Is there anything you’ve always wanted to ask a gymnast? Ask me anything?

[MyaMermaid]

[WhiteSteve]

Actually, yes…and this goes for any sport or activity involving aerial acrobatics of some sort: gymnasts, cheerleaders, any of
that X-Games type stuff where you ride a skateboard or a dirt bike or something off of a ramp…. How are all of you people not bound to wheelchairs? Lmfao. Like I get to see the finished product, a professional or expert amateur vaulting up into the air, doing flips and turns and all that, and I’m like “ok, cool, this person has worked extremely hard at this for a long time.

So…. everybody has a first time doing anything I’m learning how to play hockey right now, I’m a year into it, training A TON, and there are still things I can’t do, or there were things that I couldn’t do but can now after repetition, but required a lot of falling down or crashing into the boards. I guess my question is: how do you protect yourself as you build up to these crazy leaps off of the high bar, or that “horse” thing? To my amateur eye, there are only two outcomes: you make a decent landing, or you’re catastrophically injured. No in between looks like it could exist to me😂 I try to envision ways you could practice until you’re ready to make landings on a mat, and all I can think of is like flipping into a huge pit of chunks of foam, haha.

[MyaMermaid]

What a question! :)

It’s a lot of different things, to prevent any real accidents happening, we train on the very basics when we are little, and from that we start implemented other things into it, so it’s like building blocks! :)

Also crash mats, they are there to break you’re fall… well sometimes… 😳

[humanearth]

What got you started?

What keeps you motivated to keep going, even when you want to quit?

What are some of the best stretches to keep your back limber and flexible?

Did you ever enter into a competition and win?

Do you have to buy special leotards or can any store bought one is good enough?

Here let's these questions soak in, maybe I'll come up with some more later.

[MyaMermaid]

- what got me started was my older sister doing it, I saw her doing it and I wanted to join in! She doesn’t do I now tho, I still do :)

-What keeps me motivated is knowing the fact I can always get better and better, knowing that I can always improve myself

My personal favourites to keep myself limber are Plank, Spinal twists and figure four stretches:)

-I’ve entered and competed in regional competitions, but nothing internationally as of yet!

-store bought leotards are good for beginners, but as you get better and better in levels you need to start buying more professional and practical ones :)

[humanearth]

Thank you for the great answers

[humanearth]

Is there many guys into gymnastics or is it better much dominated by women

[MyaMermaid]

I reckon I’d say it’s about 80/20 there are some guys that do it and they do great! But I think they might be good at the sport for all different reasons :)

[humanearth]

Hey thanks for the MHO and I loved your answers. Very informative

[MyaMermaid]

No problem:)

[Crepe_tart]

I tried gymnastics for a year, but decided to drop out after my coach said that there's no higher disgust than crying for a broken foot" and the "pain doesn't exist"

Many years after, I do miss gymnastics and wish I could go back.

Was there ever a time you wanted to drop out?

[MyaMermaid]

Well your coach sounds like an absolute dick, there’s always adult classes open if you wanted to try that? It’s mixed levels so you won’t be the only person there who’s beginner level. And yes I have, when it became really intense and the people there started to from cliques, that’s when it lost all the fun and joy of a team aspect :o

[lrina]

are you a rhythmic gymnast or a regular one? i used to be a rhythmic one for quite some time when i was younger.

[MyaMermaid]

I’ve done both but I prefer regular :)

[lrina]

ooh interesting

[MyaMermaid]

Indeed it is! Artistic is my favourite! But I also like Rhythmic! :)

[SamIam96]

I think of gymnasts as being unusually flexible. Do you use that flexibility during sex to give your partner experiences they'll never have elsewhere? I'd love to hear any details you're comfortable sharing.

[MyaMermaid]

I am pretty flexible, however I’ve not really experimented or done anything with my flexibility that often with a partner, however I am open to possibly try it again in the future :)

[SamIam96]

ty for the thoughtful answer.

[AndrewMG]

I mean I'm in my 30's so I'm going to avoid some of these subtle questions that have been thrown at you by people who should know better lol. So as a compromise I'll ask which football team you support lol

[MyaMermaid]

I don’t follow American Football being in the UK but if you’re talking about Football (Soccer) then it’s West Ham… 😂

[AndrewMG]

Oh I'm from England too, a Forest fan so plenty of respect for you being a West Ham fan... especially as we sold Michael Antonio to you lol

[MyaMermaid]

Indeed! :)

[Avicenna]

Thanks for being willing to answer questions.

What are your workouts like, especially the exercises you do to improve agility/flexibility? What are your core workouts like?

[MyaMermaid]

Mainly gym rotations, so focusing on a different element every week, the most imprisoned thing I can think is definitely conditioning in and strength training! :)

[MyaMermaid]

*important

[kellytheman]

How long have you been a gymnast and are you good at it or have you won any awards? I know most guys are asking everything sexual like if use your flexibility in the bedroom or do you do the splits during sex so I just ask a good question.

[MyaMermaid]

I’ve been a gymnast for quite a long time now, I started when I was a kid and for the awards? I’ve competed in a few tournaments and local things, I’ve won little comps but nothing major :)

[NYCQuestions1976]

How much of your everyday life do you need to realistically dedicate to practice and training to be legitimately successful, or to at least be competitive?

[MyaMermaid]

A lot of time, when balancing my full time education and my sport took pretty up a large chunk of my time… I barely found time for myself :)

[NYCQuestions1976]

That's what I hear, and starting from very early on in life. It seems that it's not too different from being a childhood actor (in terms of dedication, stress, rehearsal, actually being able to have time off and/or personal time, etcetera).

[MyaMermaid]

Indeed there is a lot of dedication for it, the stress is one main thing, if you can’t leave to control it then you’re likely to slip up and make mistakes :)

[NYCQuestions1976]

Do you complete in college? Do you plan to train for anything beyond college?

[MyaMermaid]

Yeah I’d like to complete in college, but I’d also like to teach and train people as well :)

[NYCQuestions1976]

That's a great goal and very cool, but you're going to have like zero life outside of college, practicing, and teaching. Just remember to always set aside some time for yourself, even if you genuinely enjoy being busy with everything. 👍

[MyaMermaid]

Yeah you’re right! That’s deffo something I need to do :)

[NYCQuestions1976]

Yes, because you don't want to unintentionally run yourself into the ground, or suddenly find yourself turning 30 in what seems like only 5 minutes. Good luck with it all!

[MyaMermaid]

Exactly!! Thank you for your advice!! :)

[dorksided1]

As a former gymnast myself, have you ever had a bad injury?

[MyaMermaid]

Indeed I have! Broke my wrist and dislocated my shoulder all at the same time, it was a pretty bad fall, I was off for a really long time, but it healed alright :o

[dorksided1]

Glad you are healed and doing good!

[MyaMermaid]

Thank you :)

[MCheetah]

Are gymnasts better at sex?
And can you be a skilled tall female gymnast (5'9" and above)?

[MyaMermaid]

Not too sure about the first but 100% you can for the second one :)

[lrina]

tall gymnasts are generally best for rhythmic gymnastics. the really short and stocky girls are generally best for the regular gymnastics.

[MyaMermaid]

@lrina indeed they are! :)

[artstatues]

What's your favorite and least favorite gymnastic sport? (uneven bars, vault, floor balance beam)

[MyaMermaid]

I absolutely love floor stuff! That’s my stuff that I’m great at! Uneven bars aren’t my favourite, I just don’t really like it.. nothing against it but other stuff is my favourite :)

[Levin]

Can you teach me, please.

Teach me everything you know.

[MyaMermaid]

If you really want me too :)

[Levin]

What kinda shit can you teach me?

[MyaMermaid]

Well what do you want to know? :)

[Levin]

Everything.

Handstands.
Front flip
Back flip.
V-sit.
Also, why do I have zero flexibility including hamstring flexibility despite stretching all the time.

Also, do you have a banging body? :)

[MyaMermaid]

I’d you wanted to learn I’d deffo recommend taking up adult classes they’re the professionals that could be able to help you! Also about flexibility, it’s all about conditioning, I’ve been doing it since I was young, but it’s worth trying some exercises just to help you out! And the question about my body…umm… I work out quite a lot I guess :)

[exitseven]

What is the worst injury you ever had in gymnastics?

[MyaMermaid]

Broke my wrist and dislocated my shoulder, doing a vault, I landed awkwardly and then that happened..

[exitseven]

ouch- hope you got better.

[MyaMermaid]

Yeah yeah, it healed alright, I’ve still got to take it easy, but I can still compete :)

[Mahmoud_Madyan]

Does going to the gym for women making them less femininity or make their body less attractive (because they lose their curves and gain muscles)?

[MyaMermaid]

Erm, no…. You might want to look up gymnastics or gymnasts or something and that might give you a better idea :)

[OddBeMe]

Is it balancing ability or muscle memory that keeps you on those boards?

[MyaMermaid]

A bit of both really, muscle memory for the absolute basics and then genuine balancing skill for trying anything new :)

[OddBeMe]

Is the balancing something you literally learn like throwing a football?

Do male/female gymnasts differ because of internal center of balance?

[MyaMermaid]

Of course! Balancing is something we learn very young so it’s pretty much ingrained into us so we can pretty much do it whenever and wherever! And the balancing thing between males and females is something I’ve never really never really thought about :o

[OddBeMe]

I think center of balance is higher on women. Just wondered if training would be different. Prob doesn’t matter as long as you balance.

[MyaMermaid]

That’s an interesting take :)

[OddBeMe]

So do you date other gymnasts or do you find them boring?

[MyaMermaid]

I would totally be open to dating another gymnast :)

[OddBeMe]

Damn! I’m not a gymnast.

[MyaMermaid]

Hey I’m open to dating whoever:)

[OddBeMe]

Don’t let a guy distract you from your talents. I did a photo shoot of a gymnast a few years ago and they did some crazily cool shit. Keep it up.

[MyaMermaid]

That’s awesome!! And thank you so much :)

[OnyxianGhostsLove]

Is anyone capable of extreme flexibility
or are there body types that have limitations?

[MyaMermaid]

I’d say it’s down to conditioning, you can learn pretty much anything, that’s why I did it when I was younger, it’s so I could learn it when young and perfect it when I’m older :)

[OnyxianGhostsLove]

Hmm, I see! that makes sense
Would you be cool with answering some other questions, or giving advice?
I am also looking for some friends :)

[MyaMermaid]

Of course!! I’ll be down to answer any questions you have! dm me! :)

[OnyxianGhostsLove]

Awesome! You will need to follow me first, so I can :)

[bigpauly]

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do within the sport?
why are gymnasts so short?

[MyaMermaid]

Most difficult thing I had to do wasn’t too do with the sport but it was commitment issues, having to travel do and from places whilst balancing education meant I often found myself having my own time

And it’s often popular with short girls, but you do get some tall gymnasts too! :)

[bigpauly]

That must be tough. Especially when growing up.

Lol oh ok. I saw them compared to other people and thought I missed my calling or something!

[MyaMermaid]

Oh haha! There’s always time to start wether that would be adult classes if you wanted to :)

[bigpauly]

Well it would be cool to be able to do a couple back flips

[n4meAL]

kick the moon, can you?

[MyaMermaid]

I cannot unfortunately :(

[n4meAL]

I don't mean you kicking the moon, can kick like takwondo or karate can kick straight up, I know gymnasts usually have flexible legs.

As an example :

[n4meAL]

From google

[MyaMermaid]

Oh sorry I thought it was some sort of flip thing, yes I can do that! My bad :)

[n4meAL]

indeed kick the moon is something upside down this is a different question

[n4meAL]

wow!! cool girls yeah🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Agape93]

Have you hurt yourself?

[MyaMermaid]

I have, when doing a vault one time I broke my wrist and dislocated my shoulder, I was off for quite a while but was still allowed to watch so I wouldn’t miss any important changes :)

[Agape93]

Glad you're doing better. What got you into gymnastics?

[MyaMermaid]

My older sister actually! She joined a club and then I joined shortly after, unfortunately I’m the only one doing it now :o

[Agape93]

Why is that?:

[MyaMermaid]

She had other commitments and decided not o focus on other things, she said she’d be doing it still but it’s unfortunate timing :o

[Agape93]

That sucks

[MyaMermaid]

Yeah it is :(

[Agape93]

Are you going pro?

[MyaMermaid]

I would absolutely love too! But if not I’d like to teach :)

[Agape93]

Sounds good :)

[Agape93]

You can do it

[MyaMermaid]

Thank you :)

[Agape93]

Anytime hon :) how often do you practice?

[MyaMermaid]

Now about 10-15 hours a week :)

[Agape93]

Very nice :) at home or what?

[MyaMermaid]

Some at home which is theory stuff and then the rest in the gym :)

[James899]

I have to ask you something in personal

[MyaMermaid]

Sure?

[James899]

How can i DM you?

[MyaMermaid]

You should be able to message me on here if you want

[TrillXHippy]

When did you decide to become a gymnast?

[MyaMermaid]

When I was around 5-6 as my older sister started doing it so I thought I’d follow :)

[TrillXHippy]

Aww that’s great 😁

[scooogy]

Do you ever get a tug when exercising?

[MyaMermaid]

A tug? Sorry I don’t follow…

[scooogy]

I mean when it feels painful to do certain exercises

[MyaMermaid]

Oh yeah I sure do! Especially if I haven’t done the proper stretches and attempt something specific :)

[In_Trance]

how much do you fart during your routine

[MyaMermaid]

I tend to not as I use the toilet before I start!

[Waldoe]

Can I help you Shower? (dirty old man joke)

[MyaMermaid]

erm… I guess…lol

[Waldoe]

Dirty old man GRIN

[Xtendable]

What comps have you been in so far?

[MyaMermaid]

Just a few regional ones nothing special, nothing international yet due to covid

[Xtendable]

Aiming for international?

[MyaMermaid]

Yeah I’d love too :)

[Xtendable]

Get up to the heights of Pengpeng

[Jelitha]

Have you ever been seriously injured

[MyaMermaid]

Not seriously injured but injured enough to take me out for a while:)

[eagle1951]

why are the outfits so tight?

[MyaMermaid]

I think they’re, there for flexibility, so it acts like a second skin, I suppose if you had baggy and lose fitting clothings it might be more tricky to do certain stuff :)

[eagle1951]

ok makes sense thanks.

[MyaMermaid]

No problem:)

[Yucy_Gluttony]

CAN YOU AERIAL?

[MyaMermaid]

I can just not brilliantly lol

[Yucy_Gluttony]

That's good enough to answer my actual question! LVLUUUUUUUUUUU TWO!
How do you gain height for that aerial? I can do a butterfly kick, you not only swing your legs up but your body as well, so it's easier to fly up and get that feeling your floating for a safe maJESSStic landing.
But with an aerial you're supposed to stay down, I can't find the right momentum to jump I think? The moment I jump off I already feel like crashing down. It's like I lose my balance on purpose narrowly protect myself from going headfirst into the floor.

Why is that? How can this be prevented?

[MyaMermaid]

Holy! Well if it’s easier do you want to DM me and a I can break it down for you? 😂

[Yucy_Gluttony]

yes please! I found the DM button but it wouldn't let me!

[MyaMermaid]

Okay let me DM you :)

[Yucy_Gluttony]

Okay let me know when you sent something!

[MyaMermaid]

Sent :)

[MyaMermaid]

Wait I can’t it says you need to accept my follow request :o

[Yucy_Gluttony]

I can't see anything, I'm missing something just a moment please

[Yucy_Gluttony]

I followed you back now. Sorry, I'm new here and I'm a bit lost, not just on aerials! 🥺

[Iron_Man]

How flexible are you

[MyaMermaid]

Pretty flexible :)

[Iron_Man]

Cool

[Iron_Man]

What’s your skill level are you going out for the Olympics in France? Even though usually they’re pretty young

[MyaMermaid]

I’d say I’m competitive level, the most I’ve done is one comp that was regional in the UK :)

[Iron_Man]

Nice my favorite was Mary Lou Retton if you remember her Olympic gold medal winner

[MyaMermaid]

Absolutely :)

[Iron_Man]

Awesome

[flirtatiousgirl]

I don't have

[MyaMermaid]

Understandable:)