Tuesday, 16 October 2012

A Robotics Gymnast Coach, Is It Feasible With Today's Technology?

While watching the 2012 Olympics in London on NBC I was wowed by the performance of the US and Chinese athletes in diving and gymnastics, along with the freeze frame shots of the dives, vaults, and floor exercises. It occurred to me that we could easily design a computerized robotic coach which would analyze, judge, and grade not only events, but also work as a coach in practice offering strategic advice to help the athletes better themselves, and I hate to say it, but the robotic system I am envisioning would be even better than the human eye, or a human coach. Let's talk.
You see, there was an interesting piece in the Wall Street Journal recently titled; "My Life as a Telecommuting Robot - Meet QB-82, A Skinny Robot With Bad Wi-Fi Problem, Testing the Boundaries of Remote Worker" by Rachel Emma Silverman published on August 8, 2012. Okay so, go to Google Images and search "QB-82 Robot" and then come back to this article if you will.
Now then, can you see how a robot like this could work autonomously, collecting video, analyzing the athletes in practice. All the video would be downloaded to the cloud for later review by the athlete. Once the athlete made perfect scores on various dives or gymnastics routines, let's say 10 in a row, then they'd be able to advance to the next set of tougher routines. The robotic system could play back in freeze frames, explaining to the athlete where they went wrong, based on position recognition, head angle, and how their feet, hands, and body were placed each step of the way.
Okay so, what if we had one of these robots in every single high school in the country, or every gymnast school, ballet school, diving school, and at specialty summer camps? We'd have an Olympic team which would sweep every event from figure skating to ski jumping, and from archery to pole vault. Why wouldn't we invest in this? We'd keep the computer scientists busy on worthy applied science projects, and help anyone and everyone who wanted to excel in their sport the tools they need to up the ante and take it up a few notches.
Imagine the USA winning all the gold medals even though our nation only has 325 million people to China's 1.4 billion citizens to choose from? I'd say that would make a huge statement for team USA. Let's make it happen! Indeed, I ask that you please consider all this and think on it.

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Foam Pit Construction

Foam Pits in 5 Steps
Gymnastics and Foam Pit construction
Step 1
Determine area needed to perform the intended tricks or maneuvers. Think larger for Moto-cross, BMX and Skateboarding as more speed and altitude are usually involved. Length is usually the second most important dimension to consider always erring on the side of caution. When considering the length of the pit consider how fast and far is feasible for the athlete and then extend it a little to provide a safe cushion. Depth is the most important dimension as the amount of blocks between the landing and the hard surface below is the amount of cushion or load deflection that the pit offers. Usually a safe depth for Gymnastics is 6-8 feet. This depth would likely be sufficient for most skateboarding and BMX applications as well. Moto-cross deals with higher speeds greater height and more weight so choosing a pit depth on the back end of the spectrum is wise even deeper maybe. Finally determining width and siding is important to ensure safety. Consider the possible range of error from left to right and choose a reasonable space for landing. Again speed and distance effects the possibility for error in a direction and should be taken into consideration.
Step 2
Consider the actual location. Inside? Outside? Above Ground? Below Ground? These are all questions that must be answered when locating where you plan on building your pit. Inside pits are common for gymnastics which eliminates the worry of rain or snow. Outside pits are common for snowboarding, moto-cross, and other extreme sports. These pits should probably use covers or water resistant blocks to resist the elements. Foam obviously acts very much like a sponge and after rain without a cover a pit will be very wet and if left like that it will likely grow mold there are often complaints of sickness after using a dirty foam pit. Above ground pits are possible but should still meet all the dimensional safety measures outlined above, especially depth.
Step 3
Calculate the amount of blocks needed to fill a pit. The math is a simple volume calculation, length * width * height * 0.7 * 8 = # of 6" blocks or
length * width * height * 0.7 * 8 = # of 8" blocks. These are industry standard calculations.
Step 4
Select a block density. The higher the block density the more load deflection or the safer they are for the athlete. Lower density blocks will save money but may not be as safe.
Step 5
Fill your pit, have fun and always practice safely!
Maintenance:
Periodically Pits should be fluffed as the foam will compact with repeated impact and provide less protection. Churning up the blocks prevents this from becoming an issue. Blocks should also be periodically replaced with fresh blocks both for cleanliness and safety as the foam gets beaten up.
Safety Warnings
Warning - Even with a quality pit neck and back injuries can still occur, make every effort not to land on the head or neck to reduce risk regardless of the pit.
Warning - Landing in the pit in an arched position especially in a frontward position can hyperextend and injure the back.
Warning - Landing on your knees, especially in an arched position in the pit can cause hyperextension injuries to the back.

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Are High Performance Olympic Gymnasts Less Likely to Get Sea Sick or Motion Sickness?

It is amazing the amount of talent and ability that our Olympic gymnasts have when it comes to balance. For instance, in gymnastics we have Olympians doing incredible acrobatics on a very thin balance beam. Only rarely do they fall off, or lose their poise even in the most incredible maneuvers. This is one tough apparatus to compete on, and one can only ask; how do they do it? Years and years and days upon end of practice, often six or more hours per day - the results are amazing and no one can disagree with that. Okay so, I'd like to pose another question to you along this line of thinking.
Would high-performance Olympic gymnasts be less prone to motion sickness or seasickness on a boat? You may not think the answer is relevant, but it actually is, it would mean that people who do training and work on their spatial techniques could prevent themselves from getting sea sick. If that were the case, then perhaps our fighter pilots, sailors, and folks in various other industries and careers might take some gymnasts tumbling classes. Perhaps they might practice on a trampoline, or doing somersault type dives off a high dive into the water.
Could it be that simple? As a pilot, I have noticed doing mild acrobatics (loops, aileron rolls, spins, etc) that it seems to help one's spatial orientation and after a while you don't get sick or nauseous, you don't develop vertigo very easily and your body seems to be able to adapt to this. Still, I can also say that when you are doing the maneuvers yourselves and you are controlling the process it is much different than when someone else is doing the aerobatics and you are along for the ride such as when you are on a roller coaster. If you are ready for the maneuver, prepare yourself mentally for it, and feel as if you're one with the aircraft during these maneuvers it's also much easier.
Would it be the same for Olympic gymnasts? I'd say it's time we do some studying on our top gymnasts to see if this is relevant, or if we can duplicate this in virtual-reality or augmented-reality until the humans overcome their motion sickness. Why not employee some of these Olympic gymnasts for research and development, and training to prevent motion sickness and sea sickness which impedes the performance of those doing certain tasks in certain careers? Indeed I hope you will please consider all this on a philosophical, psychological, and physiological basis.

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Gymnastic Leotards: Historic Facts

It goes without saying that every kind of sport requires specific apparel. The unique outfit is necessary for the athlete's comfort, attractiveness and hence best performance. The sportswear uniforms have been changing throughout the centuries, developing innovative tailoring as well as involving new fabrics and design. In this brief post we would like to look at interesting facts and the history of a gymnastics leotard.
This may seem funny, yet the initial gymnastic apparel was created by a man. The skin tight garment which is now used mainly by girls is named after a French acrobat Jules Léotard, who popularized the garment. Being a pioneer of the artistic gymnastics and one of the most famous acrobats of his time, Jules was looking for an impeccable outfit for his performances which should be perfect in all aspects. Eventually he tailored the first maillot (the original name of the garment) for himself in 1859. It allowed him to perform sophisticated tricks flawlessly, simultaneously exhibiting his well developed muscles to the audience. So, the contemporary gymnastic leotards for girls root back to the nineteenth century.
Although the revolutionary garment was initially created for acrobats, soon it has become very popular with other athletes. Unisex leotards were worn by dancers, gymnasts, wrestlers, cyclists etc. In a few decades the garment penetrated the casual wear market and appeared in the form of bathing suits and exercise outfits (1930's and 1950's respectively). By the late 1970's this functional apparel has become a vivid symbol of a disco and aerobics craze of the time. Newly invented spandex and nylon on a par with traditional cotton have offered a wide variety of styles and cuts of leos.
Gymnastics Uniform Today
Undoubtedly, leotards are very practical and functional as swimsuits and exercise garments, although they are the most beneficial for gymnastics. They fit perfectly and bring a feeling of a second skin, since gymnastics requires an ultimate concentration. Loose pants, rubbing seams and other distractions can lead to mistakes and thus severe injuries. The perfectly fitting gymnastics apparel will never distract an athlete, but bring a complete sense of convenience and safety. Such a kind of uniform also winningly displays the perfect muscles, especially in artistic gymnastics.
You will find a wide array of gymnastic apparel available in the sportswear market today. They can be both sleeveless or feature long/short/enlarged sleeves depending on their usage. Leos can be made of different fabrics and may have no seams at all. There also exist simple modest workout outfits and those manufactured (very often handmade) for competitive purposes. The latter usually incorporate vivid decorative elements, tinsel, fringes and other kinds of fancy embellishments. Depending on the purpose of the garment the price can vary. As a rule, high quality leos are very expensive (even those for little girls), especially the competition outfits. However, you can always make use of one of the reliable online shops offering a great range of gymnastic leos for girls of all ages for reasonable prices.

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Future Synthetic Morphing Gymnastics Materials - Balance Beams That Widen, Matts Which Rise

The other day, I was talking to a gymnast coach at Starbucks. She was very young, about 24 years old, but she looked a lot younger. She was wearing a gymnastics outfit, the kind they use for training, and I thought she was a competitor, but she said no, that she was a coach. We talked about the London 2012 Olympic Games and she said the US Olympic team was strong, smart, and totally dedicated. She said "those girls are working their butts off," and they deserved to win.
Indeed, I asked her about the Chinese team, and about their very young gymnasts. She told me that this year there was a strict age requirement, and they would have to be at least 16 years old to compete, and in the Beijing Olympics that may not have occurred, although no one knows for sure because China isn't saying. Within a couple of days of this conversation with the gymnast coach, a new gal emerged on the US Olympic team only 16 years old, winning gold medals in individual events, as well as in the team event.
Her routine was completely flawless - it was spectacular to watch and absolutely incredible agility. My acquaintance at Starbucks mentioned to me that girls when they are younger are a lot more flexible, and they are able to do things that they just won't be able to do when they get older, it is a young person's sport. It's not like running, swimming, and other events where the athletes might have a chance to go to two or three Olympics. The girls have perhaps one or two Olympics where they will be competitive, and after that it's not so likely.
This means the girls have to start training very young, but in that case perhaps we need better gymnastics equipment. In the future we may need synthetic morphing gymnastics materials which allow the balance beam bar to widen as it senses that the gymnast is performing a maneuver where they are slightly off-balance. Perhaps the mats might also, upward to meet the gymnast if they have a bad take off, assuming that they might fall. If they don't and land back on the beam, that is fine, but the mat is still there just in case.
Why is this needed? Well if the girls are going to start at very young ages, then the parents are going to want to make sure that they are safe, and we will need equipment to ensure that no bones are broken, egos shattered, or fear setting in before they are confident with themselves and their abilities. Please consider all this and think on it.

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Monday, 15 October 2012

Gymnastics Classes Offered

Getting yourself or your child involved in a sport is healthy for the mind and the body. Whether you are seeking a full time sport, or simply a weekly event, there are options available to choose from. Many people love team sports, but some are more intrigued by individual sports that all rely on you. A common individual sport, gymnastics, is offered to people to learn through instruction and practice with an experienced gymnast. To allow beginners to receive maximum benefits from the instructor, many classes are offered to narrow down like minded people with the same experience.
Avoid having to wait for a beginner to catch up while you stands there board and ready to move forward. On the other side, being a beginner working with an advanced gymnast can be very nerve wracking as their back tuck has you embarrassed of your cartwheels. With levels broken down in to beginner, intermediate, and advanced you are sure to find a group you fit in the most. These classes all focus on training to improve skills with the beam, bars, and vault. Beginner classes will focus on basics and move at a very slow pace to allow participants to gain as much knowledge as possible and of course ensure safety. When you move in to an intermediate class, you are a master of the basics, and ready to learn new things. After learning new tricks you may want to continue on with your gymnastics classes and upgrade to an advanced class where more difficult routines are being taught. To reach an advanced course you will need a lot of practice, but by attending your classes regularly you will be there in no time.
Gymnastics classes are even available for small children from ages 1 to 4. Take your child with you to a gymnastics course to help them learn and stay active. These courses are designed to stimulate the child's mind at a young age while they tumble around on safe materials with other children their age. Young preschoolers also have classes available to them that are simply their age group without the one and two year olds. Too young to start difficult tricks, but not young enough to get the exercise you need and the knowledge of knowing gymnastics at a young age. This provides for a great transition when the child reaches an age old enough for a beginner or intermediate course.
Lastly, a tumbling class is available to either help beginners learn the basics or advanced gymnasts excel. Just like the other courses, they are broken up in to two levels so no one gets left behind. Depending on your level you will learn fun things like cartwheels, walk-overs, handsprings, tucks, and much more. Just determine your level of knowledge for the course you choose and begin the fun today!

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Sunday, 14 October 2012

Gymnastics - The Epitome of Sport

Gymnastics is one of the most popular Olympic sports which encompasses the three disciplines of Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline. These three disciplines are broken down further so within the 'artistic' set is the vault, floor exercise, the horse, still rings, parallel bars, high bar, uneven bars and the balance beam. In the vault event, a small trampoline called a trampet is also used in order to give the gymnast more lift. Both men and women compete in the vault and floor exercise events, but only men compete in the horse, still rings, parallel bars and the high bars, and only the women compete in the uneven bars and balance beam events.
The rhythmic disciplines involve far less apparatus than the artistic gymnastics do. In rhythmic gymnastics the rope, club (or baton), hoop, ball and ribbon are the only apparatus used. There is also a 'free' or floor routine which involves no apparatus. Rhythmic gymnastics is traditionally a women's only discipline, however recently more and more men are competing in this discipline.
The third and final discipline of gymnastics is done on trampolines. In this discipline the gymnasts perform aerobics whilst bouncing on a trampoline. There is the individual event where gymnasts compete on their own. The synchronised event where a pair of gymnasts perform on two trampolines whilst doing the same routine in sync with their partner. Tumbling involves a small trampet where the gymnasts will perform highly complex routines within a single jump from the trampet before landing on a mat. Seeing as trampolines in their modern form were only invented in the 1930's, this is by far the most recent discipline in the sport of gymnastics, whereas the artistic and rhythmic disciplines hail from the original Olympics of ancient Greece.
Former events with the spectrum of gymnastics which are no longer part of the Olympics or Commonwealth Games are the rope climb, where the competitor had to climb a length of rope using only their arms and were judged on both speed and style. Another event which is no longer practised is the flying rings. Similar to the still rings so far as the routines and aerobics are concerned, however on the flying rings, the competitor must be swinging rather than stationary.
Gymnastics, regardless of the discipline or event in question is going to be one of the most highly attended events at the upcoming London 2012 Olympic games this summer. The sport's popularity is not surprising as it is visually spectacular and the agility and strength of the participating athletes is nothing short of mind boggling. These athletes really are amongst the most dedicated and disciplined athletes in the whole spectrum of events.

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