Consistency in Gymnastics

Consistency (noun) - the quality of always behaving the same way or of having same standards...

As a gymnast, consistency in training is vital to improve performance. You cannot expect to put in effort occasionally, and gain the benefits of a person who trains at a consistent level every session. It's important to be consistent not just on one piece of apparatus, but in all aspects of the training session including other apparatus, strength, flexibility and conditioning. This is what improves skills, routines, ability to perform and overall training - these are the gymnasts that are more likely to succeed in the sport. Having a consistent mindset is a key part of consistent training - like the saying goes...

"hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"

Let me give you an example.... 2 gymnasts at a competition. Gymnast A places 1st Vault, 4th Bars, 6th Floor but falls twice on Beam and places 36th so doesn't place overall. Gymnast B places 8th Vault, 9th Bars, 7th Beam, 7th Floor yet places 3rd overall. Gymnast B was consistent - in scores, placings and their actual routine execution. I bet you now, that's the gymnast that trains consistently.

Consistent programs. Doing the same strength activities every session (of course, mix it up occasionally), but keeping these activities consistent and controlled, will start to see results and improvements far quicker than if the program is different or created on a whim every session. This is the coaches responsibility. Gymnasts will consistently get stronger and the improvement is measurable.

"Consistency always leads to excellence. Whatever you do in life, always be consistent"

As a coach, it is also incredibly important to teach consistently. Become educated on a technique/s that you like and see is beneficial, and implement this into all your gymnasts and programs. Yes, of course some techniques cannot always work for every single gymnast, but having a strong base idea of what you as a coach want to see, allows for better execution on the gymnasts side.

Have consistent goals. Have consistent expectations. Ensure they consistently grow, but at an achievable level. This will result in higher quality gymnasts, stronger gymnasts (not just physically) and having all around consistent gymnasts.

"Consistent action creates consistent results"

Now I think I have used the word "consistent" a million times today - but I cannot stress how important that word is. Be consistent, create consistency, maintain consistency.

- Sherrie xx