One of the most common questions I get as a coach is: “When should gymnasts move from bodyweight training to weight training?” In gymnastics, shaping and bodyweight control form the foundation of strength. But there comes a time when progressing requires adding resistance beyond an athlete’s own body. The key is knowing when athletes are ready and how to add weights safely. Start with Bodyweight and Shaping Foundations Every gymnast begins with bodyweight strength: push-ups,

As many of us already know, conditioning can make or break your team’s success. Strong, well-conditioned gymnasts not only learn skills faster but also stay healthier and more confident in the long run. The problem? Most coaches are juggling a lot—lesson plans, rotations, parent emails, meet prep, and about a million other things on their to-do list. Writing out a detailed strength program usually ends up taking a back seat! That’s exactly why I created Raise the Bar strength