Growing up, most kids typically try playing a sport at some point. For a lot of the kids in my town, it was either soccer or basketball, but for me it was gymnastics. Where I grew up, gymnastics wasn't really a big thing since my high school didn't have a team. But nonetheless I started when I was in second grade, and continued through my sophomore year of high school. I was one of a small group of girls at school that did gymnastics. It was a love-hate relationship all the way. Some days I'd come home feeling awful where every muscle in my body ached, but other days I'd come home feeling on top of the world after getting a new skill. I miss it more than anything now but I know it’ll always be a part of me. I'm sure this is the same for a lot of ex-gymnasts. Here's a list of little things that any gymnast or ex-gymnast can relate to:
1. You’re not afraid of heights.
Climbing a ladder? Big rollercoaster? Bring it on. After all, you have to do tricks on a four inch wide piece of wood that’s four feet off the ground.
2. You know what it’s like to be sore in spots you never thought possible, as well as all the other spots… all at the same time.
Was there ever a day when you weren’t sore in at least one part of your body?
3. You brush off injuries like they’re nothing.
“No I’m okay, it’s just a broken ankle! I can still practice, right?”
4. You are super competitive.
Since you were little, gymnastics has taught you to strive for that 10.0 and with that comes the competition. People sometimes think you’re aggressive but really it’s just your strong drive to win.
5. You can beat all the boys in gym class for the fitness test.
People would stare in awe as you complete 30 pull ups and pushups in a row without even breaking a sweat.
6. Other people trying to do a cartwheel makes you cringe.
Why…. just why?
7. Stick It will always be one of your favorite and go-to movies.
8. When people get blisters on their hands and complain, but they don’t know the least of it.
9. You hate when people don't put in the effort.
Nothing is more annoying than when someone isn’t trying.
10. Sometimes you just get the urge to do a handstand, no matter where you are.
I mean, what's a trip to the beach without a handstand picture?
