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ESPNW Article Laurie Hernandez and her Mental Training Coach Robert Andrews

July 30, 2016 by Robert Andrews Leave a Comment

Check out this great article about the work Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and I have done to get her ready for Rio…

With one performance left on the biggest night of her career, Laurie Hernandez paused, placed her right hand over her belly and closed her eyes. She inhaled. Paused. Exhaled. She felt her belly expand and contract. She became aware of her breath. And slowly, the anxiety and adrenaline melted away. Then she raised that same arm toward the judges and turned to face the beam.

“I was really calm before beam,” Hernandez said. “I was able to calm myself down and go out there and enjoy the moment.” It’s a technique Hernandez learned from sports psychology coach Robert Andrews, who heads Houston’s Institute of Sports Performance and also works with three-time world champion Simone Biles. Watch Hernandez closely before she presents to the judges at each rotation and there she is: hand over belly, gaze softened yet focused, her shoulders rising and falling with each inhalation.
Laurie Hernandez’s pre-routine ritual includes this breathing exercise that calms her right before she goes.

Laurie Hernandez’s pre-routine ritual includes this breathing exercise that calms her right before she goes.

“And I pray,” she said.

Her pre-performance ritual is working.  Read more

Filed Under: 2016 Rio Olympics, Gymnastics, Laurie Hernandez, Mental Training, Sports Shut Down and the Mental and Emotional Impact on Athletes Tagged With: Laurie Hernandez, Olympics, Pre-Routine Ritual, Robert Andrews

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The Institute of Sports Performance™
2500 East T.C. Jester
Suite 180
Houston, TX 77008
Find us

713.522.2200

robertandrews@tinssp.com
kierstincollins@tinssp.com
michaelheck@tinssp.com
andreaestrada@tinssp.com
galenandrews@tinssp.com

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