Older Cheerleaders

[vlwcheer]

So now I'm 24 and can still do backhandsprings no problem, and a running tuck (from round off and round off backhandspring)

but sadly I can no longer do my standing tuck, or my hand hand tuck/layout, etc.

Please help, I want to be good again!! Is age a factor? what can I do to make myself a better
athlete again :)

 

[Leithal Weapon]

I'm 18, and the main problem I have with learning to tumble is that as you get older, you get less brave :rolleyes: We're more aware of hurting ourselves. And also, I actually do hurt myself a lot more than I did when I was younger because I have a lot more overuse injuries. It takes a lot of commitment and strength but you can definitely do it! :):)

 

[GreenStormLucy]

I´m sure you can get your tumbling back. It will probably need more work and motivation, but something you have already had, you can get again.
Take privates, go to open gym or gymnastic classes.

The bigger problem with "older" cheerleaders is, that if you´ve never tumbled, it gets harder to learn new skills and correct technique as you get older.
I see the same in flying and flexibility.
I have girls starting cheerleading with 17 or 18, and their progression is not as fast as the 8 or 10 year old girls, even when both work equaly hard on it.

 

[notyourcheermom]

Some of our local gymnastics gyms have adult tumbling and work with you at whatever level you are. They're not real crowded classes.

 

[Paying4College]

Make sure you have spotters and mats, and you are good to go. And a cheesewedge mat if you have one.

 

[WinstonsGirl]

I'm 33, took gymnastics as a kid, but never could tumble. I got my BHS at 28ish, RO BHS at 29 and RO BT at 31. That's my current skill set. I'm working on more, but I'll never pick it up like the kids can. I did lose all of my mental problems relating to tumbling as I got to the age of "do it now, or you're never going to do it".

While it will take longer to learn (bodies change as we get older, and are now starting to go downhill), I think we also have much better body awareness than a lot of younger kids. Keep training, maybe at a tumbling class too. And keep your strength up, so you can get your skills back. Check your weight. Even 5-10lbs can throw off your tumbling in a big way. I know guys still cheering who are older than me, and they can still pull their tricks. You just have to keep working them. Use it of lose it