Topic: 10 year old I need help

[mccowen]

  good point

[Spencer B]

It's that rule of the interwebs coming to haunt us.

Seriously though... Ten years old, hmmm? I started just before my 15th B-Day, and I was scrawny and a little chubby when I did, but I still have a LONG way to go... I would suggest working pullups and dips first, because when I started I could do like zero pullups, and the ROM on my dips wasn't too great. Then I would focus on perfecting your squat form, and instead of squats to work your legs right now, just run and do lunges for now. Take every other day off, and try to condition more than you train for now. Hope this helps 

[Shamas]

Basics for a good foundation makes for easier and more productive path to greatness in building a solid structure for whatever you wish to engage in.

[Kyle Gouch 'Triple K']

I personally believe that gymnastics is a pretty competitive sport.

Most coaches over train the students and I see kids that are 8 years old training more than 12 hours a week! So I do say it gets a bit competitive. This is why I prefer parkour... It all about self improvement and it's totally against competition. I still do gymnastics, but not for the actual sport, but to increase my self-awareness and my creativity. It's just like me joining the track team. I run track but I don't do it for the competition or because I necessarily like running, I join it because it'll benefit my parkour which is the thing I ultimately love to do. (I mean, isn't that why we're all on a parkour based forum?) Anyway no offense Kyle, since I know you're a coach now and all, but gymnastics is kind of... against all things parkour is, even though many of the moves originated from or are correlated to gymnastic moves. It kind of reminds me of UFF

Sorry if you took it as my attacking gymnastics. I have nothing against it at all. I just don't like some of the attitudes that seem to go with it, but even so, that doesn't mean someone shouldn't do it (I skateboard after all - just where it's allowed, respectfully, and so on).

I agree with you Mathew, It's like how most people think as football players as jocks and that all skateboarders vandalize property. It's just that most of the "stereotypes" are true, which is why I generally think that gymnastics is competitive. But, there are people who just do gymnastics for the thrill and pure enjoyment of the sport which I think is how someone should approach gymnastics if they were to join it.

Hmm, well Joeson, you might be right but it really depends on what you define as doing gymnastics. I can go up too the gym and join a class and start learning flips, is that not 'doing gymnastics'. For example, most people think football is a real competitive, but Joeson, when we use to go outside Chene's house and play 'football' was it competitive at all. Well I certainly don't think so. So, this kinda ties in with how gymnastics can be, you don't have to be on the team, so to the people that are saying, "don't do gymnastics because its too competitive," I doubt he would go there to join the team. There are classes just to learn the flips, just like any ol' Karate or Martial Arts class.

[Chris Salvato]

Flips are only a small part of gymnastics training for highly competitive gymnasts...well, ones with a good coach, anyway.

Strength and power training are a staple in a gymnasts training regimen -- technique work (flipping) is small compared to this.

[Kyle Gouch 'Triple K']

Well, this doesn't mean you can't go to a gymnastics gym and learn some flips. No one says your have to train there and be on the team.

[Chris Salvato]

I agree..gymnastics isn't necessarily competitive - but there is much more to doing gymnastics than flipping like crazy...thats actually tricking.

That said, does anyone have any good advice for our 10 year old friend?

[Kyle Gouch 'Triple K']

Yeah, lol sorry bout creating like a debate about this. xD, I just don't want him to start thinking that gymnastics is a big 'no-no'. Plus, gymnastics is a good work-out, and your also learning some free-running, burn calories, and gain muscle in unusual places, so thread-stater, gymastics is an option, just don't join the team. xD

[Joeson Wong]

Yeah going to an open gym is a great way to get started. You'll minimize injuries and you can familiarize yourself with the techniques without worry. If you're lucky you might meet a local traceur there as well!

Anyway I suggest the best thing to do at your age is to condition. The foundation of all parkour if you want to make it to the end. Get in your school's weight room as much as possible if you have one and do as much as you can during gym. You can also start with doing the APK warmup and slowly progress on that because most people can use the warmup as the actual workout. Once the warmup gets easy you can start doing the APK WOD if you're up for it. Throw in some technique training maybe 1-2 times a week but generally focus on conditioning, as that'll help you a LOT in the future and you'll be so happy you did it. One more key to stick is STAY AWAY FROM DROPS!

[Shamas]

GETTING OFF GYMNASTICS AND MARTIAL ARTS

I now have a 10 year old member that just joined, and I met him for a brief period yesterday to get him familiar and steered in the right direction.

So, my advice was to do work on conditioning and the basic movements.

Roll  -  Safety Vault  - Jump in one place and land silently.

Go to the APK homepage. Go to TRAIN on the upper row go to BODY then to EXERCISE. Find some stuff you're interested in trying.
Also go to APK homepage. Go to TRAIN then PRACTICE then to DEMON DRILLS. Do the unconventional work outs. They can help.

RUN until you've broken a sweat and are out of breath. Do Joint Rotations (look them up if you don't know them) then go to QMs-Pushups-Situps-Wrist/Ankle strengthening (pushup position get low and have your body do a stationary circle over and over) Pull Ups- Chin Ups- Climb Ups- Wall Runs- Cat Walks- Deadhangs- Lunge Walks- Duck Walks- HandStands     
These are all great ways to strengthen and condition your body.

STRETCHING is key. Do your static stretches when you're finished. It is IMPORTANT to stretch. I was busy busy busy yesterday (exercised all day) and forgot to stretch out. I am so sore right now I don't want to move. I have Gym Training tonight....OUCH.


Anything you have questions on Don't hesitate to ask.

Anyone else have something to add? NOT GYMNASTICS vs MARTIAL ARTS related?

[Mathew C]

if you get hurt or start feeling pain when you train, feel free to ask anybody here about it, or a doctor

try and learn as much as you can about the human body - how it works, the different parts, what foods you should eat to keep it healthy

I think that and the last post covers it all

[mccowen]

hey people me again we got a parkour youtube video up  which is cool most of it is not me because my ribs has been hurting just go on youtube then search parkour vlog 1 i am the one in the blue top