Is 17 yrs too old for gymnastics?
437602
This is a hard one. I am a fairly high-level competitive gymnast (*points to username*), and state champion though nowhere near elite level, and I started at age 4. It's really hard to accustom your body to the movements and have enough time to even reach the easiest competitive level if you start after age 10, or maybe 12 at the latest. 17 is supposed to be the peak that you reach after years and years of constant work.\n\nI certainly don't want to discourage you from starting my beloved sport, but I just want to warn you about it all. If you still feel sure about it, go right ahead and try it, though! (It will be a lot easier if you lift weights and stretch at home as well as at practice.)\n\nHowever, if you are not sure, I'd advise you to start off with a tumbling and dance class instead of full-blown gymnastics. You'd be able to advance more quickly since there would be less to learn, but you'd still get the floor exercise elements of gymnastics. In fact, if you're really good at it, you may even be invited to join the actual gymnastics team!\n\nAlso, most gyms offer "open gym" a couple of times a month (usually a Friday night), when you can go into the gym to play around and practice. It's a great opportunity to get used to the equipment and stuff.\n\nI hope this answer isn't too long, but I just really wanted to help someone who's interested in my passion! Whatever you decide to do, I'd love it if you'd email me to let me know. Happy gymnastics!
850295
There is no age limitations. Most people on level four I knew were like 9 year olds, but I knew nine year olds which were on level 8, and I knew 20 year olds who were on level 5. It is just a matter of your skill. If it is a highly competitive  gym, then they will probably be no older than 11 on level four. They don't take younger than 7 on level 5, so older than that on four.
931165
I think it would be great for you to get back involved. Most gyms will pair you with kids your own age. When you compete no matter what level you are on you will compete against other kids your age on the same level. For instance if you are a 13 year old Level 3 you will compete against other 13 year old Level 3's not 6 year old Level 3's or 13 year old Level 6's.
843361
Truthfully, I think she's too old to start training for the olympics.  Also depending on where you live she'll have to move away to train.  Another thing to consider is how expensive it is to train for the olympics.  You need to carefully evaluate whether your daughter has the talent required for an olympic gymnastic career.  I was a gymnast for over 10 years, not olympic caliber.  I'm 37 years old and am in pain every single day, I never get relief.  All my doctors agree that the cause is the abuse I heaped on my body during my gymnastics training.  Sometimes I see a chiropractor 3 times a week.  I take muscle relaxors and prescription anti-inflammatories on a regular basis, because sometimes that's the only way I can sleep.  I trained for about 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.  That's not enough training for a olympic gymnast.  You seriously want to think about this; there are only a dozen olympic gymnast at a time.  That's a pretty small chance for a lifetime of pain.  No one tells you this when you're 15 and think you could never get hurt.  You will get hurt as a gymnast; it's a just a question of how bad.\n\nSvetlana Boguinskaia and Svetlana Khorkina are considered tall for a gymnast and they're both right around 5'4".  Check out the last link below, Maria Olaru retired because the new code of points was not suited to her height and she's only 5'3".  The best advice I can give her is to practice her routines, just do routine after routine and make sure you like your floor music because you have to listen to it over and over and over, etc.
553322
I have done gymnastics for the last 12yrs. The levels are a little differant here in south africa but I've been doing elite for the last 5 yrs.. u can email me@ gymfreaksa@yahoo.co.uk if u want. i have a good knowledge of the sport, i have also been judging for the last 3 yrs and coaching for the last 5...
736625
Go for it!!!  No you are not too old to start.  Yes it's true that most of the class will be younger than you, but sometimes people start after retirement.  It will be tough at first, but keep practicing and you will improve in you techniques, strength and flexibility.\n\nIn a good martial arts school, you will be allowed to "ease in" to training.  You will be expected to try and keep trying, sucess will come with time.  It is normal to feel akward at first.  In a good school, thier philosophy on fighting will be similar to this:  Walk away from a fight if you can, run if you have to.  Fighting is a last resort.\n\nIf you are concerned about any part of training, you should be able to talk to the Sensai (instructor) about your concerns and the sensai should give you satisfying answers.  If you do not feel like you can discuss your concerns, then go to a different school.\n\nIf you want to talk to me about choosing a school, feel free to IM or email me.
438400
I have taught gymnastics (to kids) for many years.  I did teach my adult (non-gymnast) brother to do a back handspring though.  So you're never too old to learn.  Before I would teach a front tuck on the ground I would teach it on the trampoline.  After you learn how to correctly do the flip on the tramp then you can move it to the floor.  Most gymnastics clubs have a trampoline so I would look for lessons there.  Some gymnastics clubs do have adult classes or some would set up private lessons for you with one of their coaches.  I would look up gyms in your local phone book and just call and ask questions.  I believe people can do anything they put their minds to.  Just be willing to do the hard work that comes with it.  Good luck!
920486
In my opinion, as a coach, gymnasts, once they hit level 5, shouldn't skip levels. If you're a 6 right now, you could do 6 in the fall and 7 in the spring, since level 7 and up competes after the New Year usually. But in level 7 you have to spend time working on your layout and front handspring punch front, both of which are crucial to quality elite front tumbling passes. Also, no one is an expert at giants on bars right away, and Level 7 is where you perfect your giants before starting pirouettes and whatnot in 8 and 9. As far as beam goes, when you get to level 8 you have to connect 2 backwards skills, like back walkover back handspring. In Level 7 you can perfect you backhandspring. If you rush your levels without spending a year at each one, you'll always be at the bottom of the pack in placements, whereas, if you do a year at each level, you're more likely to score in the 9s and 35s for your all around score. Some kids think they have a full on floor, so they should automatically move up to level 8, but tumbling is a small part of gymnastics. You have to be well rounded! Not to mention, think about how old you are. I don't know how old you are, but even if you're a freshman in high school, think sophomore level 7, junior level 8, senior level 9, and when you go to college you'll be perfected enough to join a gymnastics team and get a scholarship. If you skip levels though, there's a greater risk of injury and then you wouldn't be able to do gymnastics at all! The best route to go is a level a year, and if you're not making at least a 32 in your all around score by the end of the season, DON'T MOVE UP A LEVEL until you have at LEAST that (That's an average of 8.0 on each event). Good luck!
524664
I'm 65 and go four times a week. Don't like old timers music that much , more into disco. I also play roller hockey and teach it to 6 to 13 year olds and teach Special Olympics skaters Artistic, Speed and Hockey. I guess I still think I'm 16 years old.
2563
I was told by trainers & coaches around 23 to 25 yrs old
496366
depends on how far you want to go with gymnastics and how fast you can master tricks. Gymnastics is definitely the hardest sport in all sports so if you do really well, congratulations. I LOVE GYMNASTICS! Personally, I don't think you can ever be too old for gymnastics.
727322
I agree with Susan, or at least that's what it was before.\n\nI quit about 2 years ago, but I was a level 9 gymnast. I used to compete a lot, about once a week, sometimes on major holidays. I loved the sport, and still do. I quit and moved on to do so much more, but I still love it!
934717
I'd say, level 3 or 4.\n\nHave fun in gymnastics!
697880
17 with a parents consent
1187004
almost 17 with the breaks
1072897
no ...too young. you have lots of time. be patient
133044
Nope! To give you an example, in Turin the youngest is aged 14 and the oldest is aged 58! Well, it could be agrued that the youngest are best for things like ice skating and the oldest are best suited to curling.