The SHIFT Show

Today on the podcast I want to address a question I often get: How can I improve my splits and leaps? Well, I've got an awesome lecture from our popular Hero Lab that's perfect for summarizing this topic. In this lecture, I'll share tips on improving your flexibility for splits, leaps, and bars. It's packed with practical advice that you don't want to miss. I discuss:The four steps to getting the most out of a flexibility program. Why poor hip flexibility can lead to L5 spondee fracture, and stress fracture in the spine. How consistency is more important than intensity. How to screen for hip mobility.The best stretches you need to improve split flexibility.How long should you stretch for?Direct hip training and strengthening.The best way to incorporate flexibility into gymnastics. Examples of flexibility exercises.The biggest reason why gymnastics skills fall apart. And…The secret to consistency and long-term progress.The Hero Lab is a monthly subscription platform that serves around 700 gymnastics coaches, medical providers, and parents. We offer a vast library of 50+ hours of lectures on flexibility, strength, technique, shaping, and more. Plus, we provide handy resources like PDFs, circuits, and templates. We're constantly adding new lectures based on what our community needs. And guess what? We're expanding even further!We'll be introducing new lectures on injuries, compulsory gymnastics, and parent-specific topics. We want to cover everything from ankle sprains to navigating gym culture. But to make this happen, we'll be increasing the subscription price at the end of the week. So, if you want to lock in the current rate, head over to www.shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab and join the fun!We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

This week's mini-podcast episode is a sneak peek of one of last year's Shift Symposium guest lectures, Upper Body Strength and Power Development.Presented by Dan Lonsdale ASCC, Gymnastics Strength and Conditioning Consultant from England.Dan works with a breadth of clubs around the UK to help get the most out of athletes' performance.If you want to hear the rest of this lecture you can access it on the Shift website:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2022shiftsymposium/The 2023 Shift Symposium runs from Friday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 25th, where you can learn everything you need to know about Gymnastics Medical Care, Gymnastics Coaching, and Gymnastic Strength and Conditioning.The lineup of 30 speakers is ridiculous, giving incredible lectures over three days, so don’t miss out! Head over to:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2023shiftsymposium/We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

Overuse knee injuries can be incredibly frustrating and painful for gymnasts, especially when they involve growth plate injuries like Osgood-Schlatter's or patellar tendon problems. In this episode of The Shift Show, Janis Konkle PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, a former Division I gymnast and now physical therapist, shares her knowledge on what causes overuse knee injuries in gymnasts and what can be done to help manage and prevent them.Janis is a traveling Physical Therapist, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and Owner of Precision Performance For Gymnasts: injury prevention seminars & performance testing at gymnastics clubs across the U.S.Janis provides a comprehensive overview of growth plate injuries and the principles behind why they happen. She also discusses what gymnasts can do to reduce knee pain, including flexibility, soft tissue work, and strength work. Importantly, she emphasizes the need for a good plan of attack when managing overuse knee injuries to avoid flaring up again and again.This episode is a must-listen for gymnasts and coaches who want to better understand how to manage and prevent overuse knee injuries. Janis provides invaluable insights and advice for anyone looking to help gymnasts overcome knee pain and continue to perform at their best.We discuss: Why do overuse injuries happen in gymnastics? The role communication and culture play in gymnastic injuries.What kinds of injuries are we seeing the most?Why overuse injuries evolve with age: understanding the progression from growth plates to cartilage damage.The most obvious factor of knee pain is…The importance of proper landings in gymnastics. And…Practical steps to get out of knee pain.Research articles noted in the podcast:Meta-analysis of meta-analyses of anterior cruciate ligament injury reduction training programs:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29737024/2018 International Olympic Committee consensus statement on prevention, diagnosis and management of paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries:https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/7/422 We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

This week's mini-podcast episode is a sneak peek of one of last year's Shift Symposium guest lectures, Ring Swings Get Inverted!Presented by Pat Redfern a Men's Artistic Gymnastics coach from Australia.Pat has a wonderful approach to working with young male gymnasts to help develop long-term careers which has led him to travel the globe to further his knowledge with gymnastics experts.If you want to hear the rest of this lecture you can access it on the Shift website:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2022shiftsymposium/The 2023 Shift Symposium runs from Friday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 25th, where you can learn everything you need to know about Gymnastics Medical Care, Gymnastics Coaching, and Gymnastic Strength and Conditioning.The lineup of 30 speakers is ridiculous, giving incredible lectures over three days, so don’t miss out! Head over to:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2023shiftsymposium/We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

Learning from other people, having self-awareness moments, and reading books can help coaches and staff in gymnastics to improve their coaching techniques, culture, and personal development.In this episode of The Shift Show, I talk about the importance of coaches, parents, and athletes being happy, enjoying their work, and delivering high-quality mentoring to gymnasts. I share five of the best books that have profoundly changed the way I coach, work with gymnasts, and operate as a medical provider and a human. By reviewing these books, I explain why they are crucial for mental insight, personal development, growth, leadership, and cultural development. The five books are: "Good People" by Anthony John“Helping People Change” by Ellen Van Oosten, Melvin Smith, and Richard E. Boyatzis“Lost Connections” by Joseph Hari"The Road to Character" by David Brooks “Ego Is The Enemy” by Ryan HolidayReading books and learning from other people's experiences can help coaches and athletes in gymnastics improve their culture, and personal development. I discuss:The importance of reading books. What are the characteristics of a good person? Unlock the secret to long-term motivating change in others.The importance of being honest about your goals. The role of meaning, purpose, and social connection. Connecting with why you are coaching gymnastics. Live by your virtues, not your vices. And…Why reading about the Larry Nassar abuse scandal and abuse is tough but necessary for empathy, understanding, and change.We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

This week's mini-podcast episode is a sneak peek of one of last year's Shift Symposium guest lectures, Advanced Strength and Conditioning Following Injury.Presented by Dan Pope, PT DPT, OCS, Performance Physical Therapist at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance in Boston.Dan’s passion is helping people get out of pain and back to training safely and effectively. He is the founder and owner of Fitness Pain Free where he shares his ideas about rehab, injury prevention, and athletic performance. If you want to hear the rest of this lecture you can access it on the Shift website:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2022shiftsymposium/The 2023 Shift Symposium runs from Friday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 25th, where you can learn everything you need to know about Gymnastics Medical Care, Gymnastics Coaching, and Gymnastic Strength and Conditioning.The lineup of 30 speakers is ridiculous, giving incredible lectures over three days, so don’t miss out! Head over to:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2023shiftsymposium/We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

In gymnastics, growth plate injuries are not uncommon, especially in the hamstring area. These injuries can cause pain and discomfort and require proper management to ensure full recovery.In this episode of The Shift Show, I’m joined by Dr. Emily Sweeney, a sports medicine physician from Colorado, to discuss the causes of hamstring growth plate injuries and the best ways to manage them.While her competitive gymnastics career ended early at 16, due to a back and other injuries, she continued her role by working as a coach for ten years and serving as a women’s artistic and NCAA judge for 15 years. We delve into the big picture of what needs to be done when an athlete experiences acute pain, the exercises that can be done in the rehab setting, and the timeline for a slow return to gymnastics. We also discuss the importance of early detection to prevent these injuries from becoming more severe.Dr. Sweeney provides a medical perspective on imaging and the causes of hamstring growth plate injuries, whilst I share expertise on the PT side of things, outlining the best exercises for rehabilitation. Together, we provide a comprehensive overview of the topic and the best practices for managing these injuries.If you're interested in learning more about this topic, make sure to tune in to Dr. Sweeney's lecture on day one of the 2023 Shift Symposium. We discuss:Children are not just small adults, and we need to acknowledge that they have different injuries.What are growth plates? Don't ignore the nagging pain.Perfect storm of force and growth: The danger of overworking young athletes.Setting timeline expectations for recovery. Return to play progression and rehabilitation.The importance of psychological readiness in rehabilitation. And…What to look for in a potential re-injury?We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

This week's mini-podcast episode is a sneak peek of one of last year's Shift Symposium guest lectures, Plyometrics For Gymnastics.Presented by my friend and co-worker from Champion Physical Therapy and Performance Diwesh Poudyal. Head of Strength and Conditioning and Director of Fitness, programming for NCAA, Elite and gymnast that just want to have fun.If you want to hear the rest of this lecture you can access it on the Shift website:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2022shiftsymposium/The 2023 Shift Symposium runs from Friday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 25th, where you can learn everything you need to know about Gymnastics Medical Care, Gymnastics Coaching, and Gymnastic Strength and Conditioning.The lineup of 30 speakers is ridiculous, giving incredible lectures over three days, so don’t miss out! Head over to:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2023shiftsymposium/We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

Today on the podcast I am super stoked to have Justin Spring former NCAA gymnast known for his daring and impressive skill set and helping his Illinois team to multiple championship titles. During his time at College, he also represent the USA at world championships and helped Team USA win Bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.From being an Olympian to coaching the Illinois men's gymnastics team, Justin has had an incredible journey and discusses his experiences and shares valuable coaching tips.Having been a part of the sport for over two decades, Justin explains how the NCAA has transformed gymnastics and made it more competitive. He also shares his thoughts on the cultural and educational changes that have contributed to the sport's growth.Last year Justin transitioned from coaching men's gymnastics to women's gymnastics.He talks about the challenges he faced and the changes he made to his coaching style to adapt to the new team dynamics.The episode is a treasure trove of information for coaches and gymnasts alike. Justin's practical tips on coaching, building team culture, and maintaining a positive attitude are a must-listen for anyone looking to excel in gymnastics.We discuss:Justin Spring’s Olympic gymnastic journey.Transitioning from being a gymnast to coaching.The psychological state of being excellent. How to build mental fortitude and strength. The differences between coaching men's and women’s gymnastics. Breaking down air awareness to improve landing and sticking.The importance of taking time to get to know athletes. How to show athletes that you care about them. Pointing the finger vs. pulling the thumb. And…What can we expect from Alabama Gymnastics in 2023?We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/

This week's mini-podcast episode is a sneak peek of one of last year's Shift Symposium guest lectures, Developing and Maintaining Yurchenkos and Tsuks.Presented by Cale Robinson former NCAA athlete and owner of Pacific Regin Gymnastics.His passion is helping each athlete reach their own individual potential.If you want to hear the rest of this lecture you can access it on the Shift website:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2022shiftsymposium/The 2023 Shift Symposium runs from Friday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 25th, where you can learn everything you need to know about Gymnastics Medical Care, Gymnastics Coaching, and Gymnastic Strength and Conditioning.The lineup of 30 speakers is ridiculous, giving incredible lectures over three days, so don’t miss out! Head over to:https://shiftmovementscience.com/2023shiftsymposium/We appreciate you listening! To learn more about SHIFT, head here - https://shiftmovementscience.com/To learn about SHIFT's courses, check our website here - https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Also, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends! Thanks :)Thanks for listening to The SHIFT Show! Check out SHIFT's most popular courses here! https://courses.shiftmovementscience.com/Want to join our online educational community of over 1000 gymnastics professionals and get 40+ hours of gymnastics lectures? Join The Hero Lab below!https://shiftmovementscience.com/theherolab/ Check out all our past podcast episodes here!https://shiftmovementscience.com/podcast/