The Back-to-Gymnastics Checklist: What Every Gymnast Parent Should Prepare in September

1. Training Gear & Leotards

• Make sure all leotards fit comfortably, try them all on after summer, as it is common to experience growth spurts in those 2 months. It is important for your daughter to be able to move freely at all times and feel confident. Having a little extra room for the growth happening during the year can also be beneficial.
• Check for wear and tear—elastic and fabric should feel supportive. 
• Have at least 2–3 training leotards plus at least one for competitions. You might be required by your club to buy the teams leotard at the beginning of the season.
• Don’t forget essentials: grips, wristbands, and proper training shoes if required.
  
• It's also nice to buy some extra clothing such as supportive sports bras, shorts, a pair of warm leggings, a nice jacket, some pair of comfy socks for stretching sessions and a tshirt.
• In her gymnastics toiletry bag you can also make sure that you still have: hair ties, pins, bows/scrunchies, hair spray, hair brush, leotard glue, a little mirror, chapstick, and her hands recovery toolkit for when she rips. 

2. Healthy Snacks & Hydration

• Pack light, nutritious snacks for before/after practice (fruit, granola bars, nuts).
• Keep a refillable water bottle labeled with your gymnast’s name, make sure to buy water that is packed with electrolytes to help her recover best.
• Avoid heavy foods before training—energy should come from balanced fuel.

3. School–Gym Balance

• Creating a weekly calendar that shows both schoolwork and training. 
• Building in enough rest time between activities
• Talking about homework routines—so late-night stress doesn’t add pressure. 

4. Mental Preparation Tools

• Encourage reflection with a training journal such as our Positive Gymnastics Journal (Mobile App in development! So stay tuned!)
• Use our Gymnastics Meditations & Affirmations platform before competitions to manage nerves but also in all other steps of her journey as a gymnast (training, reflection, injury, rest...)
• Remind your gymnast that mistakes are part of growth, and keep this message throughout the year. You should make sure she knows you are proud whatever her results are.

5. Parent Support Systems

• Connect with other parents at the gym for support and carpooling. This can help you reduce your mental charge. 
• Keep open communication with coaches about expectations and feedbacks. It's important to act as a team for your daughter.
• Most importantly: be your gymnast’s safe space—focus on effort, not just results. Remind her about the importance of the journey. 

6. Health & Wellness Check

• Book a sports medical checkup even if not required by the club. This will make both you and your daughter feel safe for this new start.
• Ensure your gymnast is getting enough sleep (8–10 hours for young athletes). Recovery after training will be determining for her performance and health.
• Watch for signs of overtraining or stress early in the season. Make sure to keep the communication open and know what to do when overtraining signs come up.