If you’ve been on Insta lately, maybe you’ve seen this legend:
John walked (or hobbled, really) into Aspinwall Gymnastics Center 3 years ago. I was coaching on the other side of the gym, and he waved me over. 👋🏼
“Can I help you?” I asked.
He shook his head and pointed at the team girls lined up for floor. “I don’t want them to see me. I’m embarrassed.” 😬
Okayyy, I thought. What’s the deal with this geezer?
Just kidding! But I was intrigued enough to humor him.
“You do private lessons?” John asked. “I saw some football guys do back flips in the end zone on TV, and I thought: I gotta learn that!”
I paused, deciding on my response. As a late-to-the-game gymnast myself, I’m a HUGE proponent of adult gymnasts. Unfortunately, it wasn’t uncommon for adults to start lessons, figure out how much ACTUAL work it takes, and then quit. 🙅🏼♀️
“It’s gonna take a lot of work,” I said slowly. “We may not be throwing it right away.” Definitely won’t be, I thought, but I bit my tongue. “But it’s definitely possible.”
And with that, John began his journey.
John’s first lesson was a flop (literally).
John showed up for his first lesson with the unbridled enthusiasm of a kindergartener wearing her newest leotard. 🩱
(No, he wasn’t wearing a leotard, but you’re welcome for the visual.)
“Have you ever been upside down?” I asked.
This is a question I love asking. Aside from roller coasters, it’s funny to watch adults realize they’ve pretty much been right-side-up their entire lives.
As I suspected, he hadn’t. 🙃
The first flop.
Teetering precariously on top of the vault table, arms crossed like a mummy, John gritted his teeth.
“Are you sure?” he asked me. 😬
“Yep!” I said. “Do you want a little push?”
John blinked. “Maybe. I didn’t think it would be this scary.”
I fluffed “Whaley-Bob” (the name of our big, blue crash mat) and clambered on the table in front of John.
“Here we go!” I said, and pushed two fingers into his chest.
He held his breath and flopped backward toward the mat.
WHOOMP!
And just like that, John was now Jonah, swallowed up by the big, blue, foam-filled whale. 🐳
Heart pounding, John swung his legs over the side. “Woah––” he started.
“Okay, let’s do it again!” I interrupted with a grin.
Cue the mental block montage.
John had been regularly doing weightlifting and cardio before seeing me, so luckily we weren’t starting at square one, physically.
It was his brain we needed to start out with. 🧠
The following lessons were a slew of mental and vestibular training exercises:
- Falling backward onto a mat
- Barrel rolling down a wedge
- Backward rolling down a wedge
- Wall handstands and planks
- Standing double doubles (jk, just making sure you’re paying attention)
One step forward, two steps back.
Let’s rewind a bit. ⏪
As John was getting comfortable with the mental stuff, there was one BIG hurdle I was nervous about. At our first lesson, I noticed something… wonky. 🤔
“What’s going on with that foot?” I asked, not-so-delicately.
No point beating around the bush. His right ankle was stiff, a little lumpy, and his foot was pointing firmly at 2 o’clock. 🕑
I know they say a broken clock’s right twice a day, but I don’t think that applies to back-tuck time.
“I was in a motorcycle accident in my twenties. Compound fracture. I have a metal rod and 8 pins still in my leg,” John said. “Doctors said they could put the rod in or amputate. I said, surgery it is!”
Oh boy,
“Did you go to physical therapy?” I asked.
John laughed. “No such thing as PT back then!” 🏍
Starting on the right foot (again, literally).
I dragged a panel mat across the floor and plopped it at John’s feet. “Okay! Jump up on this.”
John looked at me warily, and I could tell I’d already pushed too far. I kicked it open, gesturing at a measly, 2-inch single panel.
John shook his head. 🙅🏻♂️
I thought for a moment. “Okay. Step up on this.”
John lifted his left foot.
“Uh-uh!” I wagged my finger. “Start with your funky foot.”
Oh-so-gingerly, John lifted his right foot, leaned in, and stepped up. 👣
We had some work to do.
Cue #1: Knees in line with middle toes.
If your gym has done a LIFTOFF Event with me, you know one of my 5 cues for injury prevention is “Knees in line with middle toes.”
For optimum weight-bearing, loading, and supported joints, your knees should be supported by your calves and ankles (i.e. in line with your middle toes).
Ideally, John would have seen a PT for another look at his funky ankle, but with his age, activity level, and being cleared for weight lifting, it wasn’t an option for him. 🏋🏻♂️
So, we started gradually.
Supporting the knees and ankles for impact.
My main concern was making sure John’s knees and ankles were supported to land the tuck safely.
I gave him a warm-up routine, some basic cues, and a program full of ankle strengthening exercises.
I could go into it all, but you can find the full Strong Ankles program here!
He was (and still is!) the perfect student.
“I do my stretches every day. Every. Day!” he still assures me, 3 years later.
And I know he does.
It’s all topsy-turvy now.
Now in 2024, I’ve moved to the background and let my good friend Krissy take over John’s lessons.
I left him off with throwing his tuck with a spot, and Krissy (barely over 5ft tall) has come up with so many creative ways to keep the momentum going.
Here’s the latest update!
With blocks, drills, trampolines, and all the physical spot Krissy can muster with someone twice her size, John continues to build confidence.
So if you’re on the fence about starting gymnastics, DO IT!
Get started with adult gymnastics.
Here are some ways to get it going:
- Call up local gyms and see if they offer adult classes. If not, ask if they take private lessons.
- Attend an open gym. Although instruction will be limited, many gyms offer open sessions with access to equipment and moderate supervision.
- Just like fine wine… Adult Gymnastics Group. <– join this Facebook group to find local adult gymnastics options, competitions, and community!
- Work with me! I do virtual injury risk assessments to help make sure your body is moving in tip-top shape. I’ve helped many adult gymnasts (like John!) start their gymnastics classes confidently because they know their bodies can withstand all the crazy stuff gymnasts have to do.