Behind the Salute

Back handsprings in the living room? Cartwheels down the hallway? Practicing your back tuck on the grass? 😳 We LOVE that gymnasts are motivated and want to improve—but there are some skills that should stay inside the gym! In this episode of Behind the Salute , we’re talking about why coaches cringe when they hear, “I practiced it at home!” 😂 We’re breaking down the risks of unsupervised tumblin...

This episode isn’t ALL gymnastics! We’re also giving you a chance to get to know Tracy and Danielle—the people behind the coaches, the gym, and the podcast. We’re talking favorites, personalities, memories, life outside the gym, and a few things you might not know about us. Consider this your invitation to hang out, laugh with us, reminisce a little, and get to know the two people behind Behind th...

One gym, one dream, and a whole lot of hard work… but the story didn’t stop there. In Part 2 of From the Ground Up , we’re talking about how TNT Gymnastics began to grow — and how that growth brought Danielle into the picture. Tracy shares what it was like watching the program evolve, while we dive into Danielle’s journey from gymnast to coach and eventually becoming an integral part of building T...

Before the teams, the trophies, the packed gyms, the countless practices, and the TNT family… there was a dream. In Part 1 of our From the Ground Up series, we’re sitting down with Tracy to hear the story behind TNT Gymnastics — where her passion for gymnastics began, what inspired her to take the leap, and how those very first steps turned into the program so many gymnasts and families know today...

We’ve talked about motivation from the gymnast’s perspective. We’ve talked about the parent’s role. Now, it’s time to talk about the person standing on the other side of the floor—the coach. Coaches are expected to motivate, encourage, push, inspire, problem-solve, and show up with energy every single day. But what happens when the coach is tired? Burned out? Frustrated? Questioning themselves? Or...

What do you do when your gymnast is struggling to stay motivated or possibly yourself as the parent? When progress feels slow, confidence dips, practices aren't going well, or the excitement just isn't there anymore, it's easy for parents to wonder, “What can I do?” In Part 2 of our Motivation Is a Team Sport series, we’re talking about the parent’s role in motivation—and how much infl...

Motivation Is a Team Sport | Part 1: The Gymnast Motivation doesn’t always come from within—and it will come and go! In Part 1 of our three-part series, we’re talking directly to the gymnast . What do you do when you’re in a slump? When progress feels slow, confidence takes a hit, or you just don’t feel like giving 100%? How do you find your motivation again—and how can the people around you help?...

Sometimes the best conversations are the ones you don’t plan. In this episode of  Behind the Salute , Tracy and Danielle step  Off the Floor  for a completely unscripted conversation. No specific topic. No agenda. Just two coaches talking, laughing, reminiscing, and sharing some of the stories and experiences that have shaped who we are. Think of this episode as pulling up a chair and hanging out...

Let's face it - gymnastics is tough! Many gymnasts and gymnastics parents— will probably encounter a conversation around the topic of quitting at one point or another. In this episode of Behind the Salute , we’re talking about one of the hardest conversations in gymnastics: quitting . How do you know if your athlete is simply going through a tough season, struggling with motivation, or genuinely r...

In this episode of Behind the Salute , we're diving into everything you need to know about tumbling meets—what they are, how they're different from traditional gymnastics competitions, what judges are looking for, and the fun behind them!

In this episode of Behind the Salute , we're talking about the emotions that come with seeing your name on the team list, moving up, repeating a level, or not getting the outcome you hoped for. We'll discuss how to celebrate the wins with humility, process the disappointments with perspective, and remember that a roster is simply the beginning of a new season—not the definition of an athle...

A salute is more than a quick wave to the judge—it’s confidence, presence, and the final punctuation mark on your routine. In this episode of Behind the Salute, we dive into why those first and last few seconds matter more than most gymnasts realize. We’re talking about: The body language judges notice immediately Why many gymnasts stop competing before the routine is actually over How presentatio...

In this episode of Behind the Salute , we're breaking down everything gymnasts and parents need to know about gymnastics grips. We cover when athletes are typically ready, the signs it's time to make the switch, the different types of grips available, how to find the right fit, and what to expect during the break-in process. Whether you're a gymnast getting your very first pair or a pa...

In this episode of Behind the Salute , we're diving into the unique bond that comes from growing up in the gym together. We talk about the highs of having a built-in teammate, the challenges of comparison and competition, how parents and coaches can support each child's individual journey, and why no two gymnastics paths should ever be measured against each other. Whether you and your sibl...

Energy is contagious—and as a coach, you're often the one who sets the tone. In this episode of Behind the Salute , we dive into why the energy you bring into the gym matters more than you may realize. From the moment athletes walk through the doors, they're looking to their coaches for leadership, encouragement, and belief. A coach's attitude can inspire confidence, build resilience,...

What happens when gymnasts grow up, step off the competition floor, and find themselves on the other side of the chalk bucket? In this special episode of Behind the Salute , Tracy & Danielle sit down with former TNT gymnasts Maly and Jade to talk about all of their journeys from athlete to coach. Together, we reflect on the lessons learned through years of training, the perspective gained from...

This Father's Day, we're taking a step back from gymnastics skills and scores to talk about the men who helped shape who we are today. In this special episode of Behind the Salute , we reflect on the lessons our dads taught us—not through speeches, but through their actions. From hard work and perseverance to integrity and showing up when it matters most, we'll share how our fathers in...

Summer is one of the most important times of the year for a gymnast's growth—but it's not just about learning new skills. It's about developing the mindset that will carry you through challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs. In this episode of Behind the Salute , we're diving into three powerful ways to empower your summer training: facing your fears, avoiding the comparison game, and overcoming s...

What if the athlete you see in the gym isn’t the same kid their parents see at home? In this episode of Behind the Salute , we explore the often unseen side of young athletes—the fears they hide, the pressures they carry, and the challenges they face when no one is watching. Coaches witness one version. Parents experience another. This conversation is for coaches, parents, and anyone who wants to...

During our recent podcast launch party, one of the most common questions was the difference in scoring between the DP and Xcel programs. Here is our take on this topic!

'Just stand there, but don’t spot me’ can be a healthy step toward independence — until it becomes a habit rooted in fear. Sometimes athletes start relying on a coach’s presence instead of building trust in themselves. Confidence doesn’t grow from someone always standing there. It grows from learning you can do hard things on your own!

We spend so much time chasing results that we forget to appreciate who we’re becoming in the process. This episode dives into choosing happiness now—not later—and learning to find fulfillment in the climb, not just the view at the top.

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Behind the Salute , we sit down with Tracy — a coach, a mom, and the woman behind the athlete — alongside her daughter Jade, who’s lived the unique experience of being coached by her own mom. Together, they open up about what it’s really like when the lines between parent and coach blur. The car rides home, the tough corrections, the unspoken pressure, and t...

We did it… and we’re still not over it! In this episode of Behind the Salute , we’re recapping our very first podcast launch party — the nerves, the chaos, the moments we’ll never forget, and the overwhelming support from our gymnastics community that made it all so special.

Gymnastics is all about teamwork… but let’s be honest—sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. In this episode, we’re diving into the real social side of the gym: cliques, friend groups, and the moments that can make athletes feel either completely included… or totally on the outside. We’re talking about why cliques form, how they impact confidence and performance, and what athletes, parents, and coach...