Parents Dealing with morning lack of flexibility and a meet

[Amanda]

So my daughter has noticed for a long time that she is least flexible at her Saturday morning practices. She's just a bit more stiff. She is not the most flexible to begin with! She got assigned the first early morning session at her upcoming state meet. We will be staying at a hotel the night before because of a 2 hour plus drive. Anyone think it might be worth having her take a quick warm bath before going or am I WAY overthinking this? (Likely!) It would mean she would have to get up a little bit earlier- which already isn't her favorite thing. I guess i am just wondering if a bath would actually make any real difference in her flexibility that morning? Thanks!

 

[raenndrops]

Is there any chance you can test your hypothesis BEFORE the state meet? Have her get up a little early and take a warm bath to see if it increases her flexibility when the stakes aren't as high.

Both of my gymmies seem to lack flexibility most of the time. For a few years, we actually did nightly massages that seemed to help with both flexibility and growing pains. YG still occasionally gets massages when she is feeling extra stiff.

 

[CLgym]

Mine is also a pretty tight (upper back mostly) as far as gymnasts go. She loves a hot bath before meets. With a bath bomb. Doesn’t matter which session —morning, day or night! It’s become a bit of a ritual for her. Not sure it makes a difference re: her flexibility, but you’re really only talking about an extra 10 minutes or so. Even if it only loosens her up psychologically () it could be worth a try....

 

[sce]

I think a hot bath would help.

 

[Amanda]

Thanks for the replies! I think we will give it a try one morning next week before the morning of the meet. And yes, I think there are definite psychological benefits to a bath- it's one of my favorite ways to relax!

 

[JMACAZ]

My DD has a bath with bath bomb before every major competition.