What to do about gymnastics...?

Question

I used to do gymnastics when I was little. I was able to get to level six, but then my parents decided I should quit, since we had problems with my coach.

I thought that I would continue with another coach, but I never got to.

So now I'm fourteen, turning fifteen in October, and I really want to continue. I have been asking my parents to let me continue my training, and I think that they are starting to agree with me.

I'm really not sure if I should though. I haven't done anything, sportwise, for the last four years. I kinda got a bit chubby. My doctor said that he's still deciding if I should, if that would help you answer better.

I don't really think it would be a problem, but I really forgot alot of stuff. ( I know, I'm very dissappointed on quiting. I worked my way up that far, and then suddenly, four years pass and I "forget", or can't perform anything correctly anymore. I can't even do a proper split.)

So, would you think they'd send me back a level? Would they make me continue where I started? Do you think that I should continue and is it safe for me?

And one extra question... My friend was thinking of joining me, but he hasn't had one gymnastic lesson in his life. Is it very uncommon to see a fourteen year old dude learning gymnastics, or tumbling, with a bunch of little kids? Is it even safe for him? He's in good physical condition, as far as I can tell.

Please, and Thanks for the answers. Real life decision...

Answer 1

If you want to do gymnastics again, then I think you should definitely do it!  Why not?  If you find that you don't enjoy it, you can always quit.  But if you don't give it a shot, you'll always look back and regret it.

Since it's been four years, and you've lost some of your skills, then they'll probably start you off at a lower level than you were at before.  But don't worry - you haven't really forgotten how to do your skills.  The knowledge of how to perform them is still in your head - you just have to get your body back in shape to do them.  The conditioning you'll do in gymnastics will build up your strength and flexibility, but it won't help you lose weight, because it's not an aerobic sport.  So you'll probably want to do some additional exercise to get back in shape.  When you aren't in the gym, do some running, biking, or some type of aerobic exercise you enjoy.  Once you get active, it won't take long to shed the extra pounds... and then you'll be able to see those muscles that are getting toned from your gymnastics workouts.

As for your friend... it's not unusual at all for a 14-year-old to start gymnastics. Especially right now.  With the Olympics fresh in everyone's mind, a lot of people are becoming interested in gymnastics.  Chances are, you and your friend aren't the only guys your age wanting to get into the sport.

I hope this helps some!  Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

I definitely agree with Kerrith.  It is not too late for you or your friend.  I don't think that it would be unsafe for anyone, as long as you have the right instruction and coaches.  And don't worry about losing your skills, once you start practicing again you should get them all back fairly quickly (it changes for everyone, though).