Q&A for How to Do Gymnastics

Start out slowly and try not to push yourself right away! Everything should be in moderation—you should start out with doing anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds of a stretch, whether it's for your shoulders or your back. Try to slowly get yourself into doing that and then eventually reach for each muscle.

Start between 3 and 5 years of age, maybe a little later. Then, sign them up at a USA Gymnastics certified center with professional coaches. These classes will go over the basics, like forward rolls, cartwheels, and backward rolls.

Start practicing with right and left splits. Try to get to a point where you're not in pain but you still feel a good stretch. For example, if you're not feeling a solid stretch, place your left leg toward the back and your right leg forward. Then, start going further down until you feel the stretch. If you don't feel that little bit of discomfort, keep pushing down a bit further.

A strong will is the most important thing. You're going to have to be willing to practice at higher levels than most people, and even when the going gets tough, you don't give up.

Do a search for gyms in your area that teach gymnastics classes. You might also contact the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines to find out about competitive opportunities in your area. You can visit their website at philippinegymnastics.org.

If you're worried about doing a move, it's best to work with an experienced coach or instructor. They can help teach you proper technique and guide you through the move until you get used to it and master the skills you need.

Work with a coach or instructor who can teach you how to do a cartwheel properly. They can guide you through the technique and help you get over your fear.

If you are just starting gymnastics (for the first ever time), try out beginner classes. They help you to learn the basics; handstand, cartwheel, forward and backwards roll, bridge etc. Then move up to intermediate classes and lastly, to advanced. You might even try out for your local gymnastics team and compete.

You should wear a leotard. If you are self-conscious, consider wearing a pair of trampolining shorts with your leotard.

There are gymnastics mats available at many stores, and you may be able to find a deal on them online.

If your parents don't believe in you, just block them out. You know you can do it and that's all that matters. Keep practicing and you'll prove yourself with your results and accomplishments.

Don't worry, you can still become a gymnast. Not everyone is flexible, especially when first starting gymnastics. With enough stretching and enough practice, your flexibility will improve.

You need to warm up, stretch, and make sure that you are wearing suitable clothing. Doing gymnastics in jeans and a shirt is not a good idea. Also, don't do gymnastics after eating.

For the back bend, you might want to have a coach spot you and then you can try it on your own. For the splits all you have to do is practice.

Flexibility is something you gain and the only way to be more flexible is to stretch regularly.

No, gymnasts don't have to be skinny. However, you might be after gymnastics.

Yes, but you will miss out on competitions, and unless you have the equipment, the practice on vault, bars and beams. Since you won't have a coach to help you learn safe practices, it's important to find more experienced gymnasts willing to offer you advice and help you avoid injury.

You can buy gymnastics equipment online. Make sure it's a safe company before ordering. You can order equipment on Amazon or Tumbletrak.

While jumping, pull one of your legs up to your chest like in a tuck jump. At the same time, extend the other leg out in front of you like you would in a pike jump.

There is not really an age limit to start. Most gymnasts start at age 2-7, but you can begin at any age.

You can definitely try it and see if you like it. If you don't, try something else. Don't quit if you do badly at first. You'll get better if you practice. Smaller people will naturally have an easier time, but you can still be good at gymnastics if you put in the effort.

You can start at any age, but you won't be able to be in the Olympics.

Division I spots and athletic scholarships almost always go to level 10s and elites, but many level 9s compete at the college club level, and sometimes at the Division II or III level. Colleges may also rank you higher if you can perform one or two events at level 10 specifications.

Check out local stores like Target and Walmart. Alternatively, you can go to a sports store, though since gymnastics is not as popular as many other sports, they may not have any. You can also try a dance store, Amazon, or another online retailer.

Start with easy skills and progress slowly. You will find that you have more faith in yourself if you build your confidence first with mastering easy skills.

Yes. You will learn the skills more quickly than younger children, so even if you feel a little bit behind, keep practicing and you will catch up quickly.

You will learn in gymnastics. If that is the only skill you need to move up, try either going to private classes or attending more classes.

You first put both hands on the floor, lift one leg up as fast as you can and bring the other leg with it and then put the first leg on the floor, followed by the other. It is better to do it with a running start.

When practicing, it is definitely better to practice barefoot to avoid slipping. However, if you practice outside, you might want to bring along a pair of shoes to protect your feet.

It doesn't matter your age, if you want to join then you should! Nobody will judge you for doing a sport that you love even if you are a little older.