Showing posts with label physical preparation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physical preparation. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

19.11.08 - New article added to archive 'Men’s choreography – it is about postural alignment'

This article was originally published in TheGymPress March 2008 Issue.
Article by Nick Blanton.

Abstract
The artistic and physical preparation requirements of male and female gymnasts are relatively similar, even though they share so many common traits, there are areas where each code has specific needs. Male gymnasts like female gymnast benefit greatly from dance, or ballet training. The effects of such training of the postural alignment are undeniable. However the requirements and demands of male gymnast’s differs substantially from that of female gymnasts. MAG specific choreographed routines help to develop the postural control (especially in the shoulders and pelvis) and grooming (tension, leg shape, arm shape, presentation) that is required in the performance of gymnastics. Proper postural alignment is also fundamental to the learning and performing of gymnastics skills. Basic arm and body positions need to be learned and understood in order for the gymnast to execute postural corrections during skill performance. The following article outlines basic guidelines and suggestions for the development of choreographed sequences specific to MAG with emphasis on arm and body positions.

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

19.11.08 - New article added to archive 'Stretching Scientifically Part II: Stretching methods, the pros and cons to each method'

This article was originally published in TheGymPress March 2008 Issue.
Article by Valentin Uzunov.

Abstract

Flexibility training in sport is recognized as a major fitness component for the improvement in performance and in the prevention of injury. There are 3 components to flexibility: passive, dynamic and active. Passive flexibility facilitates the development of the other two, however each method needs to be trained and developed separately. In gymnastics this should be periodized over the long term development of the athlete. In the early developmental stages of the athlete passive flexibility should be the dominant form of training. As the gymnast advances and the passive flexibility is developed, dynamic training should beginning to take focus. This is usually in line with the introduction of advanced leaps and jumps in WAG and the training of flairs and certain high bar skill in MAG. Once passive and dynamic flexibility has been developed, active flexibility can realistically be achieved, and should become the focused of the flexibility program. There are many stretching methods to develop each flexibility component, but the PNF CRAC method is the one most often cited as being the most effective method for developing ROM in a join. The advantage of the CRAC method is that it develops active flexility, passive flexibility, and strengthens the muscles and thus aiding with dynamic as well. The trade off is that the method cannot be applied to large groups especially at young ages. In this article the most common stretching methods used in sports training are discussed and analyzed against the physiological adaptations covered in part I of this series (published in Vol1 of Gym Coach, December 20007).

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

13.11.08 - New article added 'Stretching Scientifically Part I: Myths, Facts, the Science'

This article was originally published in TheGymPress December 2007 Issue.
Article by Valentin Uzunov.

Abstract


Flexibility is an important part of the physical preparation of most sports, particularly in sports like gymnastics, diving, and dance where esthetic appeal of execution is also critical. Most coaches will recognize the necessity and benefits of a flexibility program and many will even have a fair understanding of the methods they may use, but very few will actually understand how their program works, or its short comings. This two part article will examine the physiological and neurological adaptation that occur with flexibility training, and explore the pros and cons to the common stretching methods used in sports today. Short term gains from stretching are predominantly the result of mechanical adaptations of the muscle and connective tissue. Long term changes are still not clearly understood, but 2 possible alternatives have been proposed: myofibrillogenesis which is the addition of sacromeres to the muscle fibers, and neural inhibition which is the suppression or refined control of the stretch reflex. A better understanding of the physiology behind flexibility training can greatly improve the coaches understanding of what works and what doesn’t. This will allow coaches to design more effective flexibility programs and a reduced risk of injury from engaging in regular intensive flexibility training.

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