As coaches, we often argue: should conditioning go at the start of practice when everyone is fresh, or at the end , after skill work and routines? From what I’ve read — and what I’ve seen — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is how you do it, why you’re doing it, and what your athletes need. Here’s how I break it down, with research backing things up, and how I’ve applied it in my gym. What the Research Says HIIT & Technical Accuracy Under Fatigue A recen

A strong gymnastics warm-up does more than just “get the body moving.” For gymnasts, it sets the tone for practice, reduces injury risk, and prepares athletes’ bodies for the exact demands of the sport. While every coach has their own style, there are three non-negotiables I always include in our warm-ups: 1. Active Flexibility Static stretching has its place, but gymnastics requires movement through ranges of motion, not just holding a position. Active flexibility drills—lik