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Gymnastics/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding all levels of the sport of women's gymnastics, the business of gymnastics, and the marketing of gymnastics programs.
Experience in the area
I am the author of "Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents and Athletes" currently being published by McGraw-Hill. I am also a ghostwriter and co-author of the Gymcert series of books "Levels 1-3 Gymnastics Coaches Certifications Manuals" for recreational gymnasts, and the "Levels 4 - 6 Skills and Drills" books as well as Safety Basics for Gymnastics Instructors. I have written several other books on the sport of gymnastics for Richardson Publishing, the latest of which is titled, "Back Handsprings: The Secret Techniques." Oh, and by the way, I was a competitive gymnast through high school and college (Temple University), gymnastics club owner for 10 years, and women's gymnastics coach for 30 years working with gymnasts at all competitive levels
Organizations
USA Gymnastics National Writer's union Florida Writer's Association
Publications
USA Gymnastics magazine Technique magazine International Gymnast magazine several newspaper articles
Education/Credentials
Temple University - Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Norwich University - Bachelors of Arts in Writing & Literature
Awards and Honors
Several state and national level gymnastics champions in different systems of competition.
Past/Present Clients
Gymnasts, coaches, and club owners nation-wide.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline | 10/17/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks so much! |
| Miranda | 10/07/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Hi Rik...thanks for your feedback. I'm ..... |
| Laura | 09/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Big THANKS to Rik for his guidance ..... |
| Greta | 09/05/09 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | Thank you very much for your help! ..... |
| Miranda | 09/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Rik...sorry for the late reply ..... |
Recent Answers from Rik Feeney
2009-11-06 Restarting gymnastics:
Hi Ivanna, It is not too late to start again. I know people in their sixties that still do gymnastics. Start with a medical check up, then find a coach to design you a conditioning program you
2009-11-02 motivation:
Hi Jeannie, I understand your concern, but I also know that you cannot make ("motivate") someone to do what YOU want them to do. Your statement, "She LOVES doing it, just on her terms." says it all
2009-11-02 Where to purchase a door mounted bar:
Hi Mia, I believe the "door" bar pictured in the YouTube video is one you can get at most sporting goods or athletic supply stores. I am not aware of a bar like that being sold by gymnastics manufacturers
2009-10-20 Is 1 hour a week enough time to effectively teach tumbling to a 7 year old?:
Hi Stephanie, I actually wrote the book on back handspring techniques and i can tell you without a doubt that one-hour a week is not enough and she should be closely supervised by a qualified gymnastics
2009-10-18 18???:
Penny, I know people who started gymnastics in their sixties, so no, 18 will not be too old. A year before you decide to start, get a check up with your doctor, then work with a coach or physical fitness
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