There are a hand full of myths that surround gymnastics that cause parents hesitation when it comes to the sport for their child to try. Some of these myths are false and some of the myths can be fairly true.
What makes these myths “true” is based on how your gymnast trains. A lot of the myths that people think are true can be due to other things happening in a gymnast’s body.
If you would like to ease your mind and learn about some of the gymnastics myths, then keep on reading!
Gymnastics Makes You Short (Stunt Growth)
Gymnastics is a sport that consists of a lot of practice, a lot of hours, and a lot of hard work along with dedication. According to a Greek study, the bones of female gymnasts develop about two years behind the female’s age and the bones of male gymnasts develop about one year behind.
I personally am not a doctor, therefore, I do not have the equipment to study and understand this subject on growth stunts. What I do know is that your height also depends on your gender, age, and your genes.
Gymnastics Makes You Skinny (Lose Weight)
Like I just mentioned above, gymnastics calls for a lot of dedication. Gymnasts train extremely hard and burn a lot of calories during practices and meets.
Gymnasts are typically thin, but they gain a lot of muscle. Gymnastics is a great way to stay in shape because it is a lot of exercises, therefore your gymnast will definitely get quite the workout!
Gymnastics Makes You Ripped (Muscle Wise)
Gymnasts gain a lot of muscle from all of their hard work that they put into their routines. Gymnasts use a lot of upper body strength for support which results in them having muscular arms, shoulders, abs, and backs.
Gymnasts use their legs as well and will definitely have defined leg muscles. Gymnasts are usually described as having an upside-down triangle shape.
I will be very honest, the gymnasts that I know have the strongest bodies I have ever seen! It is beneficial for the gymnast of course because he/she will be able to definitely out-do anyone when it comes to pull-ups!
Gymnastics Causes Back Problems and Scoliosis
Back problems and scoliosis is a very popular topic that a lot of parents talk about when it comes to sports. Naturally, parents want to have their kids try activities that do not cause such issues.
Gymnastics is a sport that will be bending and twisting the spine therefore over time, back issues and scoliosis can develop. Does it definitely happen to every single gymnast? Of course not; other factors definitely come into play as well.
Something to remember is that your gymnast is performing skills and learning skills with professionals. The professionals know how to handle the gymnasts and will make sure that they take step-by-step precautions so the gymnast can prevent an injury.
Gymnasts are extremely flexible, and stretching is really important to do if your gymnast does have back or spine problems. Stretching daily before and after workouts will help relieve tension in your gymnast’s spine.
A lot of the times, doctors may recommend moderate yoga to help release pressure off the back and spine because not only are you stretching, but you are learning how to relax and breathe through muscle pain too.
Gymnastics Causes Arthritis
This may be a topic that crosses your mind as well when you are watching your gymnast perform. When a gymnast hangs his/her leo permanently, it is possible for muscle and bone problems to develop over time. This is because your gymnast’s body is used to all of the hardcore workouts and physical activity that the body is trying to catch up.
Years and years of such high-intensity training can put stress on your gymnast. Will arthritis develop in every single gymnast? No. Just like the scoliosis situation, other things can be the reasoning for arthritis rather than just gymnastics.
Gymnastics Causes Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused by the construction of collagen in your skin. Everyone can develop stretch marks, you do not have to be a gymnast to get them. Men, women, and even children of all ages can develop stretch marks.
To be honest, when it comes to this subject everyone is different. It all depends on your skin, and everyone has different skin because everyone’s body is totally unique.Usually, stretch marks appear on our bodies when we train too hard too fast because our skin cannot keep up with the fast pace.
If you want to reduce the chances of this happening to your gymnast, then he/she needs to trains at the right speed. Your gymnast should take the time to stretch before and after workouts as well as learning new skills step-by-step without rushing to get it over with.