Axios reporter tries to tumble to her youth
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This week, I attended my fourth and final adult gymnastics class in a month-long quest to regain my teenage roundoff back handspring (flip-flop) before I hit 57 next month.
Why it matters: It doesn't really — except to the fragile ego of a certain middle-aged Axios Chicago reporter.
Friction point: I skipped reporting on last week's dismal progress because I almost threw in the towel.
- A few round-offs during warm-ups left me with debilitating pain in both elbows that forced me to leave early, unsure if I could even drive home safely.
- It was that bad.
Yes, but: After a week of rest and physical therapy using exercises my athletic son sent me for medial epicondylitis, Wednesday night, I was ready to give it one last try.
The strategy: I took it easy during warm-ups and saved my meager arm strength for spotted flip-flops — my first in 42 years — on a springy "tumbling track." Moderate success.
- I next practiced back tucks (summersaults in the air) on the much springier trampoline to build confidence for a crazy idea.
The moment of truth: At 9:20pm, just 10 minutes before my final class ended, I feared my back (which never regained its flexibility after my first child) couldn't handle a roundoff flip-flop. But maybe it could handle a roundoff back tuck. 😬
- I practiced a few times on a big puffy crash mat and didn't quite stick it. But time was running out — which is always a great reason to fling oneself backwards in the air, right?
- With 30 seconds left, I moved the puffy mat and went for it.
The bottom line: I did it!!!! Not my roundoff flip flop, but a back tuck — something technically harder. And now I'm hooked.
What's next: I'm signing up for another $175 session of classes at Lakeshore Academy this summer, joining a group of other supportive adults — mostly in their 20s and 30s — trying to get their groove back.