Parents Number of training days and hours per week

[Pearl]

Dd 13 L9 already practices 21 hrs, 6 days week. She might have the option of doing an additional short practice on Sunday, 2 hrs., mostly bars, which she would like extra help with. I am worried about an increased risk of burnout and injuries from lack of a recovery day. It strikes me as a bad idea, but i don't know anything about gymnastics. :-( Should we say no?

Am also wondering what you think should be the maximum range for number of hours of training per week(?) the L7. - 10s mostly homeschooled (highly talented) group in her gym practices 6 days 34hrs/wk. (!) we don't want dd to put in that many hours, but am curious if you think there is a point between 21 and 34 hrs where most kids reach the point of diminishing returns? I admit I would like to think that more practice time doesn't always lead to better gymnastics.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Ingwe]

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but training 7 days a week seems like a bit much to me. Everyone needs some down and recovery time.

My Dd is a Level 10 and trains 5 days a week (20 hours) and she relishes the two days off that she gets. It gives her time for her hands to heal (going through a period where her hands and wrists are in a constant state of ripped up, bloody mess) her muscles to feel better and most of all, to mentally recharge.

More hours does not necessarily translate into better gymnastics.

 

[gymgal]

dd goes 5 days a week and is very happy to have the 2 day weekend off for recharge. I'm not sure how long either of us would have lasted with 6 day a week practices. Even at 5days, she will take an extra recoup day every 4-6wks.

 

[KnowNuthin]

During the summer my daughter trained 25 hrs/wk. The fall schedule just came out and she'll be training 22.5 hrs/wk. during the school year. They haven't announced levels yet but likely she'll be preparing for (new) L8.

I remember going out to LA to visit a relative and my daughter practiced at a gym in the area--they told me that they trained 30 hrs/wk.

 

[Gymmonkeymomma]

DD 13 training L10 practices 5 days/week 22-25 hours. She NEEDS the days off to recoup- literally does very little, especially on the midweek day.

 

[bookworm]

There's absolutely no way I would EVER agree to my kid practicing 7 days a week, period....coaches who suggest that are setting their gymnasts up for burnout...We've been in gyms with 6 days a week and 5 days a week and I can tell you that my daughter relished having "only" 5 days a week of practice. As far as number of hours to max out at, I read a study sometime back that put that number at 24 ...that basically the risk/reward of going over 24 leaned heavily towards greater injury risk and not necessarily better gymnastics...

 

[Deleted member 14190]

There is no answer to your question, because there are way to many variables. But as a whole, "yes" more hours does increase the risk of burnout,,, but so does,,,, injuries, boys, overbearing parents, fear, bad coaching and turning into a teenager. HOWEVER ! There is one thing that will not burn a child out and that is success, So if adding a few extra hours onto your daughter is something she wants and helps her to achieve this then go for it!

 

[kitkat]

For a 13 yo, L9 - 21 hours doesn't seem like a lot. Can they add your extra couple of hours to another training session?
My dd is 11 yo, L9 (NN in CAD) and she trains 25 hours (5 X 5) which could go to 30 when she moves to next level in a couple of years. My dd gets 2 days off and she needs them...for fun time/down time and to rest any injuries (knock on wood)

 

[my4buffaloes]

I agree that they need a day completely free of gym to regroup and recover. How much does it cost to have the extra 2 hour bar day? If she really needs help with bars - how about putting that money towards a 1/2 hour private each week on a regular practice day so that she gets a full day of no gym.

About the hours - I do see a lot more than that for levels lower than 9, but my dd is training 8 and goes 18. Even the L10s at our gym only go 20.

 

[flgymmom]

My dd is L4. the entire team practices Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri from 6-9 and then Sat 10-3.

She can also go to a Tues tumbling class, but normally she doesn't do that, it is our family night.

 

[Fliptwisttumble]

DD moved to 25 hrs this summer and will continue it in the fall. It has been fine for now, but DH and I agreed that we won't book any regularly scheduled activity on the other two days (ie noire dance, etc.)

It would be too much for her. Those two days a week are critical for her having time to play with friends, do family things, chill and read a book, etc.

My suggestion would be to NOT add the 7th day to your schedule.