Simone Biles, the gymnastics legend, has left a mark on the sport like few others. With her incredible acrobatic feats, gold medals, and inspiring resilience, she’s become a household name. But recently, she’s taken a step back into the gym, reigniting her training after her last Olympic appearance. However, in a surprising turn of events, Simone revealed the workout she’s sworn off for good. So, what workout is she avoiding, and why is it such a big deal?
In this article, we’ll dive into Simone Biles’ incredible comeback to the gym and the shocking workout she says she will never do again. Let’s unpack her reasons and how it’s shaping her future in gymnastics.
Simone Biles: A Brief Overview of Her Legendary Career
Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she’s a phenomenon. With a staggering collection of Olympic medals, World Championship titles, and countless accolades, Biles has redefined what’s possible in gymnastics. But her journey hasn’t always been easy. After a turbulent 2021 Olympics, where she prioritized her mental health, Biles took a step back from competition. Now, as she makes her return, her focus has shifted—both physically and mentally.
But what’s most fascinating about her return to the gym is the one workout she has publicly stated she’ll never do again. This decision has sparked conversations in the world of sports and fitness, so let’s take a closer look at it.
The Olympic Comeback: What Led to Simone Biles’ Return?
Taking Time Off for Mental Health
After competing in the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles faced intense scrutiny over her decision to withdraw from several events for her mental health. While many initially criticized her, the world soon recognized the importance of mental well-being in elite sports. Her decision to prioritize herself over perfection inspired athletes worldwide to do the same.
A New Perspective: Returning to Training
After her time off, Simone Biles has come back with a fresh perspective. She’s not just focusing on her gymnastics skills, but also on how she feels during and after her training sessions. This has led her to re-evaluate her approach to fitness and what exercises she’s willing to do.
The Shocking Revelation: The Workout Simone Biles Won’t Do Again
The Exercise in Question: The ‘Vault’ Training
If you’ve ever watched gymnastics, you’re aware that the vault is one of the most intense and high-risk routines. It requires explosive power, perfect timing, and impeccable execution. However, Simone Biles recently revealed that the vault workout she used to do—particularly the high-impact drills—will never be part of her routine again.
Why Biles Won’t Do It Again: The Risk Factor
While the vault has contributed to Biles’ success over the years, it comes with its own set of risks. In the past, she’s endured multiple injuries that have caused long-term consequences. The intense impact of vaulting on her joints and body has taken a toll, and as she grows older, the importance of protecting her health and longevity in the sport outweighs pushing through painful workouts.
The Mental and Physical Toll
The vault isn’t just physically demanding—it’s mentally taxing too. For Biles, it was an exercise that sometimes triggered the anxiety and pressure of performing flawlessly. In her own words, she mentioned how the vault workouts put her under immense mental strain, and now, she’s decided it’s not worth it anymore. It’s a move towards prioritizing both physical and mental well-being.
What’s Next for Simone Biles: New Workout Routines and Recovery
Focus on Low-Impact Workouts
Now that Biles is back in action, she’s pivoting towards exercises that have less impact on her body. These include more flexibility training, strength workouts, and routine drills that focus on balance and form without causing excessive strain on her joints.
Embracing Cross-Training and Pilates
In place of intense vault training, Simone has turned to a mix of cross-training and Pilates. These exercises help her maintain her strength and agility without risking the physical damage associated with high-impact routines. Pilates, in particular, has helped improve her core strength, flexibility, and overall muscle tone.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Techniques
As a high-performing athlete, Biles knows the importance of recovery. She’s also incorporating advanced recovery techniques such as cryotherapy, massage therapy, and rest days into her routine to ensure her body is always in peak condition without overloading it with stress.
Simone Biles’ Impact Beyond Gymnastics
Changing the Narrative Around Athlete Mental Health
By speaking out about her mental health and the need for more balanced training, Simone has started a larger conversation about athlete wellness. This has not only changed the way we view elite sports but has also prompted organizations to reconsider how they approach training, recovery, and mental health support for athletes.
Redefining Fitness in the World of Gymnastics
With her decision to avoid certain high-impact workouts, Biles is setting a new standard for fitness within gymnastics. It’s not just about pushing yourself to the limit—it’s about listening to your body, staying healthy, and embracing a sustainable approach to training.
What We Can Learn from Simone Biles’ Experience
The Power of Listening to Your Body
One of the key takeaways from Simone Biles’ journey is the importance of listening to your body. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone just looking to stay fit, paying attention to signs of strain, fatigue, or discomfort is crucial. Overtraining can lead to long-term injuries, so it’s essential to modify your workouts based on how your body feels.
The Importance of Mental Health in Fitness
Biles’ decision to step away from certain workouts is a testament to the importance of mental health in physical performance. Mental clarity and stability are as critical as physical conditioning, and focusing on both can lead to better overall results in any fitness journey.
Conclusion: Simone Biles’ Comeback Is About More Than Just Gymnastics
Simone Biles’ return to the gym and her decision to never perform certain workouts again sends a powerful message. It’s not just about pushing through the pain or maintaining peak performance; it’s about ensuring long-term health and well-being. By sharing her journey, Simone Biles is setting an example for athletes everywhere, showing that success isn’t just about doing everything—it’s about knowing when to say no, and choosing what’s best for your body and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Simone Biles decide to stop doing the vault workout?
Simone Biles decided to stop doing the vault workout due to the high physical and mental toll it took on her body. The risk of injury and the pressure to perform flawlessly were factors that contributed to her decision.
2. How has Simone Biles changed her training routine?
Biles has shifted to low-impact exercises, such as Pilates, cross-training, and recovery techniques, to focus on strength, flexibility, and overall health without risking further strain on her body.
3. What are some of the recovery techniques Simone Biles uses?
Biles incorporates cryotherapy, massage therapy, and rest days as part of her recovery routine, ensuring her body stays in top condition for future performances.
4. How has Simone Biles influenced mental health in sports?
Biles has raised awareness about the importance of mental health in athletics by openly discussing her struggles and encouraging others to prioritize mental wellness alongside physical fitness.
5. What can everyday athletes learn from Simone Biles?
Everyday athletes can learn the importance of listening to their bodies, focusing on recovery, and finding balance in their training to prevent overexertion and mental burnout.
