Gymnastics isn’t usually something you see adults taking up, but here I am, pushing my limits at the East London Gymnastics Club, feeling more alive with each front hand spring and building toward my ultimate goals of a back handspring and high somersaults.
I want to share my journey with you — one that is as much about mental strength as it is physical. When I was younger, gymnastics was part of my life, but here I am, decades later, challenging myself anew, discovering the power of learning, and realizing the mind-body benefits this sport has to offer.
You can follow my journey on my blog, FernandoLoves, where I’ll be documenting my progress, the struggles, the victories, and everything in between.
Reigniting the Gymnast Within
Starting gymnastics as an adult has felt like tapping into a part of my past, one I left behind around age 13 or 15. Back then, I was full of energy and flexibility, effortlessly pulling off movements that, at the time, seemed almost second nature.
But returning to gymnastics now is different. The muscle memory from those early days has lingered, but it’s faint — like an old song you can almost hum but don’t quite remember all the lyrics to.
Catching up has been both thrilling and challenging, a powerful reminder of how much the body remembers and how much we can train it to relearn.
Why Gymnastics?
For some, the question might be, “Why not just hit the gym?” While weights and cardio routines have their place, gymnastics is uniquely powerful for building a mind-body connection. It demands both physical strength and mental agility — you’re constantly aware of your movements, positioning, and form.
As I train daily, I’m becoming more in tune with my body’s abilities, limitations, and potential. Gymnastics forces you to trust your body in ways that few other forms of exercise do, and that’s something that really appealed to me.
When I decided to hire a coach for one-on-one training, it was an investment not just in fitness but in personal growth. My coach’s guidance, which comes at £50 per hour, has been invaluable. His insights have helped me regain confidence quickly, pushing me to try new moves I might not have dared on my own, like the front handspring I mastered by my third session. The next goal? A back somersault — something I can almost visualize myself achieving soon.
Mind-Body Connection: Training Beyond the Physical
Learning gymnastics as an adult brings a strong awareness of the connection between mind and body. It’s not just about muscle memory; it’s about mental focus and perseverance. Every session challenges my coordination and reflexes in ways that force me to be fully present. You can’t just power through gymnastics — every movement requires precision and clarity of thought. And this level of presence is powerful. It has taught me to silence distractions, let go of self-doubt, and immerse myself fully in what my body is doing.
This process has had profound benefits on my mental clarity and emotional well-being. When I’m at the gym, all thoughts of the outside world disappear, replaced by a laser focus on each movement. In a way, gymnastics has become a form of moving meditation for me, bringing calm and focus into my life.
The Dopamine Boost: The Reward of Small Wins
Another unexpected benefit of gymnastics has been the rush of accomplishment — that dopamine boost that comes with each small win. You don’t need to complete a routine perfectly to feel it; just nailing a single move, like my recent front handspring, can be exhilarating. Each time I achieve a new skill, my brain rewards me with that “I did it!” sensation, a natural hit of dopamine that’s as gratifying as it is motivating.
This natural dopamine boost is a powerful motivator, pushing me to keep going, to keep training. It’s easy to become addicted to the feeling of progression, especially when each skill mastered feels like a milestone. Every time I land a new move, it’s a little victory — one that reinforces my commitment to this journey.
Training My Brain for Growth and Perseverance
Gymnastics isn’t just a test of physical endurance; it’s a mental game as well. Learning a challenging skill like a back handspring demands the willingness to push through failures, accept mistakes, and trust in the process. This resilience-building aspect of gymnastics is one I find incredibly rewarding. It’s given me a fresh perspective on patience and the value of consistent practice.
It’s easy to get discouraged when trying to learn something new, especially when it’s physically demanding. But with gymnastics, I’ve come to appreciate that progress isn’t always immediate. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and being okay with incremental gains. This perspective has bled into other areas of my life, teaching me that small steps, even if they don’t look like much at first, add up over time.
A Full-Body Workout That Transcends Traditional Training
Gymnastics, especially at an adult level, is an intense full-body workout. It strengthens your core, builds your arms, enhances flexibility, and develops coordination. No single muscle group gets left behind — it’s truly a holistic form of exercise. Since I started training, I’ve noticed improvements in my balance, stability, and overall physical awareness.
Each move, whether a handstand or a leap, activates multiple muscle groups. Practicing handstands on parallel bars, for instance, is a test of core strength, balance, and control. With each session, I’m not only building physical strength but also deepening my body awareness. I can feel my control improving, my balance becoming steadier, and my movements flowing more naturally.
Inviting You to Join My Journey
If you’ve ever thought about trying gymnastics or taking up a new physical challenge, I invite you to follow my journey on FernandoLoves. My hope is that by sharing my experiences — the highs, the lows, the unexpected challenges — you’ll be inspired to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s in gymnastics or another passion you’ve set aside.
For me, this journey is about growth, both physically and mentally. It’s about pushing myself to do things I once thought were out of reach, embracing a new level of discipline, and enjoying the process of learning something challenging. And who knows, maybe you’ll find that spark too. It’s never too late to start something new, to challenge yourself, and to reconnect with your body in a way that feels rewarding and invigorating.
Wrapping Up: Rediscovering Myself Through Gymnastics
Taking up gymnastics has been a transformative experience, rekindling a part of me that had been quiet for too long. It’s brought me a new sense of purpose, a renewed connection to my body, and a fresh understanding of the importance of mental resilience. Gymnastics has become more than just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and joy.
And this is just the beginning. There are countless moves to learn, countless challenges to face, and countless small victories waiting. If you’re curious, if you’re inspired, if you’re ready to push your boundaries, join me on FernandoLoves, where I’ll be documenting each milestone, sharing insights, and inviting you to see just how much we can accomplish with a little courage and a lot of determination.