Recent content by GymMommy

At our gym, someone who works for the gym does this.

Lotion, lotion, lotion The best way I've found to avoid rips on my daugher's hands is to rub a vitamin E lotion into them every night. It keeps her hands really soft, and usually rip free. We use the vitamin E body butter from The Body Shop. Good luck!

Our level 3s don't compete at all. Our state (NY) has just started having "fun" competitions for level 3s, but most gyms around here don't compete at that level. Our particular gym didn't compete level 4 at all until 2 years ago. The first year, they only competed once or twice, but now...

Thanks for that list! I don't know if we will actually live *in* Boston...actually, advice on which suburbs are best would be appreciated, too!!

As a parent, I would say to ask your coaches. At our gym, the coaches want the gymnasts to have very specific grips. Also, the coach can measure your hand to find the right size. Size is very important. I know that at most gyms in our area, gymnasts are not allowed to wear grips until the...

Hi all! There is a good chance we may move to Boston in the next 6 months. My dd is 8 and is (or should be...) moving up to level 6 over the summer. Gymnastics is VERY important to her, so find the right gym is important to me. Does anyone have any suggestions/opinions about Boston area gyms...

Thanks! You guys make a lot of good points. Although I try not to be "that" parent, I'm sure I've been guilty of some of the things you've mentioned at some point. I've definitely wondered whether she would do better without me there all the time. Perhaps she would be more focused. I've been...

Hi. I have a 8 yr old in level 5. She is my only child, and I'm a stay at home mom. So I actually do have the time to watch all of her practices if I want to. My question is this: Why don't coaches like parents watching practice? I don't try to get her attention during practice. I don't...

Thanks guys! It's reassuring to know I'm not just crazy! I'm going to talk to one of the coaches and hope for the best!

Ok, I don't expect to be able to shield my little girl from everything, but this issue has me flustered. My adorable little 7 year old came home from the gym singing a line from a Lady Gaga song called Love Games. The line? "I wanna take a ride on your disco stick" And yes, that means...

I understand it can take about a month to break in new grips. Good luck!

I agree with TDiver. Don't let anyone but a qualified nutritionist or doctor try to tell you what you "should" weigh. Being healthy is what is most important. If your coach or anyone else at your gym is checking on your weight, switch to a different gym. Immediately. Please.

I love looking at all the posts here and thought I'd finally join. I have a 7yr old daughter who has just moved to Level 5. She is also training for TOPS and will be doing her first TOPS testing soon.