“It’s All About Change”  In this episode of Tumbling Along with Betsy, Author Melisa Torres and I discuss many important topics facing the world of gymnastics, including her newest book: “Season Of Change”  which deals with topics ranging from a new gym, new coaches and relearning skills, all challenging parts of a gymnast’s journey.  We also discuss a major them in her next book series: PUBERTY and BODY CHANGES and how this will be a central them in the next segment of her Perfect Balance Gymnastics Book Series. I truly enjoy working and talking with Melisa because we have the same mission on helping develop well rounded, confident, independent and strong young women.  I’ve realized just how very important it is to be a strong woman leading other strong women in our sport. I would encourage any young reader and gymnast to pick up this book series. Some other major topics of discussion in this episode:How reading is so important to our kids and broadens their vocabulary and life experiences. SafeSport and how she used her latest book to encourage athletes to have a voice.The lack of diversity in literature and how gymnasts have acquired BALANCE through COVIDHow women cheering on other women (girls cheering on girls) is a central theme to her books.Also, when checking out of Melisa’s store you can receive 10 percent off all of your purchases when you use the code BETSY10 coupon code! Check Out Melisa on her website: www.melisatorres.com 

Tumbling Along With Betsy

Episode 21 Melisa Torres: Author The Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series, "It's All About Change"

Gymnastics is a scary sport and as a former Elite gymnast,  Ariana LeBlanc has first hand knowledge of the mental challenges surrounding the sport. She uses her past experiences as a fearful, anxious athlete suffering from low self esteem,  as fuel to help her top level athletes gain mindfulness,  emotional, mental and physical control of their actions in the gym.  In Episode 20 of Tumbling Along with Betsy we cover: -Why gymnastics is such a scary sport-Offer hope to those athletes struggling with self doubt, anxiety and low self esteem- How to bring athletes  back to the present moment through breathing_How Ariana  engages her athletes with specific fears and dealing with “what ifs” -Covid fears -Children as individuals and different learners- Gymnasts advocating for themselves and the current state of gymnastics - How using the breath and meditation can help gymnasts overcome anything! I was particularly excited about this episode as Ariana is a client of mine in my mentorship program! It has been fun to watch her business soar in the gymnastics community! Ariana LeBlanc holds a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health and is a school based clinician who also works with Gymnasts! Her experience in gymnastics is vast, as a child she was and Elite gymnast and  a member of both the United States  Tops National team as well as the Junior Elite National Team You Can find out more about Ariana and contact her about her services for athletes and children at http://www.themindfulgymnast.com as well as on Instagram, the.mindful.gymnast as well as on Facebook as Ariana LeBlanc 

Episode #20 Ariana LeBlanc: The Mindful Gymnast

Where Engineering meets gymnastics! If you are a coach of gymnastics, young or old, take some time to listen to this refreshing up and coming coach! Coach Taylor and I are just two coaches hanging out talking about his journey in gymnastics, his passion and recent career change. We discuss the structure of the sport and how it molded him. The love and WHY people need to do gymnastics!!! How gymnastics is quite simply PHYSICS and how it carries over to EVERYTHING in life! We also discuss several other important topics.  What its like being a collegiate walk-on  gymnast, the love for the sport, the topic of  diversity, inclusion  and race relations as being the “elephant in the room."In this podcast we have an honest and frank discussion on the fact that we all have work to do!  The Gymgineer does a great job equating progressions of race relations to progressions of gymnastics skills-genius! He also gives props to strong women and men coaching partnerships! We discuss  athletes who want to quit and dealing with conflict analytically and empowering kids!  Check Coach Taylor out!  Other topics we cover: Career change,  taking a pay cut for passion!Mental health being happy in your career!How much he loves pizza, play football and his dog Lima!Instagram:  COACH TAYLOR: @the_gymgineerFacebook: COACH TAYLOR @thegymgineerEmail: thegymgineer@gmail.comAbout Coach Taylor: Gymnastics coach and specialistCivil EngineerLicensed EIT CertificationUniversity of IowaMedia Intern Inside Gymnastics Magazine 

Episode #19 Coach Taylor:The GYMGINEER: Where gymnastics meets Physics!

John Min is a PASSIONATE gymnastics coach and gym owner of MAGMA Gymnastics in Bridgewater and Phillipsburg, NJ. He has successfully opened two gyms within the time frame of the pandemic.  Our conversations range from discussing the challenges of gymnastics in the current climate,  toxic gym culture, inclusivity and diversity, body image and nutrition,  sharing knowledge amongst and between coaches, strategies on helping kids when they want to quit and supporting the athlete through challenging times. His message of "SPQR" has made him one of the most successful and admired coaches in our sport! This podcast is a must for all coaches who LOVE our sport and who want to make our kids healthier, more well rounded athletes! Thanks John! You can find out /follow or contact John here: Website: www. MagmaGym.comEmail: min@magmagym.comInstagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok: MAGMA 

Episode #18 John Min: Successful Coaching: "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you CARE!"

Food Allergies: The problems= Fear,  frustration, lack of control, disappointment, unsure of who to trust, fear of disappointing others for something that is out of your control…The answers: organization, education, preparation, planning ahead in every situation that involves food.These are the daily issues and stories that face  someone who has food allergies and is the focus of episode #17 in Tumbling Along With Betsy.I  learned a great deal about  food allergies in this episode and since this podcast have become even more empathetic and understanding as  how serious they are.This is a a GREAT episode to listen to with your coaches, athletes and kids, because a lot of people  don’t quite  understand how serious food allergies are.  These are real stories of gymnasts, gymnastics coaches and gymnastics moms who battle allergies daily. Below are the guests who are featured in the podcast, I hope this episode is impactful to everyone who listens and will encourage everyone to grow in understanding on how they can help and be aware of those who have food allergies, specifically in the gymnastics world. EJ Wasielewski, gymnast and cheerleader. Severe peanut allergy and also a vegetarian (Please note her photo is courtesy of AmyJphoto.com Liane Moccia, mother of gymnast with severe peanut allergies. You can learn about the therapy she used with her gymnast daughter here: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/oitShannon Dawe: Gymnastics owner and coach with severe mouth allergy called oral allergy syndrome. Katey Fontaine, mother of gymnast Jordan, who has milk and shellfish allergyAmy Fallis, gymnastics mom, yoga instructor and coach. Two gymnasts with dairy and soy allergies, as well as she herself having celiacs disease (gluten) and dairy allergy

Episode # 17 Food Allergy Stories: Gymnasts, Coaches and Moms

Dr. Stephanie McNally is an MD  of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwell Health (New York). In this episode Dr. McNally  talks us through ALL the stages, hormonal changes and challenges of the  female body, ranging  from puberty to pregnancy, peri-menopause and menopause and how this relates also to the female athlete and their parents.   There isn't a woman who will NOT relate to this podcast at some point....... We focus specifically on women in sports (my specific questions were toward gymnasts)  and also what happens as an athlete goes through puberty and some signs to be looking  for in  dealing with the "FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD" We also discuss how nutrition and mental health all play into these crucial moments and how parents can foster the best environment for these changes. We also discuss body changes later in life and again focus on ways to best manage these transitional periods. Dr. McNally is also an Assistant Professor at The Zucker School of Medicine and is the Co-Founder of the "CALLS" program for female physicians. She also happens to be my lovely and very knowledgeable sister-in-law. Check her out on her social media platforms where she is a crusader for women doctors and mentorship! Find her on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and TICTOCK at:StephTMcNallyMD

Episode #16 Stephanie McNally MD; Hormones From Puberty To Menopause and the EVER- Changing Female Body; Finding Our Balance

Jill Hicks is the owner of JH Consulting: A recruiting business that helps parents and gymnast navigate the college recruiting project is artistic gymnastic and A and T. She was a former Elite gymnast who went to Oregon State and coached college gymnastics for 20 years!This episode focuses on the college recruiting process for athletes-PLUS an UPDATED PORTION DEDICATED TO RECRUITING DURING COVID 19 (you really want to listen to this part as many are struggling to find answers on how to maneuver through this time!) We also discuss how  we can develop and encourage our young athletes through their artistry, positive body image and help them really bring out their STRONG points that will make them stand out and SHINE!This episode is much more than a recruiting lesson as Jill shares her own personal stories and how she helps and relates these to the families and athletes she helps! AMAZING WOMAN!You can find out more about Jill here: Website:jhicksconsulting.com Facebook:@jhicksconsultingEmail:jill@jhicksconsulting.com 

#15 Jill Hicks: The College Recruiting Game: Everything you need to know and MORE about gymnastics and college!

FIND YOUR POWER WITHIN THE STORM OF CORONA VIRUS!Long regarded as the premier and expert mental toughness coach in gymnastics,  Alison Arnold gives great tips, advice and actual TOOLS on finding our "EYE OF THE STORM" through this corona virus pandemic. Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent or a citizen just trying to find your way through this, Ali will help you find the calm, quiet  place within this STORM where you can regain your power and control, gain perspective and work through your daily fears and anxieties. Along with great breathing exercises, Ali gives the listeners some great insight and tools for dealing with turbulence within ourselves where we can find strength through the "THREE B.'s" (listen to find out what they are)......We also learn how to be gentle, have self compassion, breathe, and know as a parents and coaches  you ARE ENOUGH. Ali is currently running some amazing deals with her mental toughness training camps for athletes and parents. To find out more, here is where you can contact and access her programming;Email: docalison@aol.comWebsites: www.headgamesu.comwww.headgamesworld.comAli Arnold on FacebookHeagames World on Facebookheadgamesworld on INSTA

Episode #14 Doc Alison Arnold: Life is filled with storms, this is a big one! How to Find your EYE OF THE STORM during this pandemic

Coach Dee: “Know Who You Are As A Coach”Hey kids and coaches, its OK to STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!! I truly enjoyed my conversation with International Gymnastics clinician, choreographer, dancer, coach and social media phenomenon, Deavera Todd.. or otherwise known as coach Dee.In this episode we have a very candid conversation on how to help kids tap into their potential! How to  let kids EXPLORE and not be afraid of failure!Deavera is SO Open and understanding about learning from others and does NOT take this coaching thing personal, something we all can learn. We discussed the new diversity in our sport, and how social media has exposed athletes of varying backgrounds  and encouraged more participants. What I loved most about my interview was the segment on knowing  who you are as a coach!  DEE gives Great advice studying the best, and the worst—Knowing  all stories good and bad! I would encourage all coaches new and experienced to listen in on our chat! Thanks DEE!  You can find Deavara and book her clinician services here: www.coachdeavara.com @coachdeavara  Instagram Coach Dee on Facebook 

Episode #13 Coach Dee: "Know Who You Are As A COACH"

In Episode #11 I talk with Marla Ranieri,   DPT, OCS at Drayer Physical Therapy and specialist in gymnastics injury preventionAll gymnasts  have different strengths, weaknesses and morphologies. They all have different pathways to healing as well. Getting a gymnast safely back to the gym after injury calls for specific progressions. So having a physical therapist that understands the healing process holistically is crucial.  Marla  Ranieri , Dr of Physical Therapy specializes in JUST  this. Marla was an elite gymnast, and received a  full scholarship to Stanford University. She   wrote the chapter  “THE RETURN TO PLAY”  in the book “Gymnastics Medicine”  Marla has a real gift for diagnosing  athletes based on their injury, their experiences and their morphology.  IN this podcast we  discuss common injuries and how she screens athletes . Her mission  is the prevention of  major injuries. What is amazing about Marla is her ability to relate to the coach, athlete and parent and create protocols to recovery. Understanding our sport is so crucial to proper healing.  I found it fascinating that changing conditioning and pushing kids toward specific skills to work with their weaknesses and strengths is one of her areas of expertise. We discuss neuromuscular control and the myth that a six pack means a strong core!  We discuss proper breathing and other technique which add in  activating  the deep core muscles  without involving  back and hip flexors  amongst many other topics…Marla is the solution to preventing injuries before they occur.  She herself experienced 8 surgeries and overcame everyone of them. She “gets’ the gymnast.  Marla is in New Jersey but she has dozens of clinics around the country that practice physical therapy specific to the gymnasts.. we need more like her in our gyms,,,,  and we discuss how she is making that happen…so let’s get it started.ALSO: NOTE: Better PT now has a search platform for PT clinics that are doing Telehealth appointments for athletes who are dealing with injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Here is the link to schedule your call:  www.betterpt.com To be a part of Marla’s Study on Bone Health for gymnasts go to: Email Address: marlaranieri1@gmail.com The Book: “Gymnastics Medicine”“Better PT”Website: www.betterpt.comLinked In: Marla Ranieri 

Episode 12: Marla Ranieri, Dr. of Physical Therapy- Injury Prevention and Progression For Gymnasts

Faith Mason, owner of Koreleo leotards,  is truly an innovator. After dealing with back pain and watching her teenage, gymnast daughter also struggle with back pain, she decided to take matters into her own hands a create the only medical grade, compression leotard on the market. Koreleo works to  battle the stress, inflammation and soreness that comes with gymnastics training.Faith is a former athletes,  expert tennis coach and also  mom of a collegiate gymnast. Faith looks at leotards as training aides. In our interview we  discuss  how over time, the athletic gear, training aides of other sports have changed, so why wouldn’t a leotard?Faith has great  perspective of both a coaching and also being a  gymnastics mamma. She is known as “Coach Mason” to her tennis students and is still working hard teaching them the skills of that sport. As a coach and a mom, she understands clearly both sides of athletics.  Her main mission is to help athletes be the best version fo themselves…. and through Koreloe she is able to help athletes recover, support and help with the muscular pain that is associated with training. Koreleo is an amazing product, so much that I myself am putting my own athletes in these fantastic leos, and it has made all the difference in the world….I’m so excited for you to listen to this interview as we cover many topics relevant to gymnastics, the stresses related to it and how a balanced perspective of sport can also aide us in our journeys! You can find out about Faith’s leotards here:Instagram: @compressionleotard (Koreleo Compression Leotard)Website: www.koreleofit.comEmail: info@koreleofit.comFacebook: Koreleo: Compression Leotard 

Episode #11 Faith Mason: Gym mom and creator of Koreleo: Why training with compression is a game changer!

Stacey Umeh is a world class Artistic Prep Specialist who lives in Perth, Australia and is originally from Canada. She is a world class choreographer, coach, and traveling clinician who specializes in teaching artistry to athletes from ALL OVER THE WORLD! This  podcast was HUGELY enlightening for me. Although I took 10 years of classical dance training, I never really quite put the relevance and connection  of dance to larger more athletic skills in gymnastics. If you are a coach of gymnastics I highly encourage you to listen to this thought provoking and amazingly energetic and talented woman. Highlights: We discuss the evolution of our sport and it&apos;s roots in dance.  Stacey gives some great tips on techniques and how to reach our younger populations of gymnasts who may not be "sold" on classical ballet dance. It&apos;s never too late to start an artistry program, Stacey firmly believes that and taught me that even more so! I am sold, and you will be tooStacey Travels the world as a clinician and has several amazing programs she has developed including:The Creative Movement Group and  Parallel Universe:Facebook: The Parallel Universehttps://paralleluniverse.com.au/Instagram: @staceyumehFacebook: Anastasia UmehEmail Stacey at: stacey@the-cmg.com A Podcast: http://pod.co/parallel-universe

Episode #10 Stacey Umeh: The "Secret" of Gymnastics: Artistry

Sharon Frank is a Gymnastics Outreach Athletic Trainer, B.S. and M.S. in Athletic Training, BOC Certified since 2012. She specializes in the sport of gymnastics and is based out of Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sharon and I spend the majority of the episode discussing what she sees in the world of gymnastics injuries and  the healing, treating, and prevention of some of the more common injuries. We discuss the importance of nutrition, icing, and rehab as well as why gymnastics can be the “perfect” storm environment to create injuries especially during critical growing years. A MUST episode specifically for gymnastics coaches as well as parents! Some other hi lights from Sharon:Local Medical Director for 2018 Women's JO National Championships held in Cincinnati, OHMember of volunteer medical staff for 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, MOSpeaker at 2019 USA Gymnastics National Congress and other national and regional athletic training conferencesYou can email Sharon at: sharon.frank@cchmc.orgFind out more about Kids and Sports:cincinnatichildrens.com search sports medicineOR: Sportsmed4kids on Twitter Sharon Recommends the Book: Gymnastics Medicine By,  Emily Sweeney

Episode#9 Sharon Frank, Certified Athletic Trainer: "THE PERFECT STORM" Common Gymnastics Injuries, why they happen and can we prevent them?

“ALL SET YOU BET, When in Doubt Fire Out!:“If they know you have their back, they will play 100 percent harder for you”“We are always trying to get better”NFL Football coach Jim McNally has been coaching for over 50 years. He started in the collegiate ranks then worked himself up to the NFL within a short amount of time. He is widely regarded as one of the top technical offensive line coaches in the NFL, critics dubbing him the “GURU” of offensive line play.  He is  well known for coaching the 1988 Bengals who had a heralded offensive line led by hall of fame Anthony Munoz.Learn about coaching with passion, his ideas on developing relationships with parents and what it’s like to be a coach in the NFL. The stress of coaching, the joy of the process, as well as embracing the daily grind and learning from your athletes to be an amazing coach.Quick disclaimer:  if you are  a gymnastics coach you may not agree with all he has to say about coaching our sport, the amount of time we practice or how we foster our relationship with the parents. Have an open mind.  Each sport has their own intricacies, but I believe his words challenge the status quo and belief systems of how extreme our sport  may be. I took away that you can be passionate and intense without overdoing it. That quality rides over quantity, and what I learned most, and to quote my dad: You have to perform like its your only chance to make your point” If you are a parent I think you will find his perspective refreshing and multi-faceted as he has been on both sides of the ball as a coach and a gymnastics parent. We can all learn from the perspective of a successful coach even it it is from a different sport. We are Marshall:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758794/Jim McNally Email mousemanally@yahoo.com Jim McNally Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimMcNallyOline/

Episode #8 GRIT, Passion, No filter. NFL Guru Offensive Line Coach Jim McNally: "ENJOY THE DAILY GRIND"

Liane MocciaGymnastics Mom and Herbalist Liane Moccia: Fighting stress, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, building immunity and balancing hormones with herbs. Did you know there are herbs that help with stress, depression, anxiety, sleep Issues, boosting immunity, fertility, ADD, ADHD, autism, puberty,  painful menstruation, peri menopause, menopause, food cravings, allergies and blood sugar issues???I knew that this was possible however I wasn’t fully educated or sold  ( I was a little skeptical)  on all of the herbs out there and how they could help my athletes and quite frankly, myself. As   a mom with a stressful life I was curious to learn more about the preventive nature of herbs and how they could help gymnasts and their families and  how they could provide balance for our stressful lives.Liane goes into great detail on what herbs help with nerves, menstruation, depression, puberty, all issues gymnasts and their families may directly deal with.My big take aways were that herbs are not only about prevention but also about balancing our stress  and immune systems. I encourage you to listen to the whole podcast, so many great hi lights and information. I hope you learn as much as I did and reach out to Liane! To find out more or contact Liane: www.lianesherbalwellness.com Email: liane@lianesherbalwellness.comLiane Moccia InstagramShe recommends Mountain Rose For your herbal needs:www.mountainroseherbs.com 

Episode #7 Herbalist Liane Moccia: Fighting stress, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, building immunity and balancing hormones with herbs with a gymnastics mom and herbalist

Tumble Along With Betsy! Betsy McNally Laouar is a personal fitness trainer, nutritionist, professional body builder, gymnastics coach and best selling author of two books, Binges and Balance Beams and Gymnachef. She works exclusively with gymnasts, coaches, and families within the gymnastics community to teach about balance in nutrition and fitness through her world renown traveling Betsy Bootcamps. For so long, the gymnastics world has been centered on extreme nutrition and fitness practices. Betsy uses her experiences to connect lessons from both her life and other coaches, athletes, parents, experts and specialists to change the culture of the gymnastics community. Through education we can help to develop better understanding of what our athletes need. Betsy is also the mother of a nonverbal autistic child and will cover topics of mental wellness, positive body image and how the gymnastics community can come together. She's just trying to "figure it all out" and wants you to tumble along with her!

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Tumbling Along With Betsy

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