Have you ever watched gymnastics and wondered if you’re too old to start? You’re not alone! Whether you’re inspired by Olympic athletes or just want to try something new, gymnastics might be for you.
In this article, we’ll explore if age really matters when starting gymnastics. From competitive goals to just having fun, we’ll cover it all. So, is it ever too late to begin gymnastics? Let’s find out!
Most people are stunned when they see young gymnasts tumbling and leaping across the gym floor. The athletes’ abilities can seem almost superhuman, especially if you’re not familiar with the sport.
Many older kids (12+) and even adults often ask if it’s too late for them to start gymnastics classes. The answer you’ll usually hear is a resounding “no, it’s not too old.” People will assure you that “you can start gymnastics at any age.” And guess what? It’s absolutely true!
Even adults who develop a late interest in gymnastics can begin recreational classes. But when deciding if you are too old to start, it’s essential to be honest about your expectations.
Do you want to compete, or do you just want to get toned and have fun? In this article, we’ll explore the topics you should consider when thinking about starting gymnastics classes.
Do you want to compete? Recreational vs. Competitive Gymnastics
You may be sitting on your couch watching the Olympians tackle the balance beam and think to yourself, “I want to do that, someday”.
Olympic gymnastics athletes start their careers early. Some may have even started tumbling as young as two years old. That’s impressive, right?
The typical retirement age for female gymnasts is 16 to 25, while male gymnasts retire between 17 and 25.
In all honesty, if you are older than 12, you may be too old to begin gymnastics classes, make a competitive team, and move up. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it might be tought.
The reason it is hard for someone older than 12 to make a competition team and move up levels is due to the training and time needed to get to Elite status. Some girls start at four years of age and still won’t make it to Elite status.
But don’t worry! If you’re over 12, you can still enjoy gymnastics in recreational classes. Some gyms even have classes just for tweens and teens. And if you’re interested in competing, look for a gym with Xcel competition teams. Xcel is a special program that lets gymnasts compete in a way that’s right for them.
When is it too late to start gymnastics?
You might think it’s too late to start gymnastics if you’re older than 12. But that’s not true! Anyone can start gymnastics at any age.
What we’re saying here is that if you start gymnastics after 12, you probably won’t become an Olympian or get a scholarship. But that doesn’t have to be your goal. Gymnastics offers much more than just competition.
Gymnastics is a sport that works your entire body. That means you’ll get toned and improve your fitness by taking a gymnastics class. Whether you’re a pole vaulter, cheerleader, or football player, you can enjoy the fitness benefits of gymnastics at any age.
Benefits of Gymnastics at Any Age
Gymnastics isn’t just for the young and spry; it has something to offer everyone, regardless of age! Whether you’re a teen, an adult, or even a senior, here’s why you might want to give gymnastics a try:
- Physical Health: Gymnastics provides a full-body workout that can help you build strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. No matter your age, these are valuable attributes that can improve your overall fitness and well-being.
- Mental Benefits: The focus and concentration required for gymnastics can boost your mental agility and resilience. Learning new skills and routines stimulates the brain and can even enhance memory.
- Social Connections: Joining a gymnastics class or club can be a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends. It’s a supportive environment where you can share a common interest, regardless of age or skill level.
- Fun and Enjoyment: Perhaps most importantly, gymnastics is fun! Whether you’re tumbling on the mat or swinging on the bars, the joy of movement and the thrill of mastering a new skill is something that can be enjoyed at any age.
The beauty of gymnastics is that it can be adapted to fit your individual needs and abilities. Many gyms offer classes specifically tailored for adults or those who are starting later in life. If you’ve ever thought about trying gymnastics, now might be the perfect time to jump in!
Don’t let your age discourage you from taking gymnastics class
The main thing is, don’t let your age hold you back from starting classes. What’s important is what you want to get out of it.
Want to take recreational gymnastics classes at your local gym? Go for it! Whether you’re 17 or 35, the class will help you become more toned, more flexible, and feel good.
Conclusion: Start Your Gymnastics Journey Today
Gymnastics isn’t just for the young; it’s a sport full of opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you aim for competition or just want a fun way to stay fit, it’s never too late.
Look for a gym that fits your needs, and don’t let age hold you back. Supportive coaches and the right program can make your journey enjoyable and fulfilling.
Ready to try gymnastics? Find a beginner’s class near you and start today!
Have a success story about starting gymnastics later in life? Share it in the comments below. Let’s inspire others to embrace gymnastics at any age! How old were you when you started gymnastics? Was it a good decision? Let us know!
Read also: Recreational vs. Competitive Gymnastics
67 Comments on “Am I Too Old For Gymnastics?”
Well actually when i started the gymnastics i was 16. (But of course before starting i worked on my flexiblity and running power). When i went to the couches , lookin’ for someone to work with me, they looked at me disappointedly and told me that i was old for that and i should’ve probably looked for another field, inspite of my obsession to gymnastics. But eventually i found a kind couch to work on me beside his other gymnasts and now i’ve inproved so much and i can do lots of floor rotines like handsprings and round offs.
I started at 2 and I’m 11 and I stand little to no chance of being able to compete.
hey I think you have a chance I mean your only 11 you have a long life ahead of you!
If you want something bad enough, age is not a limit. Forget expectations. Expectations are just another way to discourage people who have dreams. I started gymnastics when I was 4. Competed and won at regionals at 5 years old. Coaches have always said I’m a natural. My coaches daughter, who did compete in the Olympics, wanted to take me under her wing and begin my career in gymnastics. But my dreams of competing in the Olympics were crushed when my dad forced me out if gymnastics. We had the money to continue, but he pulled me out of it anyway.
I moved to my mom’s when I was 12, started tumbling and then had to quit for awhile, on account of financial issues and bullies. People will discourage you because if it were them, they wouldn’t think they could accomplish the same dream you have. Because they don’t have the same passion or dedication as you. They only have their reality and their “expectations”. So don’t listen to negativity. Take what you want in life. No matter how old you are. Age can be a setback. But that only means you’ll have to work that much harder.
I’m almost 17 now. I’m trying to get back into it. Because its something I love. It’s not impossible to still make Olympics but at this point, it’s not my dream anymore. I’d rather serve my country, as a 68W (combat medic).
I would have gotten back into it sooner but I played soccer from 13-15 and got a bad ankle injury. couldn’t walk without a limp for 5 months. Now I’m in an online school. And I don’t have a soccer team.
I’ve been missing gymnastics for a while now. So I decided to swallow my fears of being too old to get back into it and just do It! Yes, I am far behind from other gymnasts. That only means I need to work that much more harder to get to where they are. It’s going to take hours upon hours of hard work along with blood sweat and tears into dedication and sacrifice. And being an online student has its perks of time management. I have more hours in a day.
So do what makes you happy.
A man once said the sky was the limit…and then because of a certain competition between Russia and the US, we landed someone on the moon. No matter the expectations.
Expectations are never the same as reality.
You’re the one who is in charge of your reality and you make your own expectations.
I wish you all the best!! Never give up! OK? Fight for your own reality that makes you happy. Don’t settle, negotiate with life and take what you want to make you happy!
Haley,
I first want to thank you for your comment, my name is Cara and I am one of the blog writers for All Gymnasts (this blog).
Your comment was extremely inspiring and I want to apologize for the things you have been through. I am sorry you were pulled out of gymnastics even though you had such a passion for it, but it does not mean that was the end of your gymnastics career!
I have to agree with everything you stated: I don’t think people should worry about how old they are to want to do something…if you want to do something, go ahead and do it! We only live in this one life and why should we let other people have control on what we do? It kills me when people look back on regret for things that have not done but wanted to do. Everyone should live their life how they want to!
I am so happy to hear that you are getting back into gymnastics! I am very close to a Level 9 Gymnast that just started homeschool this year to work towards her dream of becoming an Elite Gymnast. I remember her telling me that going to school was hard for her in a way because she was practicing gymnastics for hours and hours, doing homework during lunch recess, and even had to go into school late or pulled out early just to make mandatory practices. She would tell me how other girls wouldn’t exactly include her because her passion was gymnastics and no one else understood her. She told me she was always shy and quiet but when she was practice she was always herself because her gymnastics team understood her. Gymnasts understand Gymnasts.
Gymnastics is a very hard sport that includes all the tears, sweat, and even blood! I believe that you are doing the right thing and I wish nothing but the best for you! You are definitely one motivational, courageous, unique individual- never let anyone stop YOU from what YOU want to do as well!
Good Luck,
Cara
Hi I am almost 17 and I am not flexible at all. So my question is if I would take classes could I get good enough to complete
Excuse some of my grammar in my previous comment. I just got this new phone and I am still not used to the keyboard. (I am in online school. Not almost in it. My keyboard added “almost” for some reason.?).
Hi my name is Sarah, and I am a 34 year old gymnast who competes at the college club level. I was a level 4 gymnast when I was 11, but I gave up gymnastics when I was 13 because of homelife issues.
I always wanted to get back into gymnastics, but the whole time I was in my 20’s I thought I was too old, and I thought that there weren’t any gyms that would allow me. It wasn’t until I was 29 years old that I really got afraid that I would never do gymnastics again, so as improbable as it sounded, I decided to get back into it. So, it took over a year to get my bridge with straight arms and straight legs, it took like 8 months to kick over, and it took about 3 years for me to do backwalkover again. I should also point out that I found a gym to take me in when I was 29 and help me with bar skills. The gym owner thought it was crazy but it watched me go from being 29 and 120 pounds to being 32 and being 100 pounds and doing back walkovers on the beam.
So fast forward to now, I’m 34, and I can do every skill I could do as a kid, and many many more. Since I go to college, I am able to compete at the NAIGC competitions. It is so awesome to do gymnastics at 34. Also, since I have worked so hard on my flexibility and keep my weight at 100 pounds, I can do the skills easily. My back is so flexible, and I can even touch my toes to my head again; which took a very long time to get back!
I just wanted to share this, hopefully it will inspire.
Thank you Sarah for sharing! You surely inspired me! I’m 33 and I started contemporary dance 3 years ago, not professionally but I love it so much and I always thought that I started too old and that I couldn’t go too far… When I was 6 I had ballet lessons for 2 years and then I stopped because of family issues, and started artistic swimming at 12 but dropped out again after one year because of circumstances. Now I think I found the thing I really love and I hope to get better and better despite my age. Thank you for the courage 🙂
Hello Sarah! I wanted to thank you for sharing your story ! It is very inspirational to say the least. I am trying to help my daughter who is currently frustrated with restrictions resulting from Covid-19. I had to pull her out in her early years of training due to moving and was finally able to start again 2 years ago. Despite the gap in training she retained most of past training and within 2 years she has progressed to Platinum (Excel levels) and a solid level 6. Unfortunately we don’t have many gyms to choose from (2 -3 )where we live in Florida.
She is turning 16 and is at level 6-7 and has competed (USAG) Excel Platinum up until this past year. Her heart was broken when the owner/coach said she would not have enough time to be able to compete at college level since she would have to be a level 9 to be eligible (class of 2022). This sport really makes her happy both mentally and emotionally, not to mention it keeps her physically fit. I am trying to find some way to help her to continue training . Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Hi sara, I have a question
I gave up gymnastics when I was about 9 years old however I started again in 17 now im 18 and Im really trying hard
Do you think that I may have a chance to compete?
even in a low level
Hi Sarah,
That’s so awesome! I was a competitive gymnast from age 3 to age 12. I had to stop competing for a foot surgery and then didn’t ever get back into it.
For 10 years I have been saying how I wish I could get back into it and be flexible like I used to be.
Your story definitely inspired me to give it a try!
When I was younger I was in gymnastics but my mother had cancer and I had to quit because I had no one to take me and it was not a necessity but now I am 12 and I am trying again and I hope I do well and succeed
Hi you have an email skylar i would really love to be your pen pal i am going through a simalar situation pls answer i am also 12! Thx Hannah McRae
I was in gymnastics when I was a kid. I loved it but my mom had to pull me out for financial reasons. I am now 40yrs…not nearly fit or flexible. Am I to old to attempt it again?
I’m 12 I wanna start gymnastics but I don’t where to go in London
I am 12 and I’m not sure if my parents would let me start gymnastics. They say I’m too old. I read these comments and it is very inspiring. I did gymnastics when I was 2 but my parents pulled me out because I was afraid of the bar. I’m not anymore but they won’t let me. They say that they don’t have enoug money. They are building a house and I have been asking since before. Like 3 years before. Which means I was 7 or 8. I want them to finally say yes and find a class. They have no idea how much I want to be a gymnast and be able to lose weight and fit in with my friends. They all do gymnastics. They are also skinny. I just want my parents to listen.
I want to join too! But i’ 14.
Do it! I am also 14, and starting gymnastics was definitely hard but one of the best decisions of my life
Im 53 is it still.possible for me do gymnastics y name is Bernadette
yes yes, you should just don’t do anything to dangerous!
How do you have the exact same life as me?! My parents pulled me out of my classes when I was around 3 or 4. I love gymnastics , and always jealously watched my friends, and hated my parents for pulling me out. You can do this! If gymnastics is right for you, it will happen. I know this is late, but good luck on your journey!
I’m almost 13 and I’ve been thinking about trying out for competitive, but all the kids that are competing looked like they where 7-11 and I think it will probably be embarrassing to tryout as a teen for level 4 and besides I can’t even do a handspring!! Please comment as fast as you can. I’m desperate!!!
GO FOR IT, PERSON I DONT KNOW. I started gymnastics at 7 and quit when I was 11. I’m also 13 and want to get back into it. So I will! Before you start, spend a month or two working flexibility and strength as much as possible. It will help you climb the gymnastics ladder 10x faster. Try getting over mind blocks by going for a few handsprings and back walkovers! If you work hard you can do anything. The problem most teens have is that they are scared and don’t try as hard. Gymnastics is a hard and painful sport, be warned. But, if you have enough passion for it, go for it. I believe in you!
Okay I’m 12 and I went to a gym knowing not that much and I was practicing with 6_7 year olds and it was embarrassing but if you love the sport that’s all that matters
Oh my GOSH!!! You are me! I just need to do a backhand spring and then my whole life will change but I can’t, I want to compete and go to the Olympics but I’m almost 13
Emma,
I’m in the same situation. My parents say I’m too old, it’s too much, and they don’t have enough money. I am 11 and I am so passionate about gymnastics and I just want to be in gymnastics so bad it’s my dream. But they will never let me and they never support me on any of my decisions! ??
I’m 14 nearly 15 and I’ve always wanted to do gymnastics I was wondering if I’m to old I’ve never done it before I can only do handstands and cartwheels nothing else is it to late to start
i wonder can u start gymnasics at 13 or 14 ? If u see this comment please answer i have a 14 year old cousion and a 13 year old niece….. they are in love with flipping but would it be to late for them to join gymnasics and actually compete?? Any one please answer their in love with the olympics and i would love to see them on tv one day. Any one please answer this question? if u answer put TAY Tay i think u should??????? Sincerly Tay R . tyhankyou so much
When I started gymnastics I was 12 years old, now I’m 15 and in Excel Gold, could I still make it to the Olympics?
Do gymnastics because you love the experience of flying through the air and dancing with gravity. USAG is an organization that chews up children to spit out medals, and it probably (hopefully) won’t be around for much longer. Very, very, very few gymnasts make it to the Olympics. If your goal is to be an Olympian, find a sport where that’s a reasonable goal for you. If you love gymnastics, do it regardless of the Olympics. It’s an amazing sport of incredible value regardless of your competition status.
~Koach Kev
I appreciate this post and am surprised the Xcel competitive program wasn’t mentioned. I highly suggest any gymnast “starting late” look into it. Xcel has 5 levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
At 11, my daughter decided she wanted to be a competitive gymnast after a few months in rec classes at the YMCA while we worked out. I sadly told her I thought “that ship sailed” because the world of competitive gymnastics is cut throat and designed so that if you start late it’s near impossible. BUT my daughter has a determined spirit and is very brave. She learned about Xcel and began working really hard. I also learned about XCel from some mom friends and found out about a girl who started as a teen. In the midst of all of that, my daughter broke 2 bones so I did some research and we moved her to a gym with an older girl rec program (I cannot emphasize the importance of a gym with an older girl program if you start late). She began training for Xcel Silver level at 12 almost exactly a year after saying she wanted to compete (June 2018).
She’s excelling and gaining skills rapidly – she can do things many girls her age in Xcel cannot that have been doing gymnastics since they are little. WHY? Determination, bravery and probably some natural talent too (but I try not to brag!!). She stretches, does strength training at home and won’t let anything get in her way. She sets goals and has determined exactly where she wants to go. She won’t ever be Elite but she’s slated to move up to Xcel Gold in June and would like to get to Diamond by 18. She competed in a very large meet this weekend and won 4th all around, 1st on beam and placed on the other three events as well. Her “2 year gymnastics anniversary” was January 10th.
My final thoughts if you made it this far – if you want to, you can do it! When she did her first “real” meet, we bought her a gymnastics charm bracelet that said “She believed she could, so she did”
OH and do NOT let size get in your way. My daughter is the tallest 13 year old on her team. She’s in great shape but she’s not a pixie little gymnast.. She’s 5’3″ and weighs 130.
As a Dad attempting to encourage his 14 yr. old daughter to pursue her passion in gymnastics, what can I expect to pay for gym access in North Carolina, and/or coaching overall?
I am 15 yrs and dont know any gymnast classes in india i want to do it in my earlier age but didnt knew any classes???im very sad i dont know but i want to be slim and fit …..
I know this is an old post, but I feel compelled to share my own experience.
Growing up, my family could not afford to put me in sports, or any type of activity that costed money. From a young age I was obsessed with doing “tricks” I taught myself a round off and a front handspring in elementary school. I was very unfamiliar with anything to do with proper technique, I didn’t know the names of any of the skills, and this was before the internet made it easy to was 14 years old when I decided I wanted to learn how to do a backflip. I saw other kids at school doing it, and was in love with the adrenaline rush from doing things that scared me. It just looked so cool. By the time I was 15, I had taught myself a standing back tuck, unaware of any progression needed for these skills. I could not do a correct cartwheel even, but again, I did not know anything at all about tumbling or gymnastics. I Had a girlfriend who trained at a local gym, and one day went to watch and I was over the moon. I had never seen a spring floor in my life, did not even know those existed until this point. After much begging and signing a waiver, the gym owner allowed me to do a few tricks on the spring floor after classes. I was so used to doing things on grass and hard ground, I put everything into it and I impressed the gym owner. They agreed to let me clean the gym after hours in exchange for classes. Within a few months I was performing skills that the coaches have never seen in their gym. Mind you I worked hard, every single day I would be in my yard tumbling from the moment I got home from school, until it was too dark to see. I would record myself with an old vhs camcorder and would look for ways to improve. I began to understand the body mechanics involved in the skills. I would live for my weekly class at the gym and would put everything into it. I was training every single day, hours and hours without stop, and all day on the weekends. I’ve never received a spot on any skill in my life, and by the time I was 17, I was able to do triple full twists, double back tucks, double pikes, punch front doubles, double Arabians, full-in’s. I never had a problem getting over my fears, I feel that was the key. I began coaching for the same gym at 17, and took it very seriously. I immersed myself into the world of gymnastics, tumble, and cheer. At 18 I tried out for college cheer st several different universities, and was able to make the team on all of them. I chose a junior college as it gave me a full ride scholarship. I struggled with stunting, but my tumbling overshadowed those obstacles, and with hard work, I was up to par by competition. During college I coached the entire time and never relented in my training. I’ve coached gymnastics, cheer, and tumble since then. When I was 24 years old I was coaching for a local gym, coached every class, managed the entire gym on my own, while the owner sat comfortable at his home an hour away letting me do the work. At one point he stopped paying me, promising he would catch up the following week, which dragged on and on and eventually I could not afford to live coaching for him. I quit my job, and almost all of my students quit the gym with me, and vowed to follow me wherever I went. This caused the gym to have to shut down since there were no students left to pay tuition. The next month opened my own gym in the same location. It was the hardest time in my life. I was living on a friends couch, walking to the gym, and could barely afford to live. The equipment I had to finance took everything. After the first year word got out, I apparently was a great coach, and my gym went from 40 students, to over 100, every time slot was filled, and since then, I’ve had a waiting list. I am now 29 years old, still tumbling elite skills, and running a successful gym with very skilled students that have stuck with me. Life is good, and all because I didn’t allow myself to believe it was too late to be good at something I love.
The moral of this is, if you love something, do it. If you put the effort in, your passion will be rewarded a thousand fold. Never give up, and go all in, it’s the only way to succeed in anything.
I’m 11 years old and I do gymnastics, I started gymnastics when I was 6 years old. But I’m still on level 1. I was really annoyed and mad cause I had mastered all the thing you have to do to move up a level except the splits. Then after a while I was able to do the splits but they still haven’t leveled me up. I’m really sad about this cause my dream is to be in the Olympics but I can’t if I’m still on level one. I kept thinking I should quit gymnastics cause my dreams are already not coming true.
I have been to 2 different gymnastics through the years and they taught me nothing!
So I was way behind the other girls and the only reason I know gymnastics moves is cause I self taut me self to do these moves ( the moves I can do on floor is: cartwheel, handstand, front walkover, back walkover, backbend, backhand spring, front handspring, almost a front flip and splits. I still do gymnastics but I’m sadly still on level 1???????. I have told my coach many times when will I level up. I don’t know if I should leave gymnastics or not , can you please say in the comments.
PS. Sorry if I have made some spelling mistakes.
I want to try Gymnastics so badly, cause it’s a Sport Iv’e always Admired and I have watched Famous people like Simone Biles or Gabby Douglas. It was always Exciting seeing them Tumble and do Floor Routines which in fact are my favorite. Growing up my Dad had put me into Baseball, and wanted me to get Into Football which I also thought were cool. Then all the sudden he stopped and continued working with his business more than me. Of course Being a Boy and wanting to do Gymnastics I felt my family thought it was Weird when in fact, my Dad didn’t think it was bad at all. I’d always Tumble or Do Cartwheels in the store, Grass Fields. anywhere you Name it, the Splits or Round-Offs.. I just loved it. Fast forward 5/6 Years Later I’m 16 Now, sadly I haven’t started a Gymnastics class, and I’m dying too. When I’m done graduating I’d like to head to ASU And continue doing Gymnastics, and since I’m obviously older now that means I’ll have to Work really hard. I too have dreamed of Going to the Olympics even though a lot of people do say it’s Unlikely at such a “old” age as 16… cause Normally you’d start at the age of 2 or 3, sadly for me that wasn’t the Case, but those are the Opinions of other People. I found hope in these comments that people have posted Above to not give up. I still am very young and despite being a Junior, just now this year. I will work hard and push myself to get into gymnastics and compete College level, I have come to realize you can’t let People tell you whats possible and not possible. In my own Opinion, you can’t let others Tell you what your fate is, it’s your own call and you get to decide what to do with it.
My wife started gymnastics at 15, earned a major scholarship at 17 and was training for the Olympics when she blew out her knee. Now this was long ago (blew out her knee training for the 1980 Olympics , US boycotted that year anyway), but is shows what you can do. NEVER let anyone say you are to old, it depends on your love for the sports. She had lots of enjoyment competing on the local and regional levels and even trained then she was pregnant. Doctors told us it was good for her! I say if you love it, go for it!
My name is Gift, am 19 and I just started gymnastics. I have always loved gymnastics but did’nt get the opportunity to do it, but now am so excited I have started, everyday I look forward to my training sessions, I also have a very supportive and great coach, he never had any doubt about me learning gymnastic at such age, and also he has decided I should keep on training even though am yet to pay for my sessions.
Am looking forward to learning so much while doing gymnastics.
I’m 12, and I used to be an artistic gymnast but I quit around a year ago because of school pressure. I started gymnastics when I was 5, simply because I saw one of my school gymnasts perform a routine on the beam and thought it looked cool, so I tried it. My first competition was when I was 9, and I qualified for nationals. Our team won a gold medal and it was around that time gymnastics became my life. I participated in so many competitions, and I loved gymnastics so, so much but I’m also a good student and I had to mantain my grades, so I quit in 6th grade because of pressure from my school teachers. I really, really want to do gymnastics again. It might not be my life goal anymore but I still love it. I did gymnastics for 7 years, and I wanna restart. Guys, never let your age bring you down! YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO!
Hi, I’m 16 and I’ve always wanted to be a gymnast or a dancer but my family couldn’t (and still can’t) afford the classes. Im not particularly fit or flexible and I’m quite tall (5’7), I was wondering if there was any way that I could teach myself? Even just a little bit because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do and it really hurts me that I might be too old to ever do it
Hi Michelle! Of course you can teach yourself! There are plenty of videos on youtube that could help you, you can write for example “contemporary dance for beginners” or “gymnastic for beginners” or something that you are interested in, and keep a daily routine on exercises, this could help a lot. Personally, I like contemporary dance, so when I started I found this girl which was very helpfull for beginners https://youtu.be/fTVaAFnYPpg
Go for it! I’m trying to self teach and I’m 14. I’ve never taken classes before and I’m not super flexible, but I believe if you work hard you can do it! (WikiHow and YouTube are really helpful, BTW)
I am 12 years old and decided a few months ago after watching Sofie Dossi perform on AGT that I wanted to become a contortionist. I was already getting piano lessons, so I self-taught myself completely. When I first started, I was far from the splits, and I could only hold a pretty basic backbend for about 20-30 seconds at the longest, and when I got up, I had a headache, was red in the face, and could barely breathe. When I told my friends and family about my dream, many seemed very doubtful and even laughed at me. About 2-3 months later, I could do the full middle splits, and I was improving my back flexibility all the time.
My dream isn’t to become a proper contortionist, but it’s something I absolutely love doing as a hobby, I love the feeling of being able to bend in half and slide into the splits. Now, I can do a middle oversplit, a wall handstand (and take my feet off the wall and balance for 5 seconds), walk pretty fast in a backbend, fall into a backbend, do a chin needle, do a scorpion, do a full middle leg hold, do a full pike stretch, do a chest stand and nearly get my feet to touch the ground, and I can nearly do the front splits and grab my ankles in a backbend.
I never used to be very flexible at all, and couldn’t even get my feet anywhere near my head. now, my feet can nearly cover my face when I put my legs against the wall and arch back. I know I have improved greatly, and all because I believed in myself, even when nobody else did. I knew that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve my goals. And I didn’t let anyone else tell me otherwise.
It all started with me practicing doing the three splits in my bedroom every night before bed. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Then, I decided to google good stretches to do, and found an endless amount of websites, videos and people that helped me get to where I am now. A really good youtube channel you can use is Anna McNulty’s. She is an amazing contortionist who I think can sit on her head, and she posts tutorials regularly with good stretches that help you do lots of bendy things. I know this isn’t gymnastics, but it will help you get more flexible and strong, which makes gymnastics a lot easier. This is an old post, I know, but if you haven’t found Anna already, I hope this helps.
I might be starting gymnastics lessons next year, and even though I am 12, I think I can do it. I am pretty flexible, and think I can learn fast. But no matter what, I will try my ABSOLUTE best. No matter what anyone says, I WON’T let them discourage me. And to anyone else reading this post, NEVER listen to anyone telling you that you can’t do something. BECAUSE YOU CAN. You can do ANYTHING you want to do as long as you try. If the circumstances are difficult, that just means you will have to try that much harder. BUT NO MATTER WHAT, you can do ANYTHING you want as long as you put the effort in.
hey i want to become an elite gymnast,an Olympian but I’m 18.Can I start Gymnastics now ?I don’t have any base in gymnastics, although I have a good base in Yoga and flexibility. I can do even the most hardest postures and splits with utmost ease.Can I become what I wish to. Please someone answer my query, I have waited my whole life for this opportunity, I want a carrier in it, a Good one. Please
Im a 12 year old and im currently doing excel gold and trying to go to J.O. Im was told I was too old to switch to J.O( even though i have the required skills for level 4). Im currently switching another gym and im nervous that i wont meet my own expectations and fail miserably. So im I too old to go to J.O?
When I was around 6 years old I attended my local gymnastics club where weekly I would do 2 hours on Saturday mornings, I stopped a year later but really wish I hadn’t now, I wanted to know now that I am 19 years old is there any way I can get back into gymnastics?
I used to do floor routines, balance beams, mats, vaults and high bars. I don’t remember how to do any of it though is my only hold back. This time I really want to get back into it seriously.
Tionne
I started gymnastics when l was 2,but then l had to quit because my sister didn’t like it,but now l’m 11,and l’m 100% determined to become a gymnast when l grow up,although l’m only a level 3.My parents and my sister told me that l was too old to become a gymnast,and l half believed them for a few months until l saw this.l was so happy that l cried
I am 11 years old i started gymnastics when i was 3 then i left for a year then came back and trained at where ellie downie trained until i was 8 then i left then joined again after a year and ever since i have still loved it i really want to get back and compete do i have a chance ? i can do a cartweel , round off , handstand , almost the splits front had spring and backhand spring do i have a chance of being good and competing at a high level please reply quickly
Hi
I am currently 12 years old and have no gymnastics experience.I am not stretchable at all either and am a little heavy for my height (height- 150 cm,weight (110 pounds).But ever since I was little I always dreamed of learning gymnastics.
Is there a way for me to start now at home.
i started when i was 11 and now im 14 and nearly in level 5, i train with younger people but thats totally okay!! i love gymnastics so much and im not letting my age or height get in the way
How tall are you? I’m twelve but I’m only 4’7. I think gymnastics is easier being small but there’s advantages to both sides.
Hi, I am 10. Can I still join gymnastics?
When I was younger I did gymnastics (It was from when I was maybe 5/6?) and I had to stop/take a break because I had broken my arm and I ended up quitting (wish I didn’t) when I was 7 I played a bit of hockey but it just wasn’t my thing. At age 8/9 I did cheerleading and I really enjoyed it because of the tumbling and floor routines.
I had to quit/stop because we moved countries and once we moved I just didn’t get into any sports at all and I wish I went back to gymnastics or cheer but where I live now there aren’t many (if any) places that do cheer/gym. Now I’m 14 and I really want to get back into it but I feel like I’m too old and if there are any classes they’re all younger kids and its just awkward/embarrassing.
I also feel like now my body isn’t fit for it and I was hoping gym could help me get in better shape, right now my height is 5’4 (164cm) and weigh 132 pounds (60kg) and I’m not sure if I could join a team again because I’d like to compete in competitions at least but idk.
Hello, my name is Maryam and I’m11 years old. I had gotten into gymnastics around the age of 5, but left almost a year later. I got back in at around the age of 10. I am currently in level 3 gymnadtics. I don’t want to be an olympic gymnast, but I do want to be as good as one. I was wondering if I have any chance in being as good as an olympian.
Im only 10 but i don’t know if ill be good enough for rhythmic gymnastics.
Remy, just wanted to say…. you should tell your parents about this and ask them to search up a gymnastics place near you and see the ratings and comments. If they show that the place is good and helps all gymnasts achieve their goals because I believe if you join a place like this, you will do great things. Also ask friends about a good gymnastics studio.
I’m a dancer guys and I want so badly to be a professional dancer and/or actress. I try my best to make teachers happy and i do jazz, lyrical, and ballet (want to do hip hop and tap). I have a great love for dance but sometimes think I am below others because some girls my age started before and are gonna be on pointe next year. I am 11 and started 3 years ago. Do you think I will achieve one of these goals? I love watching gymnastics because it is so similar to dance!
Buh-bye y’all!
I’m 28 and am dying to get back into the sport, I did it as a kid but quit when I was about 13 because I wanted to hang out with my friends, not slog away in the gym, and its one of my biggest regrets in life.
I know I’ll not be competing in the Olympics but just be able to even do basic skills would bring me the accomplishment I used to feel when I used to show off to my friends all those years ago. I’m just worried that even in ‘mature’ classes I’ll be left in the dust
I am 56 and I stopped when I was 14 because I only had a 1 day a week class and wasn’t seeing fast progress. No good gym equipment where I lived. I now see Chelsea Memmel getting back into gymnastics at age 33 and a lot of other gymnasts at all levels and ages wanting to do this again.
I am going for it!
I now live in a place with lots of great gymnastics facilities and I have no excuses. Just a love for gymnastics that has never gone away. I want to have the feeling of accomplishment when learning new skills again! And to keep in good shape while having fun! Let’s go for it everyone! If I can start back at 56, you all can start at whatever age you happen to be!
This is amazing! Thank you Laura for sharing!
I’m 11 and I’m in level 6 or 7 depending if I get all the skills for computation season!
ik its 2022 im rlly late but i still want to share. im 13 and xcel gold im pretty sure im moving up. i want to go to jo
ik its 2022 im rlly late but i still want to share. im 13 and xcel gold im pretty sure im moving up. i want to go to jo…………..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m currently crying right now while reading this because there’s all these amazing outcomes and parents supporting it. My parents can pay for it but my family is always telling me, “Oh, Your starting to late” and “Oh your too tall your 5’5 your gonna be like 5’9-5’11”. I used to do competitive cheer when I was younger, I also self teach myself and REALLY REALLY REALLY wanna go to a nearby gymnastics gym to sign up, and I can do skills up to level 6 and It’s my dream to be in the Olympics and I am determined and practice and stretch and strengthen everyday but whenever I say I wanna be in the Olympics and do gymnastics, My family thinks I’m joking. It’s not like they don’t support me or make fun or anything, Cause of course they love me but it’s just that I wish they would actually LISTEN to what I’m trying to say. 🙁
PLEASE REPLY IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS!! IT WOULD REALLY HELP!! 🙁
Sorry Chloe, I’m a bit late, but I hope you still see this because I want to tell you something.
I am only 12 years old, but I am already nearly 5’3 and having growth spurts all the time. I decided a few months ago that I was going to learn to be a contortionist or gymnast or something, and since then have been self-teaching myself contortion. At first, I was far from the splits and could barely hold a backbend for 20-30 seconds. After only a couple of months, I could do the full middle splits and can now do all sorts of tricks in a backbend that I never imagined to be able to do. It feels amazing to do this and I am so pleased I came across it. Even though I am currently more interested in the flexibility side of gymnastics, but I will probably start getting proper lessons and learning tricks next year. Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you.
When I first told my friends and family that I was going to be a contortionist, they were very doubtful of me and some even laughed at me. Mum was supportive, but I could tell she didn’t really think I could do it. But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept trying, and practiced every day using resources I had found online. And I did it. I got a lot more flexible than I used to be, and am still improving all the time. I proved everyone wrong by achieving my goal. And I am proud of it.
You may be thinking this doesn’t link much to you, but the point of me saying all this is that you CAN do anything you want to do. ANYTHING. You just have to try really really hard. Gymnastics level 6 is amazing for anyone, whether they are 3 or 30. I think you are AMAZING to have self-taught yourself that much! But if you still think you aren’t able to do competitive gymnastics, then listen to this. ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING is possible if you only try your absolute hardest. Because you are older and taller than some people who do this, it may be a bit harder for you, but that just means that you will have to try a bit harder. And if you are willing to put the extra effort in, I KNOW you can do it. I hope that you know that too.
You said that your parents don’t think it is a good idea for you to start gymnastics now. Try telling them, “This is my dream, it is what I want to do, and I KNOW that I can do it, but I will have to work hard. But I promise that if I can get lessons, then I will. I will do WHATEVER it takes to achieve my goal.” You could also try showing them what you can do. If you are trying to convince them to let you sign up to a gym, just try to act sure of yourself and speak strongly, and sound like you do believe that you CAN do it. If you want, you can tell them to read this paragraph:
I am tall for my age and taller than lots of famous adult gymnasts. But instead of letting this discourage me, I used it to my advantage. It actually helped me to do flexible things involving my legs with more strength. I went from being about a foot away from the splits to having a middle oversplit in only a few months, and improved my back flexibility greatly in that amount of time. Why? Because I believed I could do anything I wanted, as long as I tried hard enough. Even when nobody else thought I could do it, I stayed strong, and proved them all wrong. You can do ANYTHING you want as long as you work hard enough. If your circumstances are difficult, that doesn’t mean it is ANY less possible. it just means you will have to work that much harder to achieve your dreams. And if you are willing to go that extra mile, then you CAN achieve them. How do you know for sure if you really can do anything, you may ask?
“If you never try, you’ll never know.” – Germany Kent
Hi I started gymnastics when I was about 6 or 7 at school the I moved to a gymnastics club. I was young and didnt try as hard as I now wish I had and now I/m almost 16 and my parents are treatening to make me quit so I can join a gym instead. I really love going to gymnastics and although I’,not super talnted and my club isn’t th best the idea of quitting reallyhurts me. I’m scared I’ll have to stop. I am the oldest in my class tat has 1 other 15 year old. Plz help also sorry for spllling im dislexic.
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