We’re taking a closer look at the hard work and dedication of gymnasts at all levels. Although these athletes make it look easy— we go behind the scenes and learn— it’s far from it.
At full speed their quickness, ease, and agility make it look easy; but when you slow things down a bit (with the help of the “slow motion” option on an iPhone) you’re better able to see just how much work goes into being a gymnast.
“Well, I just love gymnastics, so that’s the only sport I focus on at all times,” said 10-year-old Peyton Kastl with laughter; she’s been practicing for eight years (yes, your math is correct: she started when she was two!).
Even with a news camera in her face while she’s trying to balance on a beam— she’s unfazed. “Good Payton, push through your toe baby, good girl,” yells one of her coaches at Trevino’s Gymnastics School in Lancaster.
In the summer, she’s here in the gym practicing around 30 hours a week. Along with perfecting their physical techniques, the Trevino’s gym is also offering help for their mental strength.
Former gymnast, and daughter of the gym’s owners, Katelyn Trevino, has her Master’s degree in Positive Coaching. She wants to help young gymnasts overcome something she struggled with: her self-worth sometimes depended on how well she performed. “To stick that landing, I thought, wow if I did that my coaches would like me more, gymnasts would like me more, and I would feel accomplished you know as Katelyn,” said Trevino. “But that’s so much pressure riding on one skill.”
Trevino is offering one-on-one counseling to help the girls talk out any issues. She’s also teaching them how to use positive thinking skills when facing challenges; because learning a new skill can take time— and it usually ends with a really sore body.
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The challenges in gymnastics are what Kastl says make this sport so much fun. “Something you’ve been working on forever and you could never get it, and having your teammates cheer you on and you eventually get it—it feels awesome. It feels amazing really,” said Kastl.
To cultivate that sense of teamwork, the Trevino’s often partner younger girls with big sister to provide positive role models (boys would also be included but only girls were in attendance the day we were at the gym).
“It just helps a lot . . . having teammates cheer you on,” said Kastl. “It would be hard to have a team alone, with nobody on the team with you.”
After hours of practice, the girls finally take a break to cheer on Team USA while watching the Olympics live on a projector in the gym. For Kastl, seeing her sport at the highest level fuels her motivation to keep getting better, and thanks to her training—she’s equipped to handle this sport’s mental and physical challenges.
“If you work your butt off then it’s not that bad, once you think about it,” said Kastl. “Nobody can be perfect—so you just do the best you can.”
CLICK HERE for more information on Trevino’s Gymnastics School.
