Recent content by Mary Reiss Farias

Does anyone use an inflatable tumble track in their gym? I'm considering buying a used one, but have never used one or seen one in use. Do you like it more or less than a regular tumble track? What are the pros and cons? Thanks!

Thank you again for the positive comments about Gym Rats​!

Thank you to all of you with the positive comments about Gym Rats! I really appreciate it. As for this comment, "I would love to see a series of gymnastics fiction for the tween/early teen age group that maybe addresses topics like missing out on things to be in the gym, injuries, eating...

As you're kicking over, think about pulling your shoulders over at the same time. Meaning if you are in a bridge and your shoulders are open to a particular wall of the gym, when you kick your leg over, aim your foot and pull your shoulders to that wall. This will help get your body working...

What are your summer goals in the gym?

Work on doing a backwards roll with straight arms and legs, ending up in a push-up position. As you get better, you can aim your feet higher and higher as you roll over. Once you get the hang of it, think about opening your shoulders and pushing your hands into the floor (with tight arms!) as...

Head coach always.

I think that is a great idea! On the second book that's coming out in September I'm trying to "upgrade" the reading level just a little bit. But I think you're right; perhaps series concentrating on the tween gymnast might be better. Thank you for purchasing the book! Hopefully the upcoming book...

Although there is no way to predict the future, I'm not going to tell you that it's out of the question for you to make it to a D1 school. There are many D1 schools out there, all looking for different types of gymnasts for each of their recruiting classes. (For instance, I was recruited by one...

This is extremely common, especially at higher levels. You may have to just bite the bullet and tape your wrists under your wristbands.

What was your nemesis skill and how did you overcome it?

Think about taking the skill one step at a time. You already know how to do a flyaway. Make sure you continue to do your flyaway with the correct technique (don't throw your head out!) and then simply add the twist one piece at a time. For instance, do your layout flyaway and then when you land...

Here are a couple of drills you can do: Front tuck: off a tall spotting block and onto an 8-inch mat, do a standing front tuck. Be sure when you begin you stand tall with your shoulders and your hips open. When you go into your front tuck, snap your body from the tight arch position into your...

It sounds to me like you need more upper arm and shoulder strength. Try doing handstand holds and handstand hops. On your back handspring on floor, try thinking about leading the skill with your hands (or arms). Don't get your head out of alignment. On your cartwheel, think about going straight...

I was a gymnast for 17 years, which culminated in my receiving a scholarship to the University of Arizona to compete as a GymCat. After school, I coached for another 5 years. I still choreograph routines and coach a little bit. Now, I'm a writer and the author of the fictional children's book...