According to the latest figures, the U.S. is home to around five million gymnasts. Yet, even with the sport’s popularity, myths about gymnastics remain rife. Examples range from potential danger and injury to concerns surrounding a fear of heights. Crucially, these and other similarly unwarranted gymnastics myths have grown increasingly widespread.
Thankfully, and regardless of such tales, interest in the sport remains high. That’s despite an overall slight decrease in participation – something which may or may not have roots in unwarranted myths about gymnastics.
Five Common Myths about Gymnastics
At Lake City Twisters in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, we’re keen to put unwarranted gymnastics myths to bed once and for all. With that, what follows is a five-minute debunking of just a handful of myths about gymnastics, starting with one of the biggest.
Myth #1: Gymnastics Is Dangerous
Arguably one of the most common myths about gymnastics that we hear at Lake City Twisters involves the sport being dangerous. Of course, there are risks involved with almost any sport – even things like table tennis! When it comes to gymnastics, though, it’s no more dangerous than any other similar activity when things are done properly.
At Lake City Twisters, we pay special attention to age, ability, skill level, and more. That way, our kids learn according to their individual capabilities and needs. The result? Gymnastics is made as safe as possible. With a firm focus on teaching all of the correct techniques, we’re out to debunk the myth that gymnastics is an unnecessarily dangerous sport, one class at a time!
Myth #2: Gymnasts Require Complete Coordination
Meanwhile, and similarly prevalent among gymnastics myths, is the belief that the sport requires complete and utter coordination. Of course, a reasonable degree of coordination often helps – the same is true in most sports. But do aspiring gymnasts need to be super-coordinated? Absolutely not.
In fact, coordination is just one of the many skills taught as a part of gymnastics training. So, if it’s something that’s perhaps slightly lacking, it’s just another goal to work toward. Either way, and like in any sport, gymnastics skills are primarily achieved through practice, whether that’s the ability to cartwheel like a champ or simply be coordinated!
Myth #3: Gymnastics Isn’t a Real Sport
Third on our list of myths about gymnastics to debunk concerns an old tale about it not being a ‘real’ sport. One of gymnastics’ biggest stars right now is 25-year-old Simone Biles. It almost goes without saying that Simone has heard every myth in the book about the sport.
With that, British magazine Glamour recently asked the Olympic gold medalist to address various common but wrongly made assumptions. They started with the misconception that gymnastics isn’t a proper sport. Gold medal-winner Simone told Glamour that she works just as hard as any other competitive athlete, if not harder.
She was also quick to point out how happy and willing people are to watch gymnastics as a part of the Olympics every four years. They wouldn’t do that if gymnastics wasn’t a ‘real’ sport, right? Absolutely not, says Simone, and here at Lake City Twisters, we agree wholeheartedly. Another gymnastics myth debunked!
Myth #4: Gymnasts Can’t Be Afraid of Heights
Another of several further gymnastics myths also debunked by Simone Biles involves a widely held belief that gymnasts can’t be afraid of heights. In truth, the Olympic gold medalist told Glamour magazine that gymnasts actually can, in no uncertain terms, be totally afraid of heights. However, she was, at the same time, eager to point out the reality of the matter.
Simone explained to the popular publication that a fear of heights actually doesn’t affect gymnasts when they’re training. Why? Because when they’re flipping, they don’t notice or realize how high they sometimes are!
Myth #5: Gymnasts Must Start Young
Finally, and the last of our five myths about gymnastics to be debunked is another big one. This time, it’s the widely held misconception that gymnasts absolutely must start young.
At Lake City Twisters, we provide a safe and inspiring environment for tots, children, and young people alike to enjoy gymnastics. From dedicated classes for kids to open gym gymnastics, age isn’t the all-important factor that many believe.
Although kids can start out in gymnastics when they’re as young as two, that’s far from a prerequisite. The reality, as with many gymnastics myths, is somewhat different. Accordingly, most of those who get into gymnastics at an older age can still learn and execute all of the necessary moves impeccably. That’s true even when up against those who began as tiny tots!
Dispel More Myths about Gymnastics with Lake City Twisters
Lake City Twisters is dedicated to informing kids and parents alike about the joys of gymnastics, including debunking myths about the sport. An excellent place for many youngsters to start is with open gym gymnastics. This approach allows participants to have supervised but unstructured gym time. With that, they’re free to explore different areas of the sport and all that it offers.
Moreover, they can also practice their latest moves either on their own or with other kids. All the while, they’re working on improving their skills while learning more about the sport, including overcoming common gymnastics myths. Our open gym schedule is available online.
We also offer various other options, including comprehensive classes, advanced teen programs, and more. So, whether your child is just starting out or has been training for years, we’re on hand to help them progress at their own pace and skill level. At Lake City Twisters, they’ll also develop valuable life skills – something to cherish forever.
All clued in on the various myths about gymnastics and keen to find out more? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Alternatively, call or write to us or drop into our location in Madison for further information and a first-hand look at our wonderful facility.
