Gymnastic: flexibility can be gained later in life?
82145
If you aren't flexible as a kid it isn't likely you can be as an adult. You can however increase your flexibilty (to a point), but the kind you're talking about starts young..
1058609
Our body gives subtle signs of aging early on. Flexibility begins to decline in our 20s. Muscle strength begins to decline in our early 40s. We may have trouble balancing. Walking helps with muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. It offsets the effects of aging in other words.
266333
Oooh, I'd be careful with that.  You should really speak with a doctor, preferably an orthopedist about that.  I'd say "yes" to things like riding a stationary bike or other low impact exercises.  I'd say "with care" to things like weight lifting, running, aerobics, etc.\n\nWhy don't you give spinning a try?  I just took that up recently and love it.
632187
Gymnasts train very hard. They have very defined lean muscle and are very flexible (and super short =P) You need to do alot of stretching to help increase your flexibility. Also, you need to do all-around strength training, because gymnasts use their total strength to achieve their routines. Don't use too much weights, you are not bulking up. You need to balance strength and conditioning. \n\nAlso, it wouldn't hurt to join a youth gymnastics club, where they can help you learn how to do standing back flips and the sort.
563781
it helps one improve flexibility, speed, agility, strength - upper and lower body, jump, coordination, endurance.....an excellent sport for any kid , develops all kinds of athletic abilities.Over the years might be hurting the back, but mainly form improper technical moves.
699039
I was also in gymnastics when I was younger. First of all, practice, practice, practice. Also, sometimes, practice can only help so much. Some people are more limber than others, and some people have naturally better balance than others, and both of those are essential when preforming in gymnastics. The key is to work hard and don't get discouraged over slow progress. Also, do alot of stretches at home to help make yourself more limber. I liked to stretch my legs on my bedroom floor while doing my homework. Also, I found that practicing flips on a trampoline was easier and less intimidating than trying to practice them all the time in a crowd of other people so close to the hard floor. Last of all, have a couple of friends to practice with. They will help you when its time to learn how to do flips. Have fun and good luck!
1012356
Yes indeed!  By all means feel free to train with weights!  They have been proven beneficial at any age.  Start out with light weights.  I would recommend a book call Body for Life by  Bill Phillips.
1011727
The longer you condition your body, the more likely you are to improve your time regularly.
1168100
The best answer i can give you is maybe going to the nearest gymnastics facility and asking the owner or a coach to see if you can come in and work out a little.\n\nFYI: this is coming out of a gymnasts mouth
157743
There are no truly "double-jointed" people. Some people have tendons and ligaments that are not nearly as tight as others, and some have done enough stretching and bending to loosen their ligaments and tendons. The key is going slowly. Ligaments and tendons can separate, tear, and literally snap if you go too far too fast. Slow, smooth repeated motions that gradually extend your range of motion (like yoga) are probably best. You have some genetic limits that are related to how your own particular body is constructed. Someone else may have genetic limits that are greater or less than yours. You can however, in almost every case, improve your flexibility within the limits that your body type imposes.
890648
Depending upon on your age, train hard so that you can get into a university with a great gymnastics program. Until then, see if you can train with a junior Olympics team or a junior National team. Look around your area for esteemed schools that have produced olympic hopefuls.
452843
Do Yoga & Piliates it will increase your flexibility and it will tone your body and increase endurance.
917134
Some people are naturally more flexible than others. Its just the reality that you may not be able to do them as well as the other girls.\n\nIf it really bothers you, enroll in gymnastics -- your trainer will help you increases flexibility and teach you the proper ways to do splits, flips, stretches and such.
317771
you can flex it by focussing on that muscle
1132377
Yoga is great for flexibility and strength........if your just stretching at home just remember not to bounce in a position.....you could possibly tear something.\nThe best thing is to find a position that you can really feel a stretch and hold it until you cant feel the stretch anymore........then push a little further and hold.....etc.\n\nTry stretching every day.....and you'll be surprised the out come after a few weeks.\n\nIf all else fails try training with a gymnast or a dancer (we always have little trick of the trade) And we rely on our flexibility to do our sports properly.\n\nGood Luck!!
428656
No it does not. please dont do it.  You can increase your flexibility in less than a week.  Concentrate on a certain part on your body.   Sitting on the floor, with legs together try to touch your toes.  Notice how far you can go.  Hold it as far as you can & reach for a count of 10 and release.  Do it again but a little further.  If you cant go further keep doing that until you feel comfortable pushing it. Do this daily.  After a short while you will be able to stretch a lot further.  Try the same thing standing up (if you can keep your balance)  I used to be a cheerleader in highschool and college.  During the off time it was easy to "tighten up" again.  Keep at it.  The same concept works with arms and back areas.  Good luck.
324363
The best way to improve is to practice routines over and over.  Also, don't forget the little stuff, point your toes, take all moves through to their conclusion, amplitude.  Stretching and conditioning are extremely important.\n\nI am a 36 year old former gymnast.  I trained for 15 years.  I didn't go far, but it was my passion.  I don't regret doing it, but I'm paying the price now.  I see a chiropractor at least once week and when I'm really hurting, 3 times a week.  I have alot of physical problems that are all caused by gymnastics.  I am in constant pain from the abuse that I heaped on my body.  I'm telling you this so that you can be informed.  No one told me that this could happen.  I'm not sure I would have believed, when I was 16, but it would have been nice to be told.  Good Luck.