What is adult beginner gymnastics like?

Question

I'm out of shape and in the process of changing that. I've just recently begun working out regularly (squats, leg lifts, weight lifting and ab work mostly) to build up my strength so that I can sign up for a beginning gymnastics class as a hobby. I took gymnastics classes as a child and would like to pursue it again, just for fun. I have no intention of competing, but I think it would be a fun, challenging and exciting way to get into and stay in shape.

So.... What is a recreational adult beginner gymnastics class typically like? How tough would it be?

Answer 1

My experiences with adult gymnastics has definitely been varied. There are places that have adult gymnastics programs where the coach really has no experience with the unique needs of adults. There are other places, I suppose, where the coach is more familiar with the needs of adults. My suggestion, be careful and avoid the temptation to over exert yourself early in the process. My first time attempting gymnastics as an adult resulted in several doctor visits and some physical therapy that could have been avoided with more careful coaching. When I tried it a second time, being much more aware that I needed to go slowly at the beginning, the result was tremendously better.

There used to be a website where you could locate adult gymnastics programs but it has since gone away, which is too bad.

You might want to check out this website for a bit more information on adult gymnastics: http://www.drillsandskills.com/article/4

You can find the archived web pages for www.adultgymnastics.com at www.archive.org which may be a good place to start to find a location near you.

In closing, my family was unable to afford gymnastics lessons when I was younger but it came naturally to me and fortunately for me, my high school had open gym with trampolines so I learned a lot of stuff on my own, discovered diving in college and a little bit of intramural gymnastics. Finally, as an adult in my early 40's I was able to finally participate in an adult gymnastics program. I am happy to report that I conquered new skills that I had never done before including a full double front flip off the trampoline and a layout flip with a full twist. I was even able to come back after breaking my ankle (bad landing on a double front flip and not that big a deal as it turned out) and learn more. Adult gymnastics was just about one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. I would love to continue doing it until I am absolutely not able to do so, say, in my 80's or 90's :-)  Best of luck! Have a great time and take it easy.

Steve