Summer can feel like a slow season for gymnastics gyms, but it’s actually one of the best times to boost athlete development. With fewer distractions from school and competition, gymnasts can sharpen skills, build strength, and stay motivated… all while having fun. If you’re looking to energize your program, here are five summer training ideas to keep gymnasts engaged and progressing.
1. Skill-Specific Clinics
Summer is perfect for intensive skill work. Hosting focused clinics — like tumbling technique, bar transitions, or beam routines — allows athletes to concentrate on key areas without the usual time pressures.
Clinic Ideas:
- Handstand Mastery Clinic
- Bars Release Skills Camp
- Perfect Your Back Handspring Week
Mancino Essentials:
- Incline Mats for tumbling progressions
- Parallettes for safe strength development
- Crash Mats for confident skill-building
Offering short, skill-focused camps also gives families flexibility during the busy summer months.
2. Strength and Conditioning Camps
Gymnastics success is built on strength, endurance, and flexibility. Summer is the ideal time to host a strength and conditioning camp to build a solid athletic foundation for the season ahead.
Popular Conditioning Drills:
- Core circuits with Wedges
- Plyometric jumps using Spotting Blocks
- Balance training with Balance Trainers
Conditioning camps not only improve performance but also help reduce injury risks — setting athletes up for long-term success.
3. Themed Training Weeks
Keep gymnasts motivated with creative themed training weeks like:
- Olympic Trials Week (Athlete mock meets)
- Superhero Strength Week (Dress-up and strength challenges)
- Flip Fest (New skill focus and games)
Incorporate mini-challenges and prizes to drive engagement and build team camaraderie. Themed weeks make training fun, fresh, and highly memorable.
4. Master the Fundamentals
Summer is the ideal time to refine the basics. Strong fundamentals (like handstands, bridges, and leaps) form the foundation for higher-level skills.
Summer Fundamental Focus:
- Handstand holds and shapes on Folding Mats
- Perfecting balance and turns on Low Beams
- Form drills using Training Shapes
Correcting minor technique flaws now leads to big improvements once competition season resumes.
5. Cross-Training for a Competitive Edge
Introduce cross-training activities to round out your athletes’ skillsets:
- Yoga for flexibility and mental focus
- Dance classes to improve rhythm and artistry
- Swimming for endurance and joint recovery
Cross-training helps prevent burnout, enhances overall athleticism, and gives athletes a mental refresh: all crucial for a strong return to the gym.
Why Summer Training Is Critical for Gymnastics Progress
Consistent summer training keeps athletes in peak form and prevents skill regression. It also provides a valuable opportunity to work on strength, flexibility, and technique without the pressure of meet season. Gyms that invest in summer programming often see better athlete retention and higher performance outcomes in the fall.
With the right mix of programming (and the right equipment) you can transform your gym into a hub of progress and positivity all summer long.
Elevate Your Summer Program with Mancino
For over 50 years, Mancino Manufacturing has supported gyms with top-tier training mats, skill-builders, and safety padding. Equip your gym with the best — and help your athletes train smarter and safer this summer.
Explore Mancino’s full line of gymnastics training equipment!
