Axios reporter joins geriatric gymnastics trend
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Hey, it's Monica and I'm on a journey to reclaim my 17-year-old gymnastics skills – or at least my round off and back handspring — before I turn 57 this June.
Zoom out: I recently learned that I'm not alone. Other women (albeit younger ones) are taking up the geriatric gymnastics challenge around the country and in Chicago.
State of play: At Lakeshore Gymnastics in West Town, I signed up for one of Chicago's only adult gymnastics classes and it's not cheap.
- The five-week session costs $175 on top of a $100 annual fee.
First week report: I learned that my wrists, shoulders and back need a lot more strength and flexibility to meet my goal. I could barely do a round off without wincing.
- My instructor, Tessa, had me practice backbends and roller-supported walkovers (pictured above) to get the feel of it.
Home work: More backbend practice, handstands, shoulder presses and wrist stretches after my body gets over the shock and soreness from the first week of class.
What's next: Aiming for an unassisted backbend and even walkover by week two.
- I'll keep you posted each week on my progress!
Week 2
Reality check: This may be harder than I thought. After giving myself a tennis elbow-like injury the first week, I'm realizing that I'm not 17 anymore.
State of play: I've shifted my training to no-handed moves like back tucks on the trampoline or one-handed cartwheels to protect my right elbow.
Yes, but: That might have now given me the same condition on my left arm! Doh!
The intrigue: I've loved hearing from other mature former gymnasts across the country who are cheering me on and sharing similar journeys.
What's next: This week, I'll focus on no-handed trampoline work. What could go wrong?