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January 23, 2007

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First today's question with my answer, and then my politically
incorrect comment.

> Dear Sir,
>
> I am 43, can I learn acrobatics from the DVD?
>
> I know my question is silly, but wanted to ask your
> opinion.
>
> Thank you in advance

My short, off-the-cuff answer is yes. That is what I designed the
Acrobatic Tumbling DVD for--so people can learn acrobatic tumbling
from it. And because the correct technique is not very hard on the
body, especially if taught by the instructor I chose, your age (43)
should not be a problem.

Now, the specifics. The DVD shows and explains all the important
details of techniques and their lead-up exercises that let you
learn them well and quickly. Simultaneously, it teaches how to spot
and to help at all stages of learning all shown techniques. So, if
you have an exercise partner who is willing to help you, you could
progress very quickly. If you exercise alone, then your progress
will be much slower than with a spotter, but you can do without
spotting.

The only technique on Acrobatic Tumbling that is difficult to learn
without a spotter's help is the standard gymnastic back handspring
(flic flac). But, because I know that many people want to learn
alone, I included another form of the back handspring, not the pure
gymnastic form but still a back handspring. This form can be
learned alone, but it requires more flexibility in the back and
shoulders than the gymnastic form. If you have a decent back
bridge, you can learn it easily. If not, start bridging now.

Another technique that most people need a spotter for is the back
somersault. It is actually easier than the back handspring.
Learning it alone, however, takes a little more inventiveness--the
first few steps (which, by the way, do not require a spotter) are
the same as those you will see on the DVD. Then you will need to
find a way to “shorten” the width of the pile of mattresses you
jump on and roll over, and then to lower that pile. You will
understand what I mean when you see the DVD Acrobatic Tumbling
(http://www.stadion.com/acrobatic_tumbling.html).

Now, my comment:

I answered this question, and I hope the writer really wanted my
honest answer. I have been asked similar questions before: “I am 30
[or 40, or 50, or 60]--will your stretching [or whatever] method
work for me?” Most of the people asking such questions want to use
their age as an excuse for not trying something new or
better--getting more flexible becoming stronger, learning
acrobatics (or whatever set of skills). I know, because after they
ask, they don't follow through and do the activity.

Why? Think about it.... What kind of person would ask such a
question? I think, the kind who is not already pushing himself or
herself to be the best he or she can be. Yep, I think this sort of
question is asked by idle people who look for a reason to stay that
way.... I mean, someone who has the warrior mentality, never
slacks, and keeps on looking for know-how on getting better doesn't
wonder whether his or her 40-year-old body can take it (as if 40
were old!). In good old times, man was supposed to be fit for
dueling until he was 65. Think about it! In one of my history
books, I read about a knight who rode into battle in full armor in
his 80s. I think those wondering-if-they-are-too-old types would
soil themselves had they met that old man.

Here is a question showing a true athlete's attitude:

> I've been a fan of yours since I broke my foot and read your
> first edition of Stretching Scientifically. After the cast was off,
> I was able to complete a front split in 6 weeks. Prior to that I
> could only get 6 inches to the floor. I was in my mid 40s.
>
> I don't believe in age and the limitations that people associate
> with it, for whatever reason.
>
> I could go on, but I need your help if possible.
>
> I just purchased the Acrobatic Tumbling and Power High Kicks videos.
>
> I wish I had this kind of info when I was in my 20s.
>
> I'm 53. I've been in the martial arts since I was 12, and I have
> decent health, flexibility, and strength. I joined an adult
> gymnastics class when I was 47 because I always wanted to see what
> it was like. The next oldest was 21. As I mentioned earlier,
> the only boundaries on age are what we impose.
>
> Anyway, I'm planning, in August of this year, to cartwheel 8 miles
> for a local charity. Would you give me some advice on exercises to
> practice for such an endeavor?
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin

Here is my advice on your very ambitious endeavor:

1. See which form of cartwheel is easier for you--the one in which
feet and hands land on two parallel lines (so impact points form a
trapezoid), or the one in which feet and hands land along one line.
The form that is easier for you should be used predominantly during
your run--and most observers can't tell them apart. (Both forms are
shown on the DVD Acrobatic Tumbling, available at
http://www.stadion.com/acrobatic_tumbling.html.)

2. Practice your cartwheels on both sides (right side leading and
left side leading) and in both forms, so you can alternate sides
(and forms, if needed) during your run.

3. Strengthen yourself, especially your arms, shoulders, and trunk.
Practice handstands, push-ups in handstands, and walking on your
hands, and do exercises for strengthening your rotator cuff
muscles. Do trunk flexions, extensions, twists, circles, and
combinations of those movements with weights or against elastic
resistance (bungee cords or Thera-Bands). Also do side supports
(some call them “side bridges”). My guess is you already do all
these exercises, so I write this just in case something slipped
your mind.

4. Practice increasingly long sets of cartwheels--to develop
specific endurance for this feat and to find your weak spots. As
soon as you can, practice on the course of your charity run.

5. Strengthen the weak spots revealed by doing long sets of
cartwheels.

6. Consider taping your wrists.

7. Get yourself a few pairs of strong gloves.

If you have a camera, could you ask someone to snap your picture
when you stretch and do your splits? Make sure to send that picture
to me so it can be posted with others at
http://www.stadion.com/photos.html. Good luck with your 8-mile
cartwheel run!

Sincerely,

Thomas Kurz

P.S.
Read my column “Age and Stretching” to see examples of both the
uplifting and the depressing (or high and low or sublime and silly)
attitudes to exercise. The column is at
http://www.stadion.com/column_stretch30.html.

P.P.S.

DVD Acrobatic Tumbling is available at
http://www.stadion.com/acrobatic_tumbling.html.

DVD Power High Kicks with No Warm-Up! is available at
http://www.stadion.com/power.html.

DVD Secrets of Stretching is available at
http://www.stadion.com/secrets.html.

Book Stretching Scientifically is available at
http://www.stadion.com/stretch.html.

P.P.P.S.

Exchange tips on working out and competing, and discuss training
and performance problems on Stadion's Sports and Martial Arts
Training Discussion Forum at http://www.stadion.com/phpBB3.
Let your friends know about the above-mentioned resources.
Forward this message to every athlete you know.

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