Can Chocolate Improve our Customer Service?

I started making custom designs for gymnastics themed birthday parties over at The HandXStand. My recent addition in services includes making Hershey Kiss Labels. 

I know for many it seems a little bit odd being chocolate and all, but think of the possibilities it could provide to improve service in Gymnastics Centers.

I Support Equal Marriage Laws

I normally don't blog about political matters, however when I feel so closely tied to a cause it's hard not to share the passion I have for equality for ALL individuals. A while back Brigid, The Couch Gymnast posted an awesome gymnastics version of the Marriage Equality logo. It inspired me to make a handful of versions myself in support for my friends and family members, I'm behind you 100%.

The Freedom of Movement is Within Us

My husband and I always talk about movement and usually end up in a discussion on what came first, yoga or gymnastics. We both agree that movement gives us freedom, releases fears and emotions that can not be explained in words. The experience of movement gives us so much that we tend to forget.

Ido Portal gives such an inspiring interview in this video. Not only is he super reflective of his own experiences but also gives gymnasts around the world the biggest compliments.

Very cool!

Q & A: Are Carbohydrates bad for Gymnasts?

Q: Coach Casie, someone told me carbohydrates are bad for gymnastics. Is this true?

A: We hear a lot about carbohydrates today. Often, they are called bad and unhealthy. Yet, this is not true.

You need to realize that it is necessary for your body to have the carbohydrates that it needs to power through your body’s demands. Carbohydrates are an important player in your bodies' nutritional needs, especially for a gymnast who needs to be BETTER, FASTER and STRONGER than their competition.

You should always look for whole grains when it comes to carbohydrates. Also check the labels on the food to make sure they are not full of sugars, bad fats and processed foods. (I hope that didn't just ruin your dinner meal plan.)

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, What's up?

I haven't been working out in a long time. I've been putting excuses in for myself and it's about time I get back into the swing of things. Last go at the INSANITY workout, I found myself having to leave the country and head to a 3 day wedding giving up on the workout plan. Another problem is, I get sore. Very, very sore. While I appreciate a little post-workout pain, I deal with serious delayed onset muscle soreness, aka DOMS.

I thought I would take this painful lesson as a chance to review the best strategies for dealing with DOMS. I know there are many gymnasts who may experience DOMS, especially if you are like me getting back into the gym from a long break. For a refresher course on the subject, read more.

• DOMS is defined as pain usually felt 12 to 48 hours after exercising, but can last as long as a week. It is a commonly held theory that the pain comes from microscopic tears in the muscles and the swelling associated with those tears. Sometimes you can actually see or feel the swelling.
• In 2007, an Australian study found that stretching did not relieve the pain associated with DOMS. I feel, though, that stretching the muscles when sore helps to build more elasticity in the new muscle fibers.
• The soreness should go away by itself, but do avoid any vigorous activity that makes the pain worse. Light aerobic exercise can help the healing process by bringing fresh blood to the sore muscles.
• Some people find pain relief in massage, although this doesn't necessarily improve muscular function.Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like ibuprofen can help relieve the pain, but like massage, this will not speed your recovery time.
• A proper warmup can help reduce the symptoms associated with DOMS. Increasing blood flow to muscles with light cardio makes them more elastic, so they are more resistant to micro-tearing.
• When you're experiencing DOMS, your muscles are actually weaker. Keep this in mind and avoid strenuous activities until the pain has subsided, because you are more likely to injure yourself.

Here's to less complaining! 

Adidas Gymnastics Leotards

One of my favorite leotards a gymnast of mine wears is this fantastic yellow Adidas gem of a leotard. It's simply stunning.

All of my girls are just waiting for the new line of Adidas Gymnastics leotards to come out and so am I. They really take the cake when it comes to design & color combinations.

This morning I woke up to some amazing news, McKayla Maroney (one of my most favorite gymnasts of late) has joined the Adidas Gymnastics team along side teammate Jordyn Weiber.  Sounds like a winning team to me.

ManageMe Sport: A new app coming soon!

I can't wait for this app to launch! I love my apps and use them on my iphone and ipad constantly for organization, planning, heck even blogging

From their site:

• No more documents and speadsheets! The ManageMe Sportcloud based platform allows you to store, view, edit and analyse your athletes data on the web and across all your iOS devices
• With our cloud based application you're sure to have all your athletes information wherever you are and whenever you need it
• Designed for Men's and Woman's Artistic Gymnastics. Plan, review and store measurements, competition results, calendars, video's, skill repertoire and medical data.

Gymnastics in the new millenium is exciting isn't it? Head on over to their facebook page and spread the news!