Red Gerard, at just 17 years old, made history as the youngest American male to secure an Olympic gold medal in snowboarding during the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he excelled in slopestyle. Now 25 and preparing for his third Olympic appearance, Gerard emphasizes the friendly and supportive nature of the snowboarding community, stating, "In snowboarding, my competitors are some of my best friends." This camaraderie sets the sport apart from others, where competition often breeds tension.
Despite the laid-back atmosphere, Gerard and his peers are dedicated to their craft. The encouragement they provide one another enhances their performance as they gear up for slopestyle and big air events. "We feed off each other," he notes, highlighting the unique dynamic within snowboarding. Research indicates that a relaxed mindset can significantly enhance performance levels.
While Gerard isn't a fan of traditional gym workouts, he maintains his strength through bodyweight exercises and core training. He particularly enjoys engaging activities like medicine ball drills, which enhance proprioception--the awareness of body position crucial for snowboarding. "If you're standing on one leg and someone's throwing a med ball at you, it's kind of fun to work the brain as well," he remarks.
For those looking to build core strength and coordination, Gerard recommends a partnered medicine ball exercise. Stand with a partner and perform alternating oblique medicine ball slams, pivoting and throwing the ball from side to side. Aim for five repetitions on each side for both partners.
