Saturday, August 6, 2011

Little Gymnast

Since the Wildcats Baseball fall season is on hold, we have way too much time on our hands. Whatever will we do with all that time??? Instead of sitting around and enjoying our free time, we had to find something to fill up that space. So, we put Ashton back in gymnastics. He went to Sunburst Gymnastics a few years ago, but began talking back at school and had some discipline problems, we took him out. We figured now was a good time to try that sport to see how he does this time around.

We took him to United Gymnastics for a trial class to see how he does and to let the coach evaluate him to see if he should be in the recreational class 1 or 2 (depending on his skills). Ashton did very well and showed his flexibility and strength. It was no surprise to me that the coach asked him to join the boys competitive team, not the recreational classes. He said that Ashton could bring a lot to the team because his legs are always straight and his toes are pointed.

There is obviously a cost difference and a more significant amount of time at the gym when on the team versus being in a recreational class. Four hours in the gym a week vs. one hour. We had a big decision we had to make. The coach said we could come back and attend the boys team class for a minimal charge to see if this is what we want to do. So, we did just that.

Last Monday, we took Ashton to the boys class. This is a two-hour long class and there are 4 boys on the team. To my surprise, Ashton was one of the better boys on the team. The coach used Ashton to demonstrate the exercises a few times on the rings and the floor. He definitely needs to practice and additional muscles to do the high bar, but that is expected.

Practice ended at 6:45 that night and Ashton was BEAT!!! He feel asleep on the couch at 8:15 in the middle of the summer, that just doesn't happen! After long discussions, Jason and I decided we thought he has the potential to do well and since he doesn't have baseball right now, we would sign him up for the boys team. After just one day of practice, Ashton was able to do a back handspring and front handspring on his own, with no spotter. Guess it just comes naturally to him!

On the way home from practice the other night, Timothy said he wants to be in gymnastics. Well, Timothy is built very differently from Ashton. He is stalky and very strong. So, Jason told Timothy that he could do gymnastics when he can do the splits like Ashton. Timothy's response in a very whiny almost crying voice, "I don't like to do the splits, they hurt really bad." Then, he repeated himself a few times. We all laughed and Jason told him that he will be our little football player, that made him much happier to hear!