I Feel Like I'll Never Be Good...

[d0nut_l0ver]

When I started gymnastics, I was 9. Which isn't too late. I mean, I could be in level 6 or so by now. But I'm not because I did recreational gymnastics at a bad gym for 2 years.

I didn't really know about competitive gymnastics yet. At the gym where I went first, all we did all day for 1 1/2 hours were handstand forward rolls. Not kidding. And we weren't even allowed to use the vault or the high beams! I went to a gymnastics camp and they let me do front handsprings on vault, and then I went back to my gym and asked if we could do them and they were like "NO! That is way above your level!" but I did it fine at camp...

I quickly made it to the highest recreation level, which wasn't very impressive, so I finally found a better gym and was put on their "pre-team."

I've been on pre-team for 2 years now. (I'm almost in level 4... just need that round off back handspring!!! ) The first year I was trying to get accustomed to all these new skills. The second year, I greatly improved, getting my back walkover, pullover (used to have it, but I lost it for a while,) back hip circle (used to have that also,) cartwheel and handstand on low beam, front handspring, and my round-off back handspring is really good with a spot... I think my coaches will let me do it by myself soon! And when I get that, I'll finally be on their team!

But... I have my ups and downs. One moment, I'll be really happy and so glad I'm a gymnast. The next moment, I'll be sobbing, remembering that I am NOT good at gymnastics AT ALL for my age. My friends (same age as me) have 1 and ups while I don't even have a back handspring.

I try to think about my other friend, who is only a bit younger than me and is not nearly as good as me, but she's always happy and optimistic and she cheers me up. And then, I'm almost the best in my group. Maybe not best on bars... but most people don't have their front or back walkover. (I ALMOST have my front walkover- I get up part of the way but can't get all the way over!!) And they can't even do it with a heavy spot. So I guess I'm good, compared to lots of people.

Still... recently I have been in my "down" mood a lot. I think I need some cheering up and encouragement.... thanks.

 

[gymnastbeth]

Don't worry about it! You aren't too old for your level at all, there are plenty of ADULT gymnasts, who are just beginners. Try to be happy with what you can do, you seem pretty excited to almost be on team! Everyone has their bad days, the important thing is to get past them, and not dwell on it too much. Hang in there.

 

[livelifetumble8dx]

Everyone has their ups and downs! Just remember you are a great gymnast, everyone hits a rough bump eventually! Like gymnastbeth said, you just have to get past them. All those skills will come with time, some quicker then others. That stinks about the other gym, but hey. look at the bright side. You are at at a new gym that seems like its working really good for you and getting tons of skills that you will need to be on team eventually. That round-off back-handspring sounds like its coming along great, i'm sure you'll get it real soon! Just Keep on keeping on!

 

[Kiwi]

Don't worry about your age, just focus on all the skills you are getting and let yourself feel good about all you are achieving! It sounds like you're doing great! And you have a fun friend to share your experiences with. I think it is wonderful that you have this opportunity to do competitive gymnastics. I only started gymnastics at 9 too, and did a few years of recreational gym with fairly apathetic coaching. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to do what you're doing! I gave up gymnastics at about 14 and didn't do any for nearly 30 years. I took up gymnastics again almost two years ago, I am now 44 and just starting to learn round-off back-handspring!

 

[gymnastgets10]

Just hang in there! Try not to compare yourself to other people. Your age or skill level don't matter - all that matters is that you're having fun and learning new things, which it sounds like you are. Good luck on your roundoff backhandspring, and I hope you make level 4 soon!

 

[iBleedChalk]

Since when does age matter? Ever? Gymnastics is about having fun and pushing your limits If you feel like you're not doing well, push yourself harder. And if things aren't going so well don't beat yourself up! Gymnastics isn't easy, even when it seems like it is to higher level gymnasts. Just keep your chin up and work hard. It'll all pay off in the end

 

[d0nut_l0ver]

Thanks everyone. I feel a lot better now.

And I found my old goal sheet from like a year ago; I have attained 3 of those goals and have completed at least 1 step in each long term goal!

I think that if I could get over my fear of stoops and high beam, then I'll get a lot farther, and faster. If I had a stoop, I could do a whole routine! Pullover, back hip circle, stoop, jump to high, tap swings, jump off! And... a fear of high beam isn't good... if I didn't have a fear, I would have my cartwheel and handstand on it!!!