After NAIGC Nationals in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend, collegiate gymnasts nationwide (and from Belgium apparently) all can agree that we constantly struggle with #GymnastProbs.
1. Leotard wedgies
As pretty (and expensive) as gymnastics leotards are, they are easily one of the most unflattering things you can put on the human body. They are typically too tight, and by the end of your event, you are sporting a nice wedgie, in front or back.
2. Tumble pee
Tumble pee. Tumble pee is real. Tumble pee is when your nerves get the best of you mid-floor routine and a few drops or a light stream can escape due to the force of the tumbling pass.
3. Chalk. Chalk everywhere.
It is not just found at bars, it travels. Eat, sleep, breathe in the chalk.
4. Rips and bruises
Bars are very taxing on the human body. Depending on the day, your hands will suffer from nasty rips which will later transform into some very attractive callouses. Not only do your hands suffer, but so do your hipbones! Bar bruises are such a dilemma and sometimes you can even get rips on your hips! (That rhymes, please laugh at my joke.)
5. Straddling the beam
Every gymnast's worst nightmare. There is nothing worse than realizing that you didn't quite land on the beam during that jump and BOOM! Your crotch just came into full force contact with the not-so-soft beam. Yay gymnastics!
6. Eternal soreness
Your body will never be in a comfortable state ever again.
7. The pit
The foam pit is the coolest thing when you are a child, but not as a college gymnast. It is your worst nightmare. It is impossible to get out of, and your old, decrepit self does not want to exert more energy than needed. The pesky pit pieces also get in your eyes causing several eye issues, including pink eye.
8. Missing the vault table...entirely
We all have our days, including the ones where we get a little too spring-happy on the springboard and soar for a million years right over the vault. This is probably why you get several tries at meets.
9. "Can you do a flip?"
Literally one of my all-time favorite questions from non-gymnasts. Of course I can do a flip - I am a college gymnast for a reason. Duh.
10. "You must be flexible"
Again, another favorite question from non-gymnasts...usually males. Actually, we typically are no longer as flexible as a used to be. Our glory days are over.
11. Post-gymnastics meet hair
You looked stunning and super cute at the meet with your makeup done and your hair all pretty, but once the fun is over, it all goes downhill beauty-wise. You soon regret all of the hairspray that you sprayed on your scalp because once that ponytail or bun comes out, your hair is stuck in all sorts of crazy positions.
12. Having the opportunity to watch younger gymnasts to reminisce on your glory days
And they are just too darn cute.
