Which Sports Do Other Gymnasts Try Out?

Whether it be graduation, injury, finances, or other commitments, there comes a time in a gymnast’s life when she will retire the leotard (or at least the competitive one – check out Johanna Quass).

The goal? To find an activity that will challenge, motivate, and apply the tools and skills so passionately earned in the gym. Below is a list of sports that are particularly appealing to former gymnasts, along with obstacles they might find when transitioning to each new game.

Of course, these are just a few . . . Do you have your own favorite post-gymnastics activity? Comment below, I’d love to hear about it!!!

Here are 7 Sports Gymnasts Also Tackle

1. Diving

Years of flipping, twisting, tramp time and either innate or trained air awareness make gymnasts prime candidates for the sport of diving! If your gymnast’s body is in need of less impact, the game of diving might be the right “after-gymnastics” fit. Another bonus? It’s an NCAA and Olympic sport!
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: getting used to head first entry – quite contrary to gymnastics training. For more information about diving in Australia click here.

2. Dance

Interested in an activity that will make good use of your child’s acro skills, flexibility, and knack for performance? If the floor exercise or balance beam were your gymnast’s favorite events, dance might be an obvious pick. There are many genres of dance to experiment with . . . Lyrical, modern, jazz, ballet, ballroom, hip-hop, and don’t forget break dancing!!! Dance is also an activity that can offer collegiate opportunities.
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: changing gymnastics artistry to fit the dancer mold.

Infinity Gymnastics & Dance in Oakleigh offer all kinds of dance classes for all ages. We offer Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre and Contemporary.

3. Cheerleading

Your gymnast may have an old teammate or two that have made the switch from gymnastics to cheerleading. As far as “after-gym” options, cheer is a popular pick. Gymnasts boast strength, flexibility, and an array of tumbling passes; all useful in the world of cheerleading! If your gymnast is fearless, the competitive sport of cheerleading (incorporating daredevil stunting) might be right up her alley.
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: trusting a peer to throw them into the air and catch them again.

4. Snowboarding/Skiing

Guts and coordination are helpful when you’re heading down the mountain and gymnast’s aerial training prep them for death-defying feats on the slopes. If cold weather is a deterrent, have your child experiment with water skiing or wakeboarding! Read about former gymnasts turned World Cup aerial skiers here: Gymnastics Victoria.
The greatest obstacle for gymnasts: having their feet strapped to something! This is definitely not a barefoot sport.

5. Acro/T&T/Team Gym, etc.

Technically your child remains in the world of gymnastics with this option, just transitions to another facet of the various sport. If bars are not your gymnast’s thing, try T&T. If healthy, agile, trusting & controlled are adjectives you’d use to describe your athlete, let her try acro. If you’re looking for something less costly, time-consuming, or more team-oriented, try Gymnastics-For-All’s group gym! The main benefit of this approach is that your child keeps their gymnast status.
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: finding a local gym that offers the program they want to try.
Learn more about these sports on the Australian Gymnastics website. Also Gymnastics Victoria.

6. Equestrian Vaulting

If your child is an animal lover (especially fond of horses), this is a sport to look into. Equestrian vaulting, much like gymnastics, combines artistry and acrobatics but atop a moving horse. Although this sport is more popular in Europe, there are teams across the United States. Equestrian vaulting began as a training technique for Roman Soldiers, but modern day vaulters compete locally, nationally, and worldwide as individuals, pairs, and teams with up to three vaulters on the horse at a time. Intrigued? Watch the YouTube video posted below or look up more videos HERE.
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: understanding the variables that accompany competition with an animal.

7. Cross-Fit

This relatively new and fast-growing phenomenon is an ideal sport for the 18 and older retired gymnast, although some boxes (individual clubs) now offer training for youth. Why so great? Because CrossFit incorporates gymnastics conditioning and skills into its practice; demanding physical strength, coordination, and endurance. Gymnasts usually excel in the rope-climb, pull-up, handstand push-up, and muscle-up exercises. Don’t be fooled though . . . To survive in CrossFit, gymnasts need to diversify their strength training. But what gymnast isn’t up for a challenge? Especially a problem that allows them to keep those hard-earned muscles!
The most significant obstacle for gymnasts: withstanding continued wear and tear on the body.