Written by Jennifer Page
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…gymnastics isn’t just for the young – it’s for the young at heart.
At Affinity, we see it all the time—kids who start later and thrive, teens who discover a passion for movement, and adults who finally give it a go and wonder why they didn’t start sooner.
So, if you or your child think it’s “too late” to do gymnastics, let’s bust that myth right now.
There’s a common belief that if you haven’t been doing gymnastics since age three, you’ll never be “good” at it. But what does “good” even mean?
Gymnastics isn’t just about competing at the highest level. It’s about mastering new skills, building strength and flexibility, and learning body control—all things that anyone can improve at, no matter when they start.
Some of our most dedicated gymnasts started later and have surpassed those who began early but lost interest. Passion and perseverance matter far more than an early start!
Many people assume that if they can’t tumble like a pro, gymnastics isn’t for them. But gymnastics is about so much more than flips. It’s about balance, coordination, strength, movement confidence and my most impactful favourite – what it teaches you about yourself.
It helps us in all sports and learning environments, supports injury prevention, and builds fundamental movement and self-belief skills that last a lifetime.
Plus, gymnastics is one of the most adaptable sports out there—whether you want to learn a cartwheel, build core strength, or just move better, there’s a way in.
Younger kids may pick up skills quickly, but older learners have something powerful on their side – focus, motivation, and self-awareness.
Teens and adults often progress faster than they expect because they understand technique, listen to feedback, and have the determination to keep going.
And let’s not forget the biggest advantage – they’re doing it because they chose to, not just because the class fits the childcare schedule!
We have many real world-Affinity examples of late starters.
Our very own coach Tilly was never a gymnast. Nope, not even a cartwheel (just tap dance, she tells me!). Yet now as an adult, she’s made gymnastics coaching her career. Same for coach Cameron, who having joined us to develop gymnastics coaching, is finding it’s helping him improve his first love of karate, of which he performs and coaches. You’ll often find him in the gym in between classes trying out gymnastics skills on the apparatus.
And then there’s the fabulous Marissa King. A gymnast who reached the Olympic heights for Team GB and had a successful NCAA career in the USA. She ran some zoom classes for us in lockdown if you were with us then! She reached the very top of performance and did not start gymnastics at all till she was 8 years old, and even later for her Olympic focused training.
In just the last few weeks we’ve taught a mother daughter class working on skills for mum’s a 40th birthday, plus a 21yr old tennis coach wanting to impress his athletes with some flips. Then in the past there was 50yr old journalist who we taught a full floor routine to music to (inspired by Claudia Fragapane’s olympic routine!), a full 40th birthday party celebration class, and in his 50’s martial artist learning skills on the bars and the one that absolutely WINS – we had an 80yr old attend a block of our ‘gymfit’ classes.
Gymnastics isn’t just for the little ones. It’s for anyone who wants to move better, get stronger, and challenge themselves—whether they’re 5, 15, or 50.
If you or your child have ever thought, “I wish I could do gymnastics, but I’m too old,” – consider this your sign to give it a go.
You might just surprise yourself.
At Affinity, we welcome ALL ages and abilities—whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a break.
Come try a class and see for yourself!
Offering gymnastics, cheer and parkour classes where people of all ages and abilities can feel good about themselves, and achieve success in an atmosphere designed for movement, health and fun. We run classes at our own sites in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, UK.
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