Elite is the highest level in competitive gymnastics. At the elite level, you can compete in international competitions. From this point on, your region chooses gymnasts who can compete in the most important competitions, such as the Olympic Games, or the world championships.
Steps
Step 1. Being an elite gymnast requires up to 30 hours of training per week, as well as coaching, exercises, stretching, and eating a healthy diet
You need to be flexible and strong to be a level 3, 4, or 5 student. If you've never done gymnastics before, it's best to start right away. If you don't know how to do the wheel, start at the beginner level. Better to start as early as possible so that you have more flexibility at a young age.
Step 2. Have the right build
You have to develop skills and flexibility to reach a high level. An elite is when they join a team and start competing. You have to pay attention to your health, and being on a team requires excellent nutrition. Most gymnasts are small, petite, and reasonably thin. This does not mean that you have to starve. This means I'm not necessarily overweight. They need to be of the right weight, and that means they can't be underweight or in other conditions that can cause further problems. They usually have thick, strong muscles, and beautiful abs. Don't over-train yourself - it could cause pain, weakness, and you would be very sick. But you need to train at least five (5) times a week. Six (6) is optional, but some rest is still required. You could choose Saturday and / or Sunday to rest.
Step 3. Find a good coach
Some coaches are not very strict while others are too rigid. It happened that a trainer was so demanding with her gymnast that she became anorexic and bulimic and died at the age of 22. This is definitely not a good coach. The qualities of a good coach are: stability, precision, and knowing how to put the right pressure on the athlete.
Step 4. Try to have flexible school hours
To be elite, as I said, you need to train a lot. Half of your day will be spent doing gymnastics. Much of the elite study at home rather than public school, but some may study part-time in public or private schools.
Step 5. Train for TOPS
TOPS is a special training program from USAG (American Gymnastics Association) created to help 7-11 year olds to become elite gymnasts. In TOPS you will spend a lot of time working on strength, flexibility, and advanced skills, and then you will be taking tests in a clinic. Your results will be compared to those of others across the country, and those with the best results will be invited to join a training camp. TOPS training isn't necessary, but it's a great way to make sure you're filling in those gaps that may be preventing you from becoming elite.
Step 6. Train strength and flexibility hard
These can be some of the more boring parts of training. It's more fun to compete and learn new skills, but these are the most important parts of training. Don't cheat yourself! To develop skills at the elite level, you need to be very strong and very flexible.
Step 7. Eliminate the fear
Fear is one thing that stops many gymnasts from becoming elite. Abilities from higher levels can be intimidating, but your coach will know if you are ready for such challenges or not and will help you deal with them. It is better to trust the coaches than to try to face them alone and then give up because of fear.
Step 8. Never give up
The road to the elite will be very difficult and there will be many times when you will want to abandon the path to go back to living a "normal" life. Just remember that those who surrender don't win and winners never give up.
Step 9. Take part in competitions
As you improve your fitness as a gymnast, you need to participate in some competitions to gain experience. Ask the coaches if they are entering teams for a match or hosting a match.
Step 10. Search
When you have some free time, you should watch videos of Olympic gymnasts like Gabrielle Douglas and Aliya Mustafina. It is possible to take notes on their art and their technique, and this will help you in the competition.
Advice
- Spend your free time practicing the basics, or exercises that are easy to do at home. Remember, practice makes perfect!
- It's a good idea to practice on a soft surface, such as a trampoline or exercise mat.
- Eat enough. Ask the trainer about a healthy diet.
- Remember that even if you don't become elite, there are still tons of wonderful things you can do with gymnastics. And it is still possible to learn several interesting skills and compete successfully. You can even do college-level gymnastics!
- When you work out, do it with a friend who can help you, or if you go to the gym invite your trainer to make sure you are doing the right things.
- Even if you start at the age of 13, you might still be able to go to the Olympics. Work as hard and as fast as possible to become an elite gymnast.
