How Long Do Gymnastics Meets Last [What Should You Prepare]
Gymnastics meets are one of the most important events in the life of a gymnast. Nothing can beat the feeling that a quickly approaching gymnast meets. If you are yet to have your first gymnastics meet, being a gymnast myself, I understand your concern and curiosity towards knowing all the details that you can.
I can vividly recall the time when I was to have my first gymnastics week and no matter how many questions I punched in on the web, I could never find a satisfying answer.
Therefore, I am going to try and put in my utmost effort, (based on my experience), to provide you with all that you need to know about gymnastics meets. On that note, let’s get right into it!
Contents
What are gymnastics meets?
To put it straightforwardly, a gymnastics meet is a competition in which gymnasts of different levels compete to progress forward. If you are competing in a gymnastics meet after completing, per se, level 4, your scoring in the meet will determine whether you are experienced enough to advance a level above.
To put the concept into illustration, it is an essential criterion for gymnasts to have taken part in at least one gymnastics meet before to finally compete in level 6 (according to the Junior Olympics levels of gymnastics). Scoring of the gymnasts is done based on his/her expertise in performing a certain skill set/routine and how gracefully he/she can carry it out.
Having put all of this out there, let me be the first one to say that it is okay if you have a love-hate relationship towards gymnastic meets.
That is what it is like for most gymnasts. You are bound to feel anxious and nervous the week before your meet and find yourself fidgeting on your bed all night long for sleep the night before.
I know it might seem like a hurdle or an obstacle you can’t overcome, but I promise that you are going to look back at this very moment down the memory lane years from now and find it memorable.
Therefore, all you have to do is believe in yourself and follow the childish gymnast inside you who is simply excited to perform in front of the judges.
How Long Do Gymnastics Meets last?
Conventionally, the duration of a gymnastics meet depends on the sort of meet it is. A huge role is that of the number of participants as well. If the participants are many it may take comparatively longer than usual for a meet to go on.
However, to precisely acknowledge the question of how long gymnastics meets last, it can take up 2 – 4 hours at most. Henceforth, if you are a working parent and are concerned about not missing your little gymnast’s event, you don’t need to worry.
Moreover, the meets are, more often than not, scheduled on weekends. All you need to do is keep a slot empty on the weekend for the Gymnastics Meet.
P.s. Celebrations that come after the meet and the success of your victorious gymnast are always best spontaneous!
3 Essentials Before Competing in a Gymnastics Meet (for a gymnast)
1) Practice Your Skill Set
It goes without saying that your gymnastics routine and skillset will be your most precious asset when you enter the location of the meet.
It is the one thing that is going to help you climb the ladder of success and for this reason, you need to do your best at it.
An important factor that we often forget to analyze our final performance according to is stress. The pressure you experience while performing in front of your coach and that of performing when the judge’s eyes are fixed on you are worlds apart.
Don’t panic! I have just the solution for you and that is; practice. I know…I know, you’ve heard this uncountable times before, and it’s imprinted on your mind. If that is the case, you’re on the right path.
As a gymnast, I speak from experience when I say, you should know the skills you have to perform to the point that it comes to you naturally. And this, my friend, will only be achieved through practice. I would advise you to work more keenly on your weak points instead of further strengthening the skill you already have perfected.
2) Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s easier said than done, that’s what you’re thinking right? I understand (Yes, I’m also a part-time mind reader). But let me tell you, it isn’t all that impossible if you are pre-prepared for the big day.
You might need to whisper positive and motivating affirmations to yourself every once in a while, but it hopefully won’t take too long if you can put your mind to peace. You need to be well energized and extra mobile!
However, if you are certain you will not be able to sleep early the day before, I strongly advise you to do whichever activity relaxes you except gymnastics. You have worked hard enough already and there’s nothing you are lacking no matter how many times your mind convinces you otherwise.
Pro-tip; Watch a gymnastics-related movie and you will feel your spirits shoot through the ceiling (don’t worry, this is personally tried and tested).
3) Reach the Meet Location Before the Scheduled Time
Better to be safe than sorry! You never know if you might get stuck in a traffic jam at the last minute or come face to face with a last-minute mishap.
To avoid any such situation from arising and uncalled for tension from building up, it is best to keep a safe time margin (especially if the drive to the meet location is rather long).
Despite all that is mentioned, if you arrive earlier than the time, it is still a win.
You will get more time to warm up and get settled into the situation while your parents will most likely find a spot closer to your first event.