Preparing for the Gymnastics Carnival and Classic: Key Insights from Dave Tilley’s Podcast

As the gymnastics community gears up for two of the most anticipated events of the year—the Gymnastics Carnival and the Classic—athletes, coaches, and technical members are deep in preparation mode. To support everyone in this journey, we are excited to highlight an invaluable resource available to all our technical members as part of their membership benefits: exclusive access to the Shift Movement Science platform by Dave Tilley.

In a recent podcast, Dave Tilley, a renowned expert in gymnastics performance and injury prevention, shared critical advice that couldn't come at a better time. With competitions on the horizon, the insights he offers are especially relevant for athletes working through the preseason and preparing for peak performance.

Common Preseason Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As the competitive season ramps up, many athletes fall into common pitfalls that can derail their performance. Here are a few takeaways from Dave Tilley’s podcast to keep in mind as you prepare for the upcoming competitions:

1. Planning the Ramp-Up to Routines: Rushing into full routines without a proper buildup can lead to burnout or injury. Dave emphasises the importance of carefully structuring training so that athletes gradually increase the intensity while allowing their bodies to adjust. This helps maximise performance while minimising the risk of overtraining.
2. Maintaining Flexibility, Strength, and Basics: It’s easy to get caught up in perfecting routines, but it's crucial not to neglect the fundamentals. Keeping flexibility, strength, and core skills sharp throughout the season ensures that athletes have the foundation they need for complex movements.
3. Workload Management to Reduce Injury Risk: One of the key strategies in preventing injuries is effective workload management. Dave shares insights on how to monitor and adjust training loads, allowing athletes to progress without overexerting themselves, which is especially important as we approach high-pressure competitions like the Gymnastics Carnival and Classic.
4. Prioritising Mental Health: Competing can be mentally taxing, and ensuring that gymnasts’ mental health is prioritised is just as important as their physical preparation. Dave offers practical advice on how to create an environment that supports mental well-being, from mindfulness techniques to fostering open communication between athletes and coaches.

You can listen to it all here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gymnastics-preseason-must-knows-balancing-workloads/id1441930368?i=1000672196977

Access to Shift Movement Science Resources for Technical Members

We are thrilled to remind all technical members that, as part of your membership with Singapore Gymnastics, you have full access to Dave Tilley’s Shift Movement Science portal. This is an incredible resource filled with educational materials, videos, and tools designed to enhance coaching strategies, athlete preparation, and injury prevention methods.

If you haven’t yet explored the platform, now is the perfect time to dive in. With Dave’s expert guidance, you can refine your approach to coaching and preparation, ensuring your athletes are in peak condition for the upcoming Gymnastics Carnival and Classic. This portal is an amazing opportunity to access the latest insights in gymnastics science and training methodologies.

Need Access? Contact Us!

All technical members should have received information on how to access the Shift Movement Science portal. However, if you missed this communication or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at sgoffice@singaporegymnastics.org.sg

Let’s make the most of these incredible resources and ensure that our athletes are set up for success in the Gymnastics Carnival, the Classic, and beyond. Happy training!