The Blog
Xcel to JO: How to Smoothly Transition into USAG Development Program
When you're ready to go from USA Gymnastics’ Xcel program into the Development Program (formerly “JO Levels 1–10”), this guide walks…
What Is Xcel Sapphire Gymnastics? Rules, Skills, and Scoring Explained
The Xcel program was designed as USA Gymnastics' "choose-your-own-adventure" track—a flexible option for athletes who love the sport but don’t…
How Gymnasts Qualify: A Guide to USA Women’s Gymnastics Qualifications
Gymnastics in the United States follows a clearly defined structure that helps young athletes grow from beginners into national competitors,…
Strength Training for Gymnasts: Where Strength Meets Skill
Gymnastics is a sport where extraordinary strength meets skill. As modern gymnastics has evolved, skills have become faster, higher, and…
The Floor Exercise in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics: 2025–2028 Update
The 2025–2028 FIG Code of Points ushers in refined scoring guidelines and subtle yet impactful rule updates, particularly for the…
FIG Code of Points 2025-2028: Men’s Floor Exercise Updates
The 2025-2028 FIG Code of Points introduces several key changes to the men’s floor exercise, refining scoring, difficulty requirements, and…
Male Gymnasts’ Physiques: How Do They Build Huge Muscles?
When you think of incredibly muscular athletes, bodybuilders or powerlifters may come to mind. But gymnasts? They spend most of…
Male Gymnast Flexibility Routine: How Top Athletes Build Power and Mobility
Stretching is a non-negotiable for elite athletes, and for Olympic gymnast Jake Dalton, it was the foundation of every training…
Close-Grip vs. Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns: Which One is Better?
When it comes to building a well-developed back, lat pulldown variations play a crucial role in targeting different parts of…
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown: A Must-Have for a Stronger Back
The close-grip lat pulldown is a go-to cable exercise for building a well-defined, V-shaped back. Unlike the wide-grip version, this…