Gymnastics

On the forty-second page of “Gymnastics (Sport Psychology Library)” authors Karen Cogan & Peter Vidmar wrote (emphasis added):

10. Use imagery logs. Whenever you learn new skills, you can best monitor your pgoress by having a written record. So determine how you will use imagery and keep tabs on what you do, how much you do, and when you do it. This way you can look back and see your progress. You might set it up like Chart 1.

Chart 1: Imagery Log
Date	Time	Describe Imagery	Practice Time	Success
4/28	1:30 p.m.	Practiced 10 double flyaway dismounts off bars with perfect landings; used internal & kinesthetic imagery	5 minutes	A little trouble feeling landings; stuck 3 in workout
4/30	9:00 p.m.	Practiced 3 beam routines in prep for meet tomorrow	10 minutes	Able to imagine layout pass with solid landings!

Try Exercises 6–1, 6–2, 6–3, and 6–4 to help you develop your imagery skills.

6–1: Vivid Imagery

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Picture yourself walking into the gym when no one is there. Look at the layout of the equipment. Notice the colors of the mats and other equipment. Listen to the sounds in the gym, such as the buzz of the lights, the "squish" of the mats as you walk across them, your own breathing. Take a deep breath and notice the smell of the metal on the equipment, plastic on the mats, or chalk in the chalk bins. Touch the bars and feel the leather beneath your fingers. Step onto the floor exercise area and feel the slight spring as you walk on the floor. Now open your eyes.

How vivid were the images you created? If you need to make them more vivid, try imaging in color, hearing sounds and smelling the chalk and mats.

More information about “Gymnastics (Sport Psychology Library)” (and the book itself) is available from:

• Amazon.com
• Powell's Books
• Barnes & Noble

(Fitness Information Technology, September 1999. Paperback, 196 pages. ISBN: 1885693176; EAN: 9781885693174.)

Comments

[Becca]

Man! I wish I would have had this book way back when I was a gymnast! Would have been sooo cool!