3 answers
Juan
Student
Providence, Rhode Island
20
Questions
Updated
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how can you be a professional gymnast?
I want to be a gymnastic teacher #teacher #gymnastics #athletics #sports #higher-education
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3 answers
Priya R
Technician
29
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Being a professional gymnast is not a lifelong career. Most professional gymnasts start training before puberty, and the work often consumes them right up until college, according to an April 2013 article in the "Slate" magazine. Then they have to decide what to do for the rest of their lives. Professional gymnasts might go into health careers, such as medicine or physical therapy, or become physical education teachers or gymnastics coaches.
Going for the Gold
You don’t need a degree to be a professional athlete, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- a high school diploma will do. Most gymnasts take lessons from personal coaches or in professional classes. You’ll also get a tremendous amount of experience simply by competing and learning about the sport. You must know the rules and regulations, as well as strategies to help win in a competition. What you must also have are superior athletic ability, desire and the necessary dedication to practice, good coordination and physical stamina. Don’t forget the all-important characteristic of flexibility.
Staying in the Field
Professional gymnasts rarely continue in that career once they reach their late 20s, and college gymnastics is typically the last stop, according to "Slate." At that point, some become coaches. Gymnastics coaches might have a degree in related subjects, such as kinesiology -- the study of muscle movement -- or physical education. They might also hold degrees in completely unrelated subjects, such as business. Those who stay in the sports field might become managers, business owners or physical education teachers. Others might coach while going to school and then move on to professions such as social work or psychology.
Going for the Gold
You don’t need a degree to be a professional athlete, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- a high school diploma will do. Most gymnasts take lessons from personal coaches or in professional classes. You’ll also get a tremendous amount of experience simply by competing and learning about the sport. You must know the rules and regulations, as well as strategies to help win in a competition. What you must also have are superior athletic ability, desire and the necessary dedication to practice, good coordination and physical stamina. Don’t forget the all-important characteristic of flexibility.
Staying in the Field
Professional gymnasts rarely continue in that career once they reach their late 20s, and college gymnastics is typically the last stop, according to "Slate." At that point, some become coaches. Gymnastics coaches might have a degree in related subjects, such as kinesiology -- the study of muscle movement -- or physical education. They might also hold degrees in completely unrelated subjects, such as business. Those who stay in the sports field might become managers, business owners or physical education teachers. Others might coach while going to school and then move on to professions such as social work or psychology.
Nancy Hamp
Clinical Counselor
137
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
There is more than one way. Gymnastics teachers and coaches could work up through the ranks of a gymnastics club or could get a degree in physical education and work for high schools, primarily. Other opportunities are for college coaches or local recreation departments. Decide whether you would like to work full time as an educator and pursue a PE degree or whether the club gym environment is more your interest. Of course your own personal gymnastics accomplishments will play in to your ability to coach at a high level.
Bobby Bain
Solution architect
4
Answers
Aldie, Virginia
Updated
Bobby’s Answer
I started coaching while I was myself a gymnast. So if you are currently taking gymnastics and are old enough to teach some basic beginner classes, approach your gym owner / office and ask. If you are not taking gymnastics or never have, I suggest that you get involved with a local gym. Volunteer or ask if you can become an assistant / shadow coach.
It is really about following your passion and asking for opportunities. Best of luck young coach to be!
Cheers!
It is really about following your passion and asking for opportunities. Best of luck young coach to be!
Cheers!