Off Topic My parents want me to do less gymnastics

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So I currently do gymnastics twice a week and practice at home everyday except for one day a week. My mother wants me to start going to gym only once a week, and not because of financial reasons. She wants me to ‘try other things’ like swimming or golf, both sports I don’t really like. I can appreciate them, but I’ve done swimming in the past and it was not my thing. Golf is…..well, it doesn’t involve going upside down so not too thrilled about that idea. My dad also agrees I should try other things but my heart is with gymnastics. Im improving a lot, I got my backwalkover and front handspring and even did an aerial off a raised surface.

If I were to do something else, I’d do tumbling or ballet (I know ballet is an art but it’s still exercise), but my parents aren’t too keen on either. Basketball is also an option but I’m only 5’6” so I might be shorter than everyone else. I might just do running since that’s good for cardio, but I really, REALLY want to focus on gymnastics.

Another reason they want me to do less is I am a bit accident prone. Like last practice I landed on my face on trampoline and got an impressive bruise on my cheek nose and jaw that is now barely gone (I looked like Rudolph with a purple nose. People thought I had gotten into a fight XD). My back is also currently pulled so I can’t go to my next two lessons. My mother freaked out when she heard one of my coach’s had arthritis…. At 18. She doesn’t want the same for me which I get but that’s pretty rare.

How could I persuade my parents to let them keep me in gymnastics twice a week? Get my aerial and do one in front of them? Plead until they give in? Or should I give in and try swimming with gymnastics only once a week?

Also, I completely understand where my parents are coming from. I am not trying to disrespect them in any way. They want me to experience a lot of different things which I very thankful I even am lucky enough to have the opportunity to do. But right now, I just want to do gymnastics.

I appreciate your responses!
 
I would try swimming and if you don't like it... then ask for more gymnastics again. What if you really like swimming?
 
What jbs said...and if you don't and your parents still force you ask if you can do 2 days gymnastics + 1 day swimming
 
How about you do some research and prepare a presentation for your parents on the benefits of gymnastics.


Any parents do fear gymnastics because they hear the stories of elite gymnasts, or they think their child will get hurt.

It’s also common for parents to be concerned corned that their child is specialising and. It trying enough sports.

But gymnastics is the foundation of all all sports. Gymnasts can often take up any sport and excel due to the high level of agility achieved through gymnastics.

The benefits of gymnastics as innumerable, I’m sure you could put together an impressive presentation.
 
My daughter loves to flip upside-down too! It's a super thrill for her. She stopped artistic gymnastics and now does T&T and that is less time in the gym. And she has enough time to do golf too. It's not her first love, but she is good at it because of the good body awareness that gymnastics gave her.

I believe it's good to diversify. You're an athlete and doing other things that will challenge you in different ways and excersise different muscles could translate back to doing even better at your gymnastics.

If they want you to try other things I'd also recommend track, rock climbing at a rock climbing gym cheer, or diving. Try it for a little bit and if you just can't stand to be out of the gym go back with even more zest!

Good luck to you!
 
So I currently do gymnastics twice a week and practice at home everyday except for one day a week. My mother wants me to start going to gym only once a week, and not because of financial reasons. She wants me to ‘try other things’ like swimming or golf, both sports I don’t really like. I can appreciate them, but I’ve done swimming in the past and it was not my thing. Golf is…..well, it doesn’t involve going upside down so not too thrilled about that idea. My dad also agrees I should try other things but my heart is with gymnastics. Im improving a lot, I got my backwalkover and front handspring and even did an aerial off a raised surface.

If I were to do something else, I’d do tumbling or ballet (I know ballet is an art but it’s still exercise), but my parents aren’t too keen on either. Basketball is also an option but I’m only 5’6” so I might be shorter than everyone else. I might just do running since that’s good for cardio, but I really, REALLY want to focus on gymnastics.

Another reason they want me to do less is I am a bit accident prone. Like last practice I landed on my face on trampoline and got an impressive bruise on my cheek nose and jaw that is now barely gone (I looked like Rudolph with a purple nose. People thought I had gotten into a fight XD). My back is also currently pulled so I can’t go to my next two lessons. My mother freaked out when she heard one of my coach’s had arthritis…. At 18. She doesn’t want the same for me which I get but that’s pretty rare.

How could I persuade my parents to let them keep me in gymnastics twice a week? Get my aerial and do one in front of them? Plead until they give in? Or should I give in and try swimming with gymnastics only once a week?

Also, I completely understand where my parents are coming from. I am not trying to disrespect them in any way. They want me to experience a lot of different things which I very thankful I even am lucky enough to have the opportunity to do. But right now, I just want to do gymnastics.

I appreciate your responses!
What about other kinds of dance besides ballet? Lyrical, jazz and contemporary can have tumbling and acro tricks. I do gym and ride horses (if you are accident prone horses wouldn't be a good idea for you XD)
 
What about other kinds of dance besides ballet? Lyrical, jazz and contemporary can have tumbling and acro tricks. I do gym and ride horses (if you are accident prone horses wouldn't be a good idea for you XD)
Yes Horseriding would not be good lol….unless I wanted to amputate my neck and the horses XD

As an update to this thread, my parents have agreed to keep me in two practices as long as the snow is out (which will be till April or May considering where I live). In the summer I’ll have one lesson a week but that will be plenty since I’ll have my air track out by then and I can practice outside. My goal is to improve enough to get my back tuck by the end of this year….seeing the resources I am very lucky to have, I think it will end up happening!
 
Thanks for the update! I'm so glad you and your parents were able to come to an agreement that keeps you doing what you love.
 

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