For the last 20 years, I’ve owned and operated a gymnastic gym where we train kids from ages 3 to into their mid teens.
We instruct boys and girls who are just looking to have some fun as well as those who plan to compete at the college level.
The task is especially physical. I need to guide and support the body of the gymnast as they attempt more difficult skills. I am not a large lady. I am slightly over five-feet tall. While I am strong for my size, many of the kids are taller and heavier than I am. Experience and know-how allows me to safely spot them. I also need to keep myself in peak physical shape. Outside of my work at the gym, I focus on my personal fitness with a weekly, hour-long workout. I make sure to focus on the whole body and all different muscle groups. I always include at least 30 minutes of high intensity aerobics to elevate the heart rate and get the lungs working at maximum capacity. I concentrate heavily on strength training. Lifting weights and performing lunges, squats and push-ups keeps both my upper and lower body strong. I prioritize a full range of motion, balance and flexibility. I often need to contort or extend my body and quickly react when a gymnast does something unexpected. Taking great care of me allows me to prevent the kids from getting hurt. It also protects me from drastic injury. Despite my dedication to great diet and fitness habits, I am always a bit sore and sleepy at the end of the day. Since I legitimately care about working with the gymnasts and helping them achieve their goals, it’s worth it.