Too old for gymnastics??

Question

I'm 15 and I want to start gymnastics. But I'm afraid that I'm too old. Although I'm slim, I'm not very flexible at all, and have never ever done gymnastics before. I DO NOT want to do it competitively, or go to the Olympics or anything, I just want to have fun with it.

I'm also afraid that if i start, i will be with people less than half my age and will feel out of place. What would be helpful is a few gymnastics places in the nassau county, or brooklyn area in new york.

Answer 1

It is hard to start late, trust me I know. I looked around some websites to try to find things to help you and the only tip I can really give you is to practice. Do not let anyone get into your head or second guess yourself. If you want to do gymnastics, be aggressive and DO NOT give up. Keep stretching and if you have a trampoline practice the basics like front and back handsprings, your jumps, and possibly front and back tucks. I hope you find these links useful, they could help give you some background information just to help you grasp a better understanding.

http://library.thinkquest.org/4209/moves...

This next site will provide videos to teach you how to do some basic and progressively harder tricks:

http://www.expertvillage.com/video-serie...

http://www.dunraven.org.uk/Events/Pe_Vid...

This final site gives slowed down animations, tips, and descriptions for tons of moves:

http://www.drillsandskills.com/

As for gyms in your area, I would suggest going to one of the following gyms. All of these were found in the USA Gymnastics' club directory, so they are reliable and good. They are all in/near Brooklyn:

Brooklyn Gymnastics Center

1635 Bath Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11214

Phone: [phone]

www.brooklyngymnastics.com

Nova Athletics

3701 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Aviator Sports and Recreation

Hanger 5 FBF

Brooklyn, NY 11234

Phone: [phone]

www.aviatorsports.com

Paerdegat Gymnastics Academy

1500 Paerdegat Avenue North

Brooklyn, NY 11236

Phone: [phone]

HOPE THIS HELPED :)

Answer 2

It's very hard to start late. I tried it, and the kids were all about four years    younger than me and better than me. It may be a little too late because you will feel very out of place. Most gymnasts are level 10 by age 15.

Answer 3

i dont really know about gymnastics places in your area, but if you go to the yellow pages or google maps you should be able to find many in your area (theres a gymnastics place in almost every town) if you just want to have fun with gymnastics, its never too late to start!! just take a beginner class. there will be people much younger than you, but dont worry about it! maybe ask a friend to join a class with you or find a gym with beginner classes for teens. if you are willing to pay, you can get a private class and avoid being with people so much younger. anyways, join and have fun with it!