidence>>
Self-Discipline in Gymnastics Discipline and focus are qualities that elite gymnasts seek to develop and improve throughout their careers. Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, thoughts and behavior. A disciplined gymnast chooses the long-term satisfaction and fulfillment from achieving his goals over immediate pleasure and instant gratification. Though discipline is an action, it starts with a decision, … Boost Confidence>>
How to Handle Pressure in Gymnastics How do you perform in the “heat of battle?” When the competition is on the line, are you excited to shine or filled with apprehension and anxiety? When outcomes are uncertain and a gymnast has a lot riding on its outcome, often the gymnast will feel some degree of pressure. Do you raise the … Boost Confidence>>
Maintaining a Positive Perspective Do you rise up to overcome obstacles or do you allow those challenges to block you from future success? Perspective is the tool all athletes use to interpret their experiences. The word ‘perspective’ is derived from the Latin ‘perspicere’ which means ‘to see through.’ Perspective is the lens through which a gymnast views his or her … Boost Confidence>>
Working Hard to Achieve Success A lot of gymnasts characterize themselves as hard workers. What does it mean to work hard, and does it really work? A gymnast could give at intense effort yet spin their wheels in competitions. Not only must an athlete work hard (diligent effort) but also smart (focused effort). Diligent effort is a steadfast consistent effort … Boost Confidence>>
Managing Your Anxiety When Performing Does your confidence waver during important competitions?At major meets, do you become overwhelmed by anxiety and have difficulty performing at high levels? Confidence and performance anxiety have an inverse relationship. When your confidence is high, your anxiety level decreases. The most effective strategy to perform well at high-level competitions is to improve confidence while simultaneously … Boost Confidence>>