Women Quitting

[NZGYMNAST0704]

Hi, so basically I am an Nz Steps gymnast (12), ai finished comoetiting step 6 in September and start competiting step 7 in may.

Lately I have been not really enjoying training, and sort of falling out of love with gymnastics I got a new coach, and just in general the days I have off I enjoy way more than I do being in the gym.

But I am scared that it is to late in the year to quit. I am also going to high
School next year- January and have been wondering if I should just have a fresh start.

So what do you guys think, I need your advice
Sorry for any errors

 

[Dahlialover]

A lot of gymnasts quit before high school in order to have a fresh start. If that is what you want to do, that is fine. The key is to make a plan for what comes next. I recommend looking into other sports and exercise activities you might like to do after you leave gymnastics, so you don’t go from a ton of exercise to none at all. And be careful not to replace gymnastics with nonstop social media! Make a plan to try new things that really excite you. Good luck!

 

[Janneke]

Also in NZ. One thing I am seeing is a lot of end-of-year fatigue. Everyone is over it and ready to be done. Add in the countless special activities, school concerts, prize givings, graduation, throw in some social events and I think is is a difficult time of year all around. With the summer holidays coming up, I am assuming your gym will take a break. I think that will tell you a lot. If after 3 weeks off you are ready to get back in the gym, you are not ready to retire (after STEP 3 it is no longer quitting, you have put in the time, you are retiring). If you cannot stand the thought of having to go back in the new year, it may be time to move on.

 

[JessSyd]

It's OK to stop and try new things. And don't overthink it - any decision you make is reversible if you change your mind, particularly if you stay fit and strong.

Lots of people come back after finishing up because they discover they miss it. And lots of people find something else to love instead and never look back. Either outcome is good.

 

[ryanolympian]

I’m here to let you know that getting discouraged and seeking new things is part of growing up, and there will be many more times you feel this way no matter what sport or hobby it is. This is a magic time for growth and development- whatever you apply yourself to over the next 2-3 years will make a lasting difference on your abilities, your mind, and your body. Everyone has “awkward phases” while they are growing through these stages- Even early age “prodigies” get clumsy in ballet, gymnastics, piano, or whatever. It’s just part of the training cycle of development, and should not be taken for a drop in potential or ability. Your body is changing, so of course it’s out of sync. Everyone, especially at your age needs at least 90 minutes a day of physical activity- so why not gymnastics? You know what you’re doing there, and how to make yourself better and stronger. If you weren’t doing gymnastics, then what else would you do for your daily exercise? Do you play soccer or basketball? Ballet or Hip Hop? Whatever you’re into and good at, this is the time that you’ll develop the foundation of skills that you can fall back on for the rest of your life. Perhaps you’re comparing yourself to the rare 14 year old star- but here’s the thing- the best gymnasts aren’t 14. They’re always around 22, give or take a few years. This is because of the power they can generate in an adult physique, and the mental acuity of an adult mind is far greater than any kid’s gymnastics— the crazy teenage hormones are done and used up by all the practices at the gym through their awkward teen years. And all those hormones and junk food days and ups and downs were fuel to build the muscle and physically healthy adult that they become. Everyone has days when they don’t “feel like” practicing or going to the gym, or doing their homework, or going to work. But we all have to get up and participate somehow- so if we stay focused and do our best through both good times and bad times, we will reach goals we never imagined were possible. Do your best, whatever you do.