NO Gymnasts over 18 allowed!
- Catherine Love
- Mar 29, 2016
- 2 min read
So what do you do as an adult gymnast when gyms won't coach you or even let you work out because you are over 18 years. This is usually an insurance issue. Large gyms or multiplex centers will carry fitness insurance which covers regardless of age. Your small gymnastics-focused facilities often only carry gymnastics insurance, which is significantly cheaper when they limit the age covered on their policy.
So here are some things you can do.
1. Call ahead and schedule a meeting with the head coach or owner. Avoid walking in a gym and having to convince the front desk you are legit. This often leads to frustration. Layout your goals (your desired practice schedule, your current level, your planned competition schedule, your skill goals, etc). Ask how you guys can create a mutually beneficial scenario. This has always worked for me. I actually have a gymnastics resume and videos so they understand my capabilities.
NOTE: Goals should be SMART and realistic. If your current level is 5 and your workout schedule is two days a week, it is unrealistic for one of your skill goals to be a double back. A double back may be your vision, but to be seen as a gymnast and not a liability by a gym owner or a head coach you need to have short-term, realistic, measurable goals.
2. See if there is a local group of adult gymnasts. If not, create one yourself. Meetup groups and Facebook Pages are an easy way to recruit. Get insurance for your group. Then approach the gym about renting space and/or coaching. You can also recruit a coach so you are completely independent.
3. Ask for a employment, even as a back-up birthday party supervisor. Anything that will add you to their insurance policy.
