Competitive gymnastics?

[Anonymous]

We have been debating about staying with gymnastics for my middle school twin girls. Recently their team lost their coaches (resignation) and a lot of their teammates to other gyms.

My girls play other sports in middle school but we are looking for a gym that supports their development and motivation to excel.

Where are you sending your children?

[Anonymous]

You don’t say where you are now.

[Anonymous]

And are they competing USAG JO, Excel, or something else?

[Anonymous]

To help you, it would be helpful to know if you are in MD, Dc or VA. What level are they currently competing? If they want to participate in other sports, Xcel is more flexible. It is possible to be a multi-sport athlete in DP, but a lot harder once they are in the upper levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To help you, it would be helpful to know if you are in MD, Dc or VA. What level are they currently competing? If they want to participate in other sports, Xcel is more flexible. It is possible to be a multi-sport athlete in DP, but a lot harder once they are in the upper levels.

+1. My DD switched from Junior levels to Xcel at the start of middle school, when she wanted to stay with gymnastics, but knew she wouldn't want to make it her life.

She enjoyed those two years before moving on to a different sport.

[Anonymous]

It's sort of a nightmare, but you'll get good advice about specific gyms on chalkbucket.com if you post there. Don't be tempted to get too personal- people share way too much there and you don't need that drama.

My DD is in DP and younger than yours but honestly the only girls who aren't constantly questioning whether they should keep going are the prodigies that get all of the attention. And I'm sure they have their moments, but they're under a lot of pressure to appear happy. If you aren't in a state with HS gymnastics, then I think the goal is to just keep them participating in any gymnastics through middle school and then consider what HS sports they might enjoy. So choose whatever gym has space right now and is a decent commute.

7th or 8th grade is a terrible time to suddenly have a lot of free time at home. A lot of girls at our gym go on to do multiple sports in HS, especially track, diving and rowing. Some of them keep up their basic skills by attending 1x/week HS classes and open gym, especially if they're involved in more casual HS dance or cheer programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To help you, it would be helpful to know if you are in MD, Dc or VA. What level are they currently competing? If they want to participate in other sports, Xcel is more flexible. It is possible to be a multi-sport athlete in DP, but a lot harder once they are in the upper levels.

+1. My DD switched from Junior levels to Xcel at the start of middle school, when she wanted to stay with gymnastics, but knew she wouldn't want to make it her life.

She enjoyed those two years before moving on to a different sport.

Same here. OP, how invested are your daughters? Do they WANT to keep going?

My daughter was still into it in 7th grade, but her growth spurt sent her to the struggle bus physically and emotionally. She was done by 8th, then went on to be a good athlete in a couple of sports that were new to her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To help you, it would be helpful to know if you are in MD, Dc or VA. What level are they currently competing? If they want to participate in other sports, Xcel is more flexible. It is possible to be a multi-sport athlete in DP, but a lot harder once they are in the upper levels.

+1. My DD switched from Junior levels to Xcel at the start of middle school, when she wanted to stay with gymnastics, but knew she wouldn't want to make it her life.

She enjoyed those two years before moving on to a different sport.

Same here. OP, how invested are your daughters? Do they WANT to keep going?

My daughter was still into it in 7th grade, but her growth spurt sent her to the struggle bus physically and emotionally. She was done by 8th, then went on to be a good athlete in a couple of sports that were new to her.

Growth spurts are particularly challenging for gymnasts b/c the changes in height or weight distribution during puberty completely messes with center of gravity, which is so critical when tossing your body upside down on a 4 inch wide beam. It's not uncommon to see attrition at the beginning of MS and then again at the beginning of HS. Some stick through it all the way. My DC will be a senior next year and there are less than 5 gymnasts still on team when when DC started. Only those that really, really, really love it stay in the DP program. Many former teammates are involved in track, dive or soccer. Gymnasts transition very well to a number of sports, but maybe not basketball. :p

[Anonymous]

What’s your question? Are you debating DP vs Xcel? Do your girls want to keep doing gymnastics? Are you trying to find another gym? Location would help.