The LASG Girls Competitive Gymnastics Team led by Head Coach from Bulgaria Mr. Boyko Boev and former national beam and floor coach from Armenia Mrs. Hamest Ohanyan recieved top honors and qualified the entire team to State Championships and to the Sectional Championship! Congratulations to your very successful season and a job well done!

Pictured back row (l to right): Alexandra Harrison, Nedine Ahmed, Stephanie Kazaryan, Nicole Streich, London Bennett

Bottom row: (L to R): Madison Kim, Lauren Bowden, Madison Pierce

Coaches Hamest Ohanyan and Boyko Boev.

"If Gymnastics was easy it would be called Football."

Gymnastics is a sport of dedication, athleticism and determination. It is a sport that offers a lot of benefits for your child. It helps meet the daily requirements set forth by the American Heart Association which states that a child should have 60 minutes a day of physical activity. It also supports building self esteem in children and teaches them to work in a team environment.  Besides the long hours and physical dedication needed for gymnastics, it's important also that an athlete's diet support their activity. A balanced, healthy diet that provides all the essential nutrients will help develop and maintain lean muscles as well as give them confidence for an athletic performance that is required of them as a gymnast.

Carbohydrates to keep up the demanding cost of energy is very important. Gymnasts expend an immense amount of energy and lack of carbohydrates can cause them to crash. For main meals, your gymnast should consume complex carbohydrate foods such as whole wheat bread and pasta, high-fiber breakfast cereals, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, snacking on nutritious, energy-rich foods such as a banana, yogurt with granola and fruit, low-fat cheese and crackers or a peanut butter and honey sandwich before and after practice will enhance their performance and replenish muscle stores.

Gymnasts need protein for building new muscles, to repair muscles, and for hormone and enzyme replacement. It would be ideal to include lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils or tofu in every meal to meet protein requirements. Although 20 to 25 percent of total calorie intake should come from protein, avoid fried, breaded burgers and fatty cuts of meats, which increase calorie intake.

Healthy fats are essential for building body cells and nerves, insulating and protecting organs and aiding the absorption of vitamins. A gymnast-especially a growing one-needs about 20 to 25 percent of their total calorie intake from fatmost of which should be from healthy unsaturated fats such as those in fatty fish, olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds.Saturated fats found in whole milk, butter and fatty meats should not contribute more than 10 percent of the daily calorie intake, and trans fats from fried food and processed snacks should be avoided as they may increase blood cholesterol levels.

A gymnast needs calcium and vitamin D to encourage strong bones. This not only helps build a strong frame to avoid breaks, but helps them avoid osteoporosis later in life. Low-fat milk and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and should be part of your gymnast’s daily diet.

Iron is a mineral essential for transportation of oxygen throughout the body. It's important that your gymnast receive enough iron to support their activities. A diet rich in lean meat, eggs, leafy vegetables and fortified whole grains will provide adequate amounts of iron to meet the needs of your growing gymnast. Also, eating from the myriad of food groups will ensure that your gymnast receives other minerals essential to growth and health.

Staying hydrated is very important. Staying hydrated increases coordination, reaction time, and focus. Encourage your gymnast to drink 10 to 12 cups of water every day. Pure water, pure fruit juices and sports drinks are acceptable ways of hydrating your gymnast, but avoid coffee, tea, soda and sugary fruit punches.

Sources:

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrition-teen-female-gymnasts-3115.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/414383-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-gymnastics/

Can you do a handstand? If so, can you do a Gymnastics Progressive Handstand?
Now, you might be saying...maybe? Despite what appears to be so effortlessly performed by many Gymnasts you see on t.v., in sport and especially during the Olympics, this -

hand·stand  

Attention Text Messaging- Obsessed Youth:

Los Angeles School of Gymnastics Presents Healthy and Active Alternative for Children During Idle Summer Months

LA parents have an opportunity to get their children away from the computer and to stop incessantly thumbing out texts and start tumbling, twirling and flying through the air

Culver City, CA - The Los Angeles School of Gymnastics (http://lagymnastics.com/) will open its doors on Sunday, May 19^th from 1–3pm for the school’s annual Summer Camp Open House. The free event will allow visitors to tour the facility, meet the instructors, sample camp activities, win freebies and even meet and greet members of the USA National Team who will perform onsite.

The 2013 summer camp program, which will run from June 15 – Aug 30^th, is the perfect answer for children’s need for structured activities during those long summer months.

“LA kids have so many gadgets to play with, but this camp will get them away from the videogames, computer, phones and right into physical activity,” explains Tanya Berenson, the school director.

At the largest gymnastics facility in California, campers can use three 3,000-foot spring tumbling floors, full-size trampolines, multiple beam bar stations, spotting belts and the foam filled pit to guarantee their endless energy can be directed somewhere else other than the computer screen. Besides gymnastics, some of the camp activities include hip-hop with world-renowned dance instructors from UCLA, yoga, swimming and rock-climbing.

“The techniques the LASG staff employs are based on the principles of positive and progressive training,” continues Berenson. “Whether your child is interested in gymnastics for fun, recreation or has high ambitions in the sport, we provide an educational, healthy, safe and professional environment for the kids.”

About Los Angeles School of Gymnastics   
Named by Los Angeles Magazine as the “best gymnastics center in LA,” the LASG is a nonprofit Olympic-quality gymnastics training center. It is considered among the top facilities in the country, which has been training Los Angeles youth since 1975. Led by Alla Svirsky, LASG has provided thousands of young athletes with quality gymnastics instruction and has produced several Olympians and internationally-ranked athletes.

Media Contact Info: For camp information visit www.lagymnastics.com. For media requests, please contact Tanya@lagymnastics.com 

It's true, McKayla Maroney will be visiting Los Angeles School of Gymnastics (LASG) Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 and "She's Not Impressed".

The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist also known as the "Fierce Five" received her viral recognition during her Medal Award ceremony for winning a Silver Medal after a fall during her Vault.

"I didn't deserve to to win gold if I landed on my butt," Maroney told reporters after the competition, via USA Today. "I'm not disappointed about the silver, I'm disappointed about my performance."

The expression of "Not Impressed" soon spread like a wild fire hitting Tweets from Twitter, Facebook status, Instagram and every Social Media outlet available world wide.

Now, McKayla will be stopping by for a brief visit at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, located in Culver City of Los Angeles, 8450 Higuera St. 

Los Angeles School of Gymnastics has been open since 1975, first to teach Rhythmic Gymnastics in the Nation by legendary Olympic Coach Alla Svirsky. Since then, LASG has grown to a beloved and successful Gymnastic School offering classes for boys and girls from 18months to Adults.

Lately LASG has been growing its Community outreach with CARE an intervention scholarship program to provide troubled youths from 12-18yrs a "healthy and positive" alternative in life with Gymnastics. 

"Gymnastics is a core to all sports, it teaches flexibility, strength, balance and techniques. A lot of reasons why injuries occur during sport when not practiced properly", says Alla Svirsky.
"LASG helps all children and adults reach their fullest potientials and gymnastics goal".

May 19th, 2013 from 1pm-3pm LASG will have an Open House to the Public! Refreshments, music, give-aways, face paintings and tours will be offered to all who are interested or attending LASG with a discount to enrollment to eligable classes.

For more info goto

http://www.lagymnastics.com

310.204.1980 

We have Spring Camp right around the corner and you don't want to miss this year's exciting event!

We have fun filled gymnastic days scheduled for your child from March 25th to April 5th at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics.

Your child will have an opportunity to make new friends and have an exciting active Gymnastic fun Spring Break! More here

Call our office to RSVP your Child's spot for their Spring Camp before they are all full! 310.204.1980

Hi Everyone!

It's been a busy week with the new Session 1 in its second week and Boys Gymnastics Team competing, New Gymnasts, Birthdays, Picture Day... Should I go on?

So here's what you might have missed and what's upcoming -

We will be sending out a "Happy Birthday" to our LASG members and families. If your Gymnast birthday is within the month, stop by the office and let us know. We have a Special Gift for the Birthday Champ! But it doesn't stop there, we know how much of a "Super Parent" you are and because of your Support YOU DESERVE A MEDAL! We appreciate you and want to say "Thank you" for all you do.

Here are a couple of our Birthday Champs

Coach Darryl's Boys Gymnastics Team is leaving for Las Vegas Blackjack Competetion at the Vegas Sports Center. 

If your heading to Vegas for support or to WIN BIG, we wish you and our LASG Gymnast luck and remember no matter what, You Are All Champions at LASG!

 **REMINDER- Don't miss out, our EARLY PAYMENT for Session 2 is NOW.Call us today or stopping by the office for your EARLY payment and SAVE**

It's Picture Day Again! March 5 (Team), 6, 9th
Sign up on Second Floor 

 Have a picture of You and Your Pet? We have a New Album that needs to be filled! :)
LASG is sharing pictures of themselves with their Pet and want to include you! Post it on ourFacebook wall or send it to Desiree@LAGymnastics.com

(lasg, los angeles school of gymnastics, culver city)

We have our FIRST WINNER of the Year for our Riddle Me? on our Facebook Page. Maria Nevado won a FREE Starbucks Gift Card for answering correctly the riddle, "What goes up and never comes down?" A: Age

Be on the look out on our Social Media for Games, Pictures and Contests from LASG! We are currently having Coach Appreciation and will be posting a Valentines Contest next. 

Thanks for all who participated and shared! Lots a great things going on at LASG and we want you to Know What's Jumping!

Have you seen? Our LASG Boys Team have been on FIRE! Thanks to the amazing Coaching with Coach Manvel and Coach Darryl with the solid support of family and friends, these Boys are taking charge.

These youths have spent many hours practicing and perserving to take it to the next level. Staying focused, disciplined and keeping a good grades in school, our athletes are a force to be reckoned with!

The Boys Team with Coach Darryl have BlackJack Competition in shiny Las Vegas. Feb 8-10 these gymnasts will be competiting among Level 5-10 at the Las Vegas Sports Center, 121 E. Sunset Road. Hosted by DustyRitter, they will be competitors across the Nation.

Be sure to catch these future Olympians in action at Competition or at School. Their hard work and efforts are truly remarkable.

*New Members only

Here's a coupon to get your started. New Members recieve $10 off and active member recieve a FREE GYM bag! Just click and Show the office at LASG. See Desiree

We just completed our 2013 LA Lights Tournament which was an amazing success! So many gymnasts from around the World and Nationally came to compete from all levels.

We had the highest attendence of Competitors in our history. Thank you to all our Local and International support! We had banquet with music, delicious food and entertainment. There was a Meet & Greet with our Coaches and Gymnasts and so much more.

We are collecting all our pictures and will be posting the experience for you to share and enjoy.

Also what's going on is we started our Session I today. Did you sign up? If not, don't miss out on the fun and Olympic designed classes we have here at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics.

Start the year with a SPRING and sign up to go to our SPRING CAMP starting March 25th - April 5th. We provide exciting classes, lunch and techniques that focus a develop for "pose and self-confidence". LA Times

2013 Spring Camp Brochure can be downloaded here.

SPRING CAMP - 

We have classes for Boys & Girls ages 4-14yrs

Monday thru Friday from 9am-3pm*

(*with early/late care available)

KIDIE CAMP -

We have classes for Boys & Girls ages 2-4yrs

Monday thru Friday from 9am - 12pm

Call us today to get your child registered! 

Please note: Camp is Non-refundable, Non-transfer

SUMMER CAMP-

Every year our Summer Camp fills its classes quicker and quicker. So don't miss out.

June 10th - August 30th

SAVE MONEY when you register for Camp during our OPEN HOUSE on May 19 from 1pm-3pm

Download our brochure here. 

Rythmic Camp-

Experience a Camp that will last a lifetime. Our Rhythmic Camp Starts June 18-Aug 22, 2013.

Work with our Coach Diana Tuesday- Thursday from 9am-12pm

Take a flyer to share or post on the fridge for a reminder. 

* JOIN our VIP for Savings and FREE Gifts -

Tip for the Day:

STRETCH -

Stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and flex. Stretching after you exercise promotes equal balance. Stretching also increases flexibility, improves range of motion of your joints and boosts circulation. Stretching can even promote better posture and relieve stress.

As a general rule, stretch whenever you exercise. If you don't exercise regularly, you might want to stretch at least three times a week to maintain flexibility. When you're stretching, keep it gentle. Breathe freely as you hold each stretch. Try not to hold your breath. Don't bounce or hold a painful stretch. Expect to feel tension while you're stretching. If you feel pain, you've gone too far.

(lasg, lagymnastics, camp, gym, culver city, los angeles, family, fun, youth, soccer, trampoline, tumbling)

It's a New Year and time to make good of the Resolutions you created in December.

Los Angeles School of Gymnastics encourage and promote a Healthy Lifestyle with Youths and Adults. 

"Gymnastics is the bases of all sports" teaching flexibility, discipline, strength and much more allowing more time playing and less injuries. With a Healthy Body, follows a Healthy Mind. Focus, determination and perserverance creates a "Gom" means "to become familiar with ones self" and has the strong implication of training the mind. 

A healthier lifestyle can promote a life full of quality and longevity.

With a proper diet, consistent sleep, stress relief and excerise, you create a fuller life. Here are 10 Easy Ways To A Healthy New Year.

1. EXERCISE YOUR HEART

1. Performing cardiovascular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and over time lowers your resting heart rate. Forms of cardiovascular workouts include running, swimming, biking or using machines such as an elliptical or an indoor rower. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests performing a moderate intensity cardio workout 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or a vigorous cardio session for 20 minutes daily, three days a week.

2. BUILD STRENGTH

Resistance training is another healthy lifestyle method that will potentially increase metabolism. Since muscle tissue requires calories to survive, the adaptation of new muscle creates a demand for greater calorie burn. The ACSM also recommends sticking to a twice-weekly resistance program consisting of eight to 10 exercises, keeping repetitions around eight to 12.

3. PLAY SPORTS

A way to get moving again can come from enjoying your favorite sport. Games or leagues in your area provide a way to receive adequate exercise. Gymnastics is an excellent foundation for all sports.

4. INVOLVE THE FAMILY

Involving the whole family is another method to create group support and quality time with loved ones. Create games that include the entire family for a workout filled with fun.

5. CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT

Reducing calories in your diet creates a way to increase overall health and lower body weight. Understand your daily caloric needs by using the basal metabolic rate formula. Basal metabolic rate refers to the amount of calories burned at resting levels. An average BMR for women is typically around 2,000 to 2,100 calories a day, and for men, 2,700 to 2,900 calories daily.

6. AVOID PROCESSED FOODS

Avoiding processed foods can increase overall health and prevent unwanted weight gain and illness. Processed foods have been blamed for behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, weight gain and certain cancers, reports the Puristat Digestive Wellness Center.

7. CONTROL CRAVINGS

Eliminating nighttime eating will also assist in weight reduction and health improvement. Keep yourself occupied and be aware of times when cravings are highest.

8. SLEEP

Getting adequate sleep is crucial for weight reduction and health. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, "Sleep deprivation triggers the release of unwanted hormones such as cortisol, which alters glucose metabolism resulting in fat storage." Sleeping at least eight hours a night will help promote regular glucose metabolism and limit weight gain.

9. REDUCE STRESS

Controlling stress is another method of creating a healthy lifestyle. Like sleep deprivation, high levels of stress activate hormone release, including cortisol, which modifies glucose metabolism. Unwanted food cravings typically occur during high levels of stress. Control your daily stress by first identifying certain causes and create steps to reduce stress levels. One method could be performing deep-breathing techniques for five to 10 minutes when stress levels are heightened. Yoga can be an outlet for levels of stress and relaxation from your stress-filled life.

10. TAKE GRADUAL STEPS

Make gradual and progressive strides toward improving your health. An overall lifestyle change takes time to create. Set small, time-oriented goals and track your success to achieve the big picture that is total wellness.

(Reference Livestrong.com)

I know "Discipline" is key to a Healthy lifestyle and as much as that juicy burger on T.V. calls to you late at night, take a deep breathe, wait 10 mins and reach for that healthy snack.

Your body and mind will thank you in the morning. :) Share with us here at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, some of your 10 Ways to a Healthy Year or some of your favorite snacks to quench that craving.