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Q&A for How to Become a Self Taught Gymnast
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QuestionI'm scared of doing either one of these tricks. What can help?Community AnswerTry getting a spotter to help. Stretch every day and watch other people doing the particular skill, including using videos. Think about yourself mastering the skill. If it still doesn't help, say to yourself: "I'll be great at this", as a personal pep talk. Finally, take it gradually -- you are not going to master any single skill, let alone all of the skills, in any hurry. All of this takes time, patience and dedication.
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QuestionHow can I do gymnastics without a mat or carpet?Community AnswerDo it on grass. You can still do gymnastics but it would be safer to do it in grass.
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QuestionHow can I get started if I'm scared and weak?Reecelikesfuzzy2004Community AnswerPractice by doing pull ups, push ups, planks, etc. Doing these basic exercises will help build your muscle and your confidence as well.
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QuestionWhat if I am not able to do those things even though I keep trying?Community AnswerNothing is achievable without a lot of trying and everything is achievable with a lot of trying. Practice gymnastics for at least one hour every day (no cheating like skipping Friday and doing 2 hours on Saturday) Use other wikiHow articles on gymnastics to broaden your understanding and routines. It is possible to become an elite gymnast starting off with online courses, wikiHow articles and YouTube videos first, and then local classes followed by private lessons and coaches.
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QuestionWhat if no one can spot me?Community AnswerIt is true, there are times when no one will spot you or you do not want other people around when you are learning the skills. That is all right for some tricks. Try to learn the handstand against a wall. Learn your walkovers by using a raised surface for your feet. (Get into the bridge position, put your feet up on the raised surface and do the walkover from there. Use a trampoline for the other skills first, then try them on grass or a carpet. It is best not to do them on tiles or other hard surfaces as it is hard on the body and could result in injury. At least have a phone nearby in case you need to call someone in an emergency.
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QuestionWhat if I cannot buy the proper materials?Community AnswerYou can use something soft, like grass, carpet or an air mattress, to protect your body if you fall.
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QuestionI'm doing these steps one by one, but I'm stuck on step 6; I can't seem to do a backwards roll. How can I do it?Community AnswerIf you're not going completely backwards, try putting something small like a scrunchie or toilet paper roll under your chin. If it falls out, you know that you're not tucking in your chin.
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QuestionWhat if I am scared I am going to fall and break something?Community AnswerIf you are scared then build up your strength and skills to help you build up. Always have a spotter. Being scared is part of life, so get used to it.
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QuestionHow do I do my handstand without falling?Community AnswerPractice doing it against a wall or getting someone to hold your ankles. Make sure you have a strong core and arms to keep you balanced.
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QuestionWhat If I don't own a trampoline?Community AnswerYou can go to a gymnastics gym near you, or ask a friend of family member that has a trampoline if you can practice on theirs.
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QuestionHow do you stand and walk on your hands?Community AnswerYou should start by doing a handstand against the wall and then, try doing it out in the open. And if you can do that, then try walking. If you don't have mats then do it on the grass.
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QuestionWhat if I don't have time?Community AnswerWork in time around your schedule and ask for days off. Or, consider a different form of exercise.
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QuestionWhat if I'm scared, I'm busy with another sport, my mom won't take me to the open gym, and I don't have a spotter?Community AnswerYou can try your best to study on your own, but to progress to a level wherein you can compete, you will need training. If you can find a friend who is also interested in gymnastics, that will be helpful.
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QuestionHow do I safely do a split?Community AnswerMake sure to stretch every day, and slowly push yourself down. The second you feel pain, move up a little, stay 5 more seconds and stop. Make sure you have a spotter.
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QuestionHow can I gain the confidence to do a handstand alone?Kimberly KimCommunity AnswerPractice doing a handstand in front of a bed so that you'll fall backwards onto it instead of the floor. Continue practicing until you are ready to practice one with a wall behind you and a pillow under your head. Continue to practice until you're ready to do a handstand alone. Don't forget to stretch!
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QuestionHow can I overcome nervousness and lack of confidence when I am around other gymnasts?Community AnswerGive yourself little reminders of how hard you have worked and how good you are. You could repeat positive thoughts in your head, or even write them on notecards to keep in your gym bag for when you need a little boost. Also remember that even professional gymnasts get nervous sometimes. Channel that energy into doing your very best.
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QuestionHow can I do gymnastics at home?Community AnswerYou could possibly buy some equipment off Ebay or Amazon so you can build a home gym. You could also coach yourself with tutorials online.
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QuestionWhat if I don't have a spotter or trampoline and my mom won't take me to the gym?Community AnswerFind a soft object to do gymnastics on, like grass, and start with easier skills, such as a hand stand.
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QuestionI'm afraid to do a back handspring. I have a trampoline, if that helps. None of my friends can help me and my mom won't take me to the gym. What can I do?Community AnswerTry doing a back walkover first, then slowly start to try and bounce back on your hands.
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QuestionWhat if I get hurt but can't yell for help?Community AnswerIf you're trying a new skill, get someone to help you. Only do skills that are solid and easy on your own.
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QuestionWhat if you don't have a spot or a trampoline?Community AnswerEnlist a friend or a family member to spot you before you try any tumbling.
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QuestionI'm a very good self-taught gymnast, but when I do a cartwheel I keep bending my left leg. Any advice?Community AnswerTry going up against a wall or a couch armrest, and do a side split in a handstand. Try to keep your legs straight while in that position.
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QuestionWhat if my arms are too short and I can't touch my toes?Community AnswerTry to go down as low as you can. If you can only touch your knee, it is still stretching out the muscle the same way touching your toes would.
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QuestionWhat if I don't have grass to practice on?Community AnswerYou can practice on the carpet or on another soft material, so that you do not hurt yourself when you are practicing.
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QuestionHow do I learn to do a walkover?HowtloveyouCommunity Answerif you want do to a front walkover, go into a handstand and slowly kick your legs over your head. If you want to do a back walkover, go into the backbend and kick your legs over your head. Be patient, it takes time.
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QuestionIs it too late to be a really good gymnast? I started gymnastics at six but had to quit a year later. Now I am 14 and I love gymnastics. I practice a lot at home.Community AnswerYou can still become a great gymnast. You might be a bit behind the pack for professional gymnastics, but you can still do it as a hobby or skill.
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QuestionI know it takes time to build muscle strength, but what are the most effective and fast ways to build muscle without any equipment at home?Community AnswerDo bodyweight exercises, like push ups, curl ups, planks and leg raises, and follow along to workout videos online.
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QuestionThis is really hard for me and I don't think I can do it. Can I have some encouragement?Community AnswerEvery master starts as an amateur. Try thinking, "How would I think about how I feel right now if I were a world class gymnast?"
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QuestionI cannot kick over from my backbend. Any tips?Community AnswerIf you have a trampoline, you can try bouncing over, and if not, try pushing your legs up a wall.
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QuestionI am scared to do a back handspring and I don't have a trampoline. I have a sister to spot me, but she doesn't know how to. What can I do?Community AnswerIt's not safe to do it without training or attempting using a spotter who doesn't know how. Consider signing up for gymnastics, go to an open gym and get spotted, or ask around to see if there's someone who does know how to properly spot a back handspring.
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