To receive our e-mailings with answers to questions on training as well as notifications of our new products, our sales, and freebies you have to subscribe to our mailing list.

July 10, 2007

too late for flips or gymnastics?

We are sending to you this information because you have subscribed
to Stadion Publishing Company's e-mail list.

> Dear Tom,
>
> I am personal trainer and having been lifting weights for years
> now and also recently signed up in Krav Maga lessons. Although
> I am turning 41 next week, I am happy that I have maintained my
> flexibility, speed and endurance. One thing though I have been
> always wanted to do but was always terrible at since a kid, is
> gymnastics. Gymnastics is a such an amazing sport. My dream is to
> learn at least a few gymnastic drills. Is it too late for me to
> learn to walk up a wall and do a flip in the air? Can someone my
> age who's fit learn this or is it too late?
>
> Thank you Tom!
> Paula.

Answer:
It is definitely not too late for someone like you to learn flips,
both on the floor and off the wall. To do a back flip (back
somersault) on the floor you don't even have to jump high—a
standing vertical jump of more than 3 inches will do (the higher,
the easier it is). A back flip off the wall needs even less of a
jump than the regular flip.

So, unless you have some balance disorder or frail bones, you can
learn flips and other tumbling skills.

You can learn flips and tumbling if:

—You can jump up a few inches and land in the same spot, facing
the same direction, without twisting uncontrollably to either side
or loosing balance;

—You can repeatedly jump up and down (just a few inches) without
pain—especially in your legs, back, and shoulders;

—You can follow the step-by-step instructions on Acrobatic
Tumbling DVD (http://www.stadion.com/acrobatic_tumbling.html).

And no, you do not need to be very flexible—see my latest column
titled “Can You Have Too Much Flexibility?” at
http://www.stadion.com/column.html.

Good luck Paula!

Sincerely,

Thomas Kurz

P.S.
DVD Acrobatic Tumbling is available at
http://www.stadion.com/acrobatic_tumbling.html.

P.P.S.
You can read my recent e-mails with questions and answers on
training. They are archived at
http://www.stadion.com/mailings/mailings.html.

If you use RSS (Real Simple Syndication) the url is
http://www.aweber.com/z/rss/?stadion-list.
(What is RSS and how to use it is explained at
http://www.basictemplates.com/blog/2005/06/rss-real-simple-syndication.shtml.)

Exchange tips on working out and competing, and discuss training
and performance problems on Stadion's Sports and Martial Arts
Training Discussion Forum at http://www.stadion.com/phpBB3.

Let your friends know about the above-mentioned resources.
Forward this message to every athlete you know.

Stadion Publishing Home | What's New at Stadion | Questions & Answers on Training | The Athlete's Bookshelf | What Others Say About Our Titles | Contact Stadion Publishing
Register to be notified of free information and new products

© 2007 by Stadion Publishing Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. This internet site is protected by copyright. Any distribution or duplication of any of its content (text or images) without written permission from Stadion Publishing Co., Inc. is prohibited by law.