Anyone that played a sport growing up can tell you that their sport not only gave them a way to exercise and have fun, but also taught them life lessons that they still use today. Gymnastics is a great sport that teaches you so much from a young age that you can carry throughout your whole life. Here are a few life lessons from gymnasts that they have carried with them through their teen years and on into their college and their professional lives.

Gymnastics has taught us…

1. “Once a gymnast puts their mind to doing something they won’t stop… this dedication [can be] translated into school or work.” – Karina, Savannah College of Art and Design ‘20

2. “It’s helped me appreciate my commitment and understand how to work as a team as well as an individual.” – Kennedy, King Philip Regional High School ‘16

3. “[Gymnastics] teaches you the ability to take corrections in a helpful way instead of a criticizing way. It teaches you to use others as motivation to be better.” – Jamie, University of Rhode Island ‘20

4. “Gymnastics has taught me to never give up, no matter how hard or how easy the task may be” – Taylor, Springfield College ‘20

5. “[That] perfection is never fully attainable, and that making mistakes is part of learning how to be a happy and successful adult.” – Julia, Bishop Feehan High School ‘16

6. “It taught me that passion, hard work, and dedication makes so much more than just a strong gymnast, it makes a strong person.” – Delanie, Springfield College ‘19

7. “[To] give every ounce of your energy into achieving your goals.” – Olivia, Springfield College ‘19

8. “It taught me how to fail; and how to get up, regroup, and try again.” – Phil, Springfield College ‘18

9. “Something I’ve learned from the sport, that continues to influence me today, is the idea of finding a balance… It makes goal setting and time management important and forces planning and organization.” – Jenn, Cortland ‘10

10. “Gymnastics has taught me to set my sights above where I ever thought possible.” – Linda, Springfield College ‘18

11. “Being a gymnast has taught me to always be diligent; hard work really does pay off in the end, so keep your head high and do what you love.” –Kemba, Springfield College ‘19