The Gymnastics Guide

Helping gymnasts and coaches to be their best every day!
New Gymnastics Parents Guide to Competitive Gymnastics

New Gymnastics Parents Guide to Competitive Gymnastics


So, your daughter was selected to join the gymnastics team? Congratulations and welcome to the world of competitive gymnastics! Now, you probably have a LOT of questions. What does being on a gymnastics team involve? What will gymnastics competitions be like? Here are answers to many common questions asked by new gymnastics parents. I’ll also […]

Level 7 Bar Routine Recommendations

Level 7 Bar Routine Recommendations


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 Code of Points. Introduction to Level 7 Bars For a gymnast with a strong Level 6 bar routine, the transition to Level 7 bars isn’t too tough. But without a basic knowledge of casting and circling technique, it’s a challenge to get a big score! The […]

The Best Gymnastics Bars for Home in 2022

The Best Gymnastics Bars for Home in 2022


So, you’ve got a gymnast who swings from every railing that she sees? Are you looking for a safer way for her to practice her gymnastics skills? No worries, here you’ll find a guide to buying gymnastics bars for home, along with links to several recommended bars. This post may contain affiliate links. As an […]

Winter Cup Senior Women’s Results and Notes

Winter Cup Senior Women’s Results and Notes


The Winter Cup gymnastics meet is typically a men’s meet. However, in 2021, USA Gymnastics decided to include the women, as no one has had a chance to compete in a year. I had the opportunity to go to Indianapolis and assist with the meet, and it was so much fun to be up close […]

Level 6 Bar Routine Recommendations

Level 6 Bar Routine Recommendations


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. The Level 6 bar routines can seem simple, and that’s the idea. But it’s not always so simple to make them look good. These routines combine basic skills such as casting and circling, and the gymnast must keep a tight body shape […]

Xcel Diamond Gymnastics Requirements

Xcel Diamond Gymnastics Requirements


The fifth, and highest, level, or division, as it’s called in Xcel gymnastics, is Xcel Diamond. The requirements in Xcel Diamond continue to progress from those in the Platinum division. Gymnasts in the Xcel Diamond division typically have skills that are the equivalent of a DP Level 7 or higher. Each division has its own […]

The Best Gymnastics Mats for Home in 2022

The Best Gymnastics Mats for Home in 2022


Do you have a kiddo who loves flipping around the house? Maybe your child is already involved in gymnastics, or maybe they are practicing their flips on your living room couch. Either way, it’s a good idea to find them a safe surface to practice on. Gymnastics mats for home are a great way to […]

Xcel Platinum Gymnastics Requirements

Xcel Platinum Gymnastics Requirements


Introduction to Xcel Platinum This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-2026 Xcel Code of Points. The fourth level, or division, as it’s called in Xcel gymnastics, is Xcel Platinum. The requirements in Xcel Platinum continue to progress from those in the Gold division. Gymnasts in the Xcel Platinum division typically […]

The Best Gymnastics Beams for Home in 2022

The Best Gymnastics Beams for Home in 2022


Introduction to Home Gymnastics Beams The funny thing about gymnasts is, once they’ve got the gymnastics bug, there’s no stopping them from practicing. They’ll somersault across the living room couch. Curbs suddenly become balance beams. In an effort to keep your gymnast safe, you might think about getting her some equipment to use at home. […]

Xcel Gold Gymnastics Requirements

Xcel Gold Gymnastics Requirements


Introduction to Xcel Gold Gymnastics This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. The third level, or division, as it’s called in Xcel gymnastics, is Xcel Gold. The requirements in Xcel Gold are a progression from the Silver division, as the gymnasts continue to learn more difficult […]