I am a gymnastics and cheerleading coach at a gym that I own and operate.
I’ve worked with kids from age three to eighteen for over ten years.
My job is very hands-on. I not only instruct but assist the kids as they learn and accomplish more complicated skills. I often need to provide guidance, support and confidence. I strive to prevent injury. I catch their body weight when necessary. I work to encourage their body into the proper position. I am a fairly small person and most of the kids are bigger than I am. However, I have learned the right way to handle the completion of the tumbling tricks to be successful without hurting myself. I am also conscientious about working out. I exercise every day, focusing heavily on strength, balance and range of motion. I make sure that I’m prepared for the demands of the job. Unfortunately, injuries still happen. Because I am extremely dedicated to keeping the kids safe, I’m usually the one who sustains the injuries. I’ve gotten kicked and hit in the face. I’ve had bloody noses, split lips and black eyes. Most of the injuries are minor and they don’t happen often. The worst injury was a strained psoas muscle from spotting a back handspring. The girl veered away from me, forcing me to lunge to catch her. The psoas muscle extends from the but, down the back of the leg and wraps around to the knee. The pain was excruciating. It hurt me to sit or lie down. I could only find relief by standing. I iced the muscle, took pain pills and was unable to work for several weeks. It took me nearly a year to get back to feeling totally healed.