This article is designed to help gymnasts who are struggling with their back tucks on the trampoline. It offers lots of how-to tips and detailed, step-by-step descriptions of the hows and whys of the drills I've personally used to improve my technique. One of the main questions I often get relates to getting over the… Continue reading A Primer for Back Tucks on the Trampoline
Category: Blog
Improving back handsprings, part 2
This article was actually written and published in February 2024, before my April version of Improving Back Handspring Technique. For some reason, it got lost in the WordPress ether and I had to do a lengthy archive search process to find it again. When I read it through, there was even more useful information than… Continue reading Improving back handsprings, part 2
Improving Back Handspring Technique
If you are looking to solve your back handspring issues, this article might give you some food for thought. Back handsprings are one of the harder basic skills to acquire, especially for adult gymnasts. The idea of hurtling yourself backwards onto your hands, then snapping your feet back down to the ground and rebounding back… Continue reading Improving Back Handspring Technique
Return to nature
It's been eight months, but I finally returned to my beloved Ramapo Reservation for my first hike of the season. I had almost forgotten the amazing feeling I get from spending a couple hours traversing the nature preserve and all of its offerings to my soul. I was inspired to share some of the benefits… Continue reading Return to nature
Commit to the Fundamentals
In gymnastics, every choice you make is an important one. Each skill, whether a handstand, salto (flip) or a complex combination of moves, requires a laundry list of technical requirements. When you are first starting out, that list can be very intimidating. I coach adult gymnastics at Flipper's Gymnastics in Ramsey, NJ. We now offer… Continue reading Commit to the Fundamentals
Translanguaging in Arts Education
I am an arts educator. My charge is not only inspiring the creative spark in adolescents, but making sure our English Language Learners have equal access and opportunity to participating in the creative spirit. When you are in charge of a school theater organization, you shoulder the weight of so many things, artistic decisions being… Continue reading Translanguaging in Arts Education
Mental Breakthroughs 2
Two years ago, I wrote an article about some of the mental blocks I've managed, largely due to injuries sustained, and the mental breakthroughs I've made in trying to overcome them. Months later, I did a little research and realized that the reason for the blocks was due to our lizard brain, the part of… Continue reading Mental Breakthroughs 2
Weight-loss 12: Tricky 2023
It seems I’m posting these weight-loss journey reports biannually now. Apparently, I wax weight management when my work life wanes; during winter break and just as summer starts. A year ago, I recalled in part 10 the food challenges during my November reverie (birthdays, anniversary, Thanksgiving) and into the winter holidays (Chanukkah latkes and Christmas… Continue reading Weight-loss 12: Tricky 2023
Mid-life Musings: Insomnia
Insomnia. Wake at 3:30 a.m. Go to the bathroom. Lay back down under the covers. Never get to slide back into the state that unlocks rest and dreams. It’s a form of slow torture. Historically, I've been a champion sleeper. Younger me would sleep 12 hours without missing a beat. Even today, sit me down… Continue reading Mid-life Musings: Insomnia
It’s November again
It's been a while since my last post. Once the boot came off from breaking my foot in August, it seems I hit the proverbial ground hobbling, then running, I was able to drive again, I started testing the foot in the gym, slowly adding some flipping back into the mix. I've also gotten busier… Continue reading It’s November again
Sometimes you break yourself, part 8
I'm approaching the end of week seven post-fifth metatarsal break and the foot is healing, slowly but surely. My follow-up appointment was on Friday morning, just two days before the end of the seven-week mark. Another set of X-Rays were taken and unfortunately, it didn't look that much different from the one taken the week… Continue reading Sometimes you break yourself, part 8
Sometimes you break yourself, part 7
It's been a couple of weeks since my last update. I'd been putting it off until this week's doctor's appointment, the anticipation of which was a source of anxiety and a bit of dread. I finally returned last week to the gym, not to flip, but to coach. It was good to breathe the air,… Continue reading Sometimes you break yourself, part 7
The Geriatric Gymnast chats with painter Tessa Lang
On the eve of the launch of her brand new Chtapodi Collective line, Tessa Lang was so gracious to sit for a chat to talk about her artistic journey and diving into the world of wearable art.
Sometimes you break yourself, part 6
I've been back to work for a week now, and I have to say in the middle of week four, I am exhausted. The boot saga continues.
Sometimes you break yourself, part 5
Healing a broken bone takes a long time. Intellectually, I know this. Emotionally, it's a whole other story.
First day jitters
After 27 years in education, I still get anticipatory anxiety on the last night of summer vacation. It's even worse with a broken right foot. Here's the play by play how I worked through it.
Three years
Some thoughts about Ronnie Sue, my beautiful mom, on the 3 year anniversary of her passing.
Sometimes you break yourself, part 4
I got not-so-good news at the one week orthopedist follow up.
When it’s time for them to leave, part 2
The final step of our college-bound empty nest.
Sometimes you break yourself, part 3
Rounding out the week one of my broken right foot saga. While there is ZERO FUN about this experience, I am happy to report that there has been good progress in the healing process.
Episode 14: Solitude
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode explores the bliss of solitude.
Episode 13: What is Mindfulness?
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode talks about what mindfulness is and how can we use it to reclaim our sense of calm, peace and feeling centered.
Episode 12: Imposter Syndrome
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode talks about the dreaded and ubiquitous imposter syndrome.
Episode 11: Dealing With Pain, part 2
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode is another session in dealing with the pain we feel.
Episode 10: Dealing With Pain, part 1
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode talks about taking steps to distract ourselves from the pain we feel.
REVIEW: Tessa Lang’s Tigers and Toucs Leggings
My 5-star review for Tessa Lang's Tigers and Toucs leggings.
Episode 9: Hurry Up and Wait
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode talks about strategies when you need to be patient.
Taking the shoes off the shelf
In a previous life, I was a tap teacher for over two decades. I put my tap shoes on the shelf just before the pandemic. This August, I put them on again and it felt good.
Sometimes you break yourself, part 2
A chronicle of my first 3 days in the boot after breaking my right foot. Making progress, indeed!
Episode 8: 3-Minute Meditation
A meditation podcast you can listen to in 15 minutes or less. This episode is a quick 3-minute check in to help you re-center yourself.
Stacey's Headspace 