About Gerald S. George, Ph.D. Expertise Questions specific to gymnastics biomechanics, technique, and training in all events.
Questions specific to safety in gymnastics, cheerleading and acrosport.
Experience I have been involved in gymnastics for over 50 years either as a competitor, coach, clinician or judge. I have conducted gymnastics clinics in the U.S., Canada, China, Australia and Europe. As Director of Education & Safety for the USAG (formerly USGF)from 1985 - 1990,I developed the first USAG National Gymnastics Safety Certification Program including serving as Editor and Project Director for the USGF Gymnastics Safety Manual.I also was a voting member of the F.I.G. General Gymnastics Committee from 1985-1989.
Publications I am the author of "Biomechanics of Women's Gymnastics" (Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood-Cliffs, NJ) which was the best selling women's gymnastics textbook in the world for 3 consecutive years.
I have published over 100 articles specific to gymnastics biomechanics and technique in a variety of publications including "The Gymnast Magazine", "USGF Technique Magazine", and the "JOPHER".
I have just completed a new textbook entitled "Concepts of Women's Gymnastics" which will be available to the public in January 2010.
Education/Credentials I received a B.S. from Louisiana State University with a major in Health & Physical Education.
I received a M.S. from Springfield College (Massachusetts) with a major in Biomechanics.
I recieved my Ph.D. from Louisiana State University with a major in Biomechanics and a minor in Psychology.
Awards and Honors USAG Gymnasticss Hall of Fame Inductee; AACCA American Spirit Award for Cheerleading Safety; Patrick Rutherford Endowed Professorship; A.A.H.P.E.R.D. Presidential Citation Safety Award; United States Diving Safety Service Award; F.I.G. Outstanding Lecturer Award; United States Gymnastics Federation Honor Award;
University of Louisiana Distinguished Professor Award; American Corrective Therapy Association Service Award; Recognition Award for Research in Sports Biomechanics; National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches Research Award; Hartley Price Honor Research Award; C.H. McCloy Research Award.
Gymnastics - Is my daughter too young to learn gymnastics?
Expert: Gerald S. George, Ph.D. - 10/20/2009
Question hello sir, my daughter is 4 years old and at present she is stuydying in jr kg.. i want to ask u whether my daughter is too young for gymnastics.actually her body is very flexible. some people have told me to make her join gymnastics classes.but i don\t have any knowledge regarding this to guide my daughter.so can u please guide me in this context?
should i go ahead in this direction ....?
if yes then can u pls name some of the caoching institute that imparts gymnastics's coaching 4 junior kids?
i hope a very satisfied and rapid reply from u.
thank u sir......
Answer Hi Jain,
Four year olds can participate safely in basic gymnastics activities PROVIDED the program is specifically geared for this clientele. Such programs should emphasize basic floor exercise and movement education activities rather than apparatus work.
I would suggest your daughter enroll initially in ballet/dance classes . These activities are core elements of gymnastics, require performer discipline and are low risk. After training for a couple of years in ballet, then I would allow my (now)6 year old daughter to participate in traditional gymnastics classes, provided she continued to show interest.
