Yoga and pilates are great in improving posture and unloading stresses. But if you want to inject more fun into your workouts, gymnastics can help.
Think gymnastics are just for kids? Think again.
Gymnastics may come across as a sport for children and teenagers but in Singapore, things are changing. In fact, adults are becoming increasingly interested in it. Parents are signing up for classes together with their children as a way of spending quality time together, while other grown ups are turning to gymnastics because it’s a more exciting workout than standing on a mat and posing.
“We have a keen group of newcomers who are looking for something fun, different and even a way to connect more with their children,” says Rosanna Trigg, founder of acrobatics centre, The Yard and gymnastics school, Gym With Me.
Trigg is a high performance gymnast, who has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Science and 22 years of gymnastics experience under her belt. “In gymnastics you get to bounce, swing, flip, jump into big foam pits and climb so it’s definitely more fun than running on a treadmill. It also has the benefits of yoga, running, weight lifting, Pilates and CrossFit. All the flipping and ‘flying’ through the air will give you the best adrenaline rush!” she says.
The Yard, which opened earlier this month in Jurong East, boasts an impressive Olympic standard setup that’s perfect for a host of sports including gymnastics, parkour, trampolining, tumbling and conditioning. We speak with Trigg to find out more about the benefits of gymnastics and why it works for anyone of any age.
Is gymnastics really suitable for everyone?
Rosanna Trigg Definitely! Anyone can do gymnastics regardless of their age, abilities or fitness level. The intensity and commitment to the sport varies across different levels. Absolute beginners are taught everything from scratch, with an emphasis on going through basic progressions to work their way up to a particular skill level. This is so we can teach different skills safely, and so that they feel comfortable easing into more challenging moves. Our adult classes have people attending from all walks of life — from those who have never done gymnastics to former gymnasts who want to see what they’re still capable of doing.
What should beginners take note of before signing up?
Trigg Let your coach know why you’re there and your goals, that way the coach can do everything to help you achieve them. Also, be sure to declare if you have any current or former injuries so that the classes can be modified for you. Any form of medical condition that could potentially affect learning should also be made known, such as breathing difficulties or asthma.
