Why Strength and Conditioning is So Important - Ben Young

In this episode of the Game of Gymnastics podcast, host Winston Powell is joined by Ben Young, a senior strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience in British gymnastics, particularly with the trampolining team leading up to their success in Paris. They delve into the critical role of strength and conditioning (S&C) in developing gymnasts, discussing how to effectively integrate S&C programs into the demanding training schedules of athletes. Ben shares insights from his unique journey into the field, the importance of profiling gymnasts' physical capabilities, and how tailored S&C programs can address specific needs and prevent injuries. The conversation also highlights the differences in training approaches for various gymnastics disciplines, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between coaches, athletes, and S&C specialists to optimize performance and safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Importance of Strength and Conditioning (S &C): S&C is crucial for gymnasts to prevent injuries, enhance performance, and address imbalances caused by repetitive movements in their sport. It helps gymnasts manage the high forces they experience during training and competition.
2. Profiling and Individualization : Profiling gymnasts allows coaches to assess their physical capabilities and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps tailor S&C programs to meet the specific needs of each gymnast, ensuring they can safely progress in their training.
3. Collaboration with Coaches : Effective S&C programs require collaboration between strength coaches, technical coaches, and physiotherapists. Understanding the priorities of gymnastic training and integrating S&C into the overall training plan is essential for optimizing performance.
4. Microdosing for Efficiency : Microdosing involves breaking down S&C work into smaller, manageable sessions throughout the week. This approach allows gymnasts to accumulate training volume without overwhelming their schedules, making it easier to fit S&C into their existing training routines.
5. Focus on Core and Shoulder Strength : Core strength is vital for all gymnasts to maintain proper body shapes and transfer force effectively during skills. Additionally, shoulder strength is particularly important for male gymnasts, especially those performing on rings, to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Gymnasts are brilliant at problem-solving movement challenges, but the problem is you're not always aware... coaching them to do certain S&C movement patterns, they just absorb it and get it straight away." - Ben Young
2. "If you want to jump higher... the forces they're exposed to on landing are going to be higher." - Ben Young
3. "If you want something to change, then something probably needs to change." - Ben Young
4. "I think collaboration is the key... it shouldn't be the be all or end all." - Ben Young
5. "If you were to lean up a little bit by one kilo... you're saving yourself 10 kilos of force on landing." - Ben Young

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Host Bio:

As a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad, Winston Powell brings firsthand experience to every episode. His impressive achievements include being the Under 18 English Champion in 2023 and reaching the finals in three events at the Junior World Championships the same year: the All-Around, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar finals qualifying 7th for the All-Around. With five international appearances as a GB gymnast, he has gained invaluable insights into the sport's highest levels. His passion for gymnastics, combined with his deep understanding of the challenge