Being a college gymnast is an exciting and unique experience; it's basically our full-time job. To give you some insight on things only gymnasts have to worry about, here is Jess from "New Girl".
1. 6 a.m. workout.
The workout itself isn't the worst part, it is the fact that you'll be going to class in sweaty gym clothes that really gets to you.
2. When you have a bad day at practice.
It's not the end of the world, but when you feel like all your hard work isn't paying off its easy to feel that way. Sometimes, nothing can fix the way you feel other than some sweets. Or maybe just a good old fashioned pity party in your room.
3. Dating.
He's basically expected to meet all of us and is pretty much always invited to hang out. We will support you in most relationship endeavors, but the second he treats you wrong or you break up with him we will give you the old "you're a 10, he's a 2" speech and you'll feel much better.
4. Studying after practice when all you want to do is sleep.
After you've thrown your body in the air multiple times, thinking about biology or economics seems impossible. Don't worry, just grab a coffee and a teammate. They'll help you through because having older teammates who have taken the classes before is nothing short of a miracle.
5. Picking floor music every year.
Let's be real, a lot of people love watching the floor exercise and for college gymnasts, especially because it shows off your character. I mean some gymnasts have even become internet sensations because of their floor routine! Picking the right music is a process but it is one we secretly enjoy
6. Your conscience as you reach for the TV remote and bread instead of working out.
Okay so eating bread isn't a bad thing technically, but especially during the fall months (or preseason) you have to be sure you're getting in the best shape you can to prepare for the long season ahead. Even if sometimes that means going on an extra jog or putting down the bread.
7. Finally getting to go out with your friends...
8. ...and then having to apologize because you forgot how to act in public.
Due to our crazy schedule packed with weight training, practice, school and tutoring sessions, a night out is few and far between. However, when we do get to go out its basically the greatest party ever with each other!
9. Getting compliments on your outfit when you go somewhere that isn't the gym.
Having your hard work of actually putting on real clothes and makeup and digging your brush out from under your hair ties, be fully recognized because you're usually in minimal makeup, sweaty gym clothes and have your hair in a high bun is such a wonderful feeling.
10. Basically having to cut off the leotard after a meet.
First off, getting into those sequined spandex suits (say that three times fast!), is difficult. They are meant to be tight so as not to get in the way of your gymnastics, but sometimes after sweating during a meet and the copious amounts of hairspray that falls on you, they are even more difficult to get off! Plus, when you're shimmying out of them you have to be careful not to make any of the rhinestones fall off or ripping any of the seams!
11. Watching the Olympics as a team
It is just an exciting experience for us because college is usually the end of the road for gymnasts since your body goes through so much. The chance that you or a teammate knows one of the girls on the Olympic team is pretty high so that is always exciting to watch.
12. When you try a new skill for the first time or for the first time after a break
In gymnastics, you will do a lot of falling and sometimes, all you can do is just ride it out to the ground. By the time you are in college, you pretty much know how to fall safely, but it can still give you that roller coaster feeling in your stomach as you feel yourself plummeting towards earth.
One of the best things is that you travel together, live together, hang out together, literally you are always with them so you learn each other like a book. Sometimes they can just tell when you've had a bad day and need some comfort which is one of the greatest feelings
At the end of the day, I wouldn't change anything for the world. My girls are my family and I'm so lucky to have them by my side through all of the ups and downs. College gymnastics is so fun, and I encourage joining any college sports team!
You learn not only how to do flips and how to run and jump on 4 inches 4 feet above the ground, you learn how to be a leader and how to discipline yourself. You learn that no matter what you shouldn't give up on your dreams and aspirations. Most importantly, you learn how to work with people of all kinds and how to love them for everything they are so the team can be its absolute best.
If ya'll are reading this, and I hope you are, I love you all the most.
