Have you ever wondered what higher level gymnasts feel are some of the best tips that helped them be successful in their gymnastics journey? We’ve asked some of the higher level gymnasts in our community to find out what advice and tips they would give lower level gymnasts. Many of them mentioned practicing outside the gym and drum roll…SkillTrakker is a perfect fit! With less than 15 minutes a day, you can put in work at home to improve your gymnastics skills! It’s now even easier with our brand new SkillTrakker app.

We asked Hetty (level 10- @gymnast.hetty), Alyssa (level 9- @alyssa.jade_b) and Skye (Xcel Diamond – @skye.high.gymnast) to answer a few questions for us. You can see the transcript below.

Q: How do you overcome fears and mental blocks?

Hetty: I just take a step back from that skill, maybe do drills or focus on the other skills until I’m mentally ready to try that skill again with a spot.

Alyssa: When I get scared of something, me and my coach break it down and we make sure that I have the confidence. Really, consistency is key. So we break it down; we do the basics, and we just kind of build it up from there. With the help from my coach I was able to overcome all of my mental blocks.

Skye: I overcome fears by asking all of the coaches for advice and going back to the basics.

Q: Have you ever wanted to quit and if so, what made you stay?

Hetty: Just one or two times, but after watching elite girls compete – that’s very inspiring and motivating to get me to start again.

Alyssa: Well, about that. Rope climbs were not really my thing, and sometimes there were tears. I really wanted my old coach to take the ropes out of the gym, or else I didn’t want to come back. After I kind of got over that I have to climb the rope or else I wasn’t going to be able to go, I started to get over that and then I wanted to stay.

Skye: I’ve never, ever wanted to quit. This is my life.

Q: What advice would you give a lower level gymnast that wants to get better?

Hetty: I would say just keep going at it. Don’t focus on skills or your level; just focus on your technique and form. Also, don’t compare yourself to other people. Focus on comparing yourself to maybe how you were a week ago or a month ago.

Alyssa:  Well, first I would say to always believe in yourself and to never, ever give up, because it’s not going to get easier and you’re just going to keep on getting better.

Skye: Some advice I would give them is practice really, really hard and just stay focused.

Q: What would be one component you would tell a lower level gymnast to focus on outside of the gym that makes the most impact?

Hetty: Well I found, that works best for me, is making a plan of small goals for the week ahead. Those small goals turn into small improvements, and the small improvements turn into big improvements. Something like SkillTrakker is really great because you’re making those small goals already and that’s great for compulsory gymnasts and also optional gymnasts too, because you need a good foundation.

Alyssa: Well, I do dance and it not only helps with my flexibility, but it also makes me feel free; I love to do it. So it’s like a place where I can just be happy. Honestly, just do something you love.

Skye: Practice hard at home and do some workouts at home.

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