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Gymnastics/Questions Answered by Expert Gerald S. George, Ph.D.
| Subject | Date Asked |
| too old? | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: I'm 23 years old, and would love to get into gymnastics. my little sister is in level 5 and makes it ... A: One is never too old to enjoy gymnastics participation. In fact, people from all over the world ... | |
| Balance Beam Cartwheel | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is a level 5 gymnast. She competed at level 5 last year, too, but she really struggled. ... A: Like all gymnastics skills, a cartwheel on BB has an "ideal" tempo range. Going too slowly, or for ... | |
| Is my daughter too young to learn gymnastics? | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: my daughter is 4 years old and at present she is stuydying in jr kg.. i want to ask u whether my ... A: Four year olds can participate safely in basic gymnastics activities PROVIDED the program is ... | |
| Layouts | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: I have started working layouts and I seem to not be able to maintain a tight body throughout the ... A: "Body looseness" just before landing a layout backward somersault is usually an indication that the ... | |
| Safety standards | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: Are there specific USA safety standards for aerial gymnastics, like mat requirements? I know of a ... A: There are specific mat standards and/or requirements for "artistic" gymnastics competitions, i.e., ... | |
| fly away | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I am a mom of 2 new level 6 gymnasts and am quite concern about safety/spotting on the fly away. ... A: Your letter concerns me from a safety perspective. Repeated episodes of hitting and/or "clipping" ... | |
| Glide kip | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I know that a lot of people ask about the glide kip but I really need help with it. Because I am so ... A: You need to strengthen the muscles on the "front side" of your body (abdominals and hip flexors) as ... | |
| Backwalkovers on the beam | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a problem with my backwalkovers on the beam. I can do them perfectly on the floor. Nothing ... A: Are you really sure you do "perfect" back walkovers on floor? Ask your coach to carefully critique ... | |
Answers by Expert:
Gerald S. George, Ph.D.
Top Expert on this page
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.
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