No! This is perfectly ok! 

Personally, I always used tampons because I didn’t like the feeling of wearing a pad, and I always felt more comfortable doing gymnastics knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about leaking. I don’t know your background as to why you use pads versus tampons, but if you aren’t entirely against using tampons, it may be a good idea to switch? Or give it a try. 

I had a friend who used pads, but she had a very light flow (usually only lasted a day maybe two).  If you still want to use pads, I think they make ones that are more like liners - they curve in towards the middle - that would probably work with a leo better!

And if your gym allows it, it may also make you more comfortable to either wear spandex and an exercise tops while you’re on your period, or to simply wear spandex over your leo.  That would probably give you more security knowing you wouldn’t leak out of your leo and you wouldn’t have to worry about your pad showing. 

Hope this helps! 

Hi Tori! I’m so sorry to hear your story, and I definitely understand where you sit now.  I have been there before. I’m glad you made the healthy decision to stop gymnastics, even if you love it because you will need your body for the rest of your life!

That being said, I think it’s definitely hard to completely get over the feeling of wanting to return to gymnastics because it usually is such a huge part of someone’s life.  It’s what defines who they are. Personally, it took me a long time not to feel bitter, and I entirely removed myself from gymnastics because I couldn’t handle seeing other people enjoy the sport when I couldn’t.  That’s not the healthy way to cope, and I don’t think you should do it. 

In hindsight and based on what I’m doing now, I would try to stay as active as you can with gymnastics.  Keep up with your friends who still do it - attend their meets, make plans to hang out, drop by your gym to say hello.  If you feel like you aren’t losing that part of your life entirely it may make it easier.  

It may also help to give back by being a coach or possibly (if you’re old enough) take classes to judge. I know that when I started coaching, I felt a lot better about having to quit because I felt that I was still involved and I got to pass on my wisdom that I collected over the years to new little gymnasts.  It was definitely a great experience. 

It also helps to talk to someone.  Your parents, a friend, your teammates - just someone who you’re comfortable with because some days will be harder than others and that ache will hurt more at unexpected times, but it’s nice to have someone to fall back on.  

If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m definitely here to help out! Good luck, girl, and stay strong! <3

When I give you this answer, please understand that I don’t think having some body fat is a bad thing!

Ok. Part of your problem may be that your BMI or body fat content may be too high to see the outline of your abs! A lot of times when you have some fat on your stomach you simply build the muscle on top of it and the distinct lines you are talking about are harder to make out.  Or another possibility is that as you get older, to prepare you (sorry I’m assuming your a female!) to have children women’s bodies pack fat around their stomachs.  

I would suggest doing around 30 minutes of cardio every day to start burning fat from your body, and then switching up your stomach conditioning.  

Another problem you can run into is that if you do the same stomach work-out every day, your muscles become accustomed to the movements and you are not really benefiting them as much as you could. I would try and focus on different stomach muscle groups each day: obliques and sides, upper stomach, lower stomach.  And mix up your exercises! Don’t do the same ones every day.

Hope that helps!

I’m sorry for being MIA for such a long time.  My degree path in school has left me with no free time, but since I have so many of you asking for advice I’ll try answering as many questions as I can.  When I get more time on my hands, I’ll start posting more “It’s a Gymnastics Thing.” 

Thank you to all my new followers and for the old ones who have been patient.  You are lovely.

-SJ

Awesome! So glad to hear it :)

I have bad wrists as well.  Have you ever tried tiger paws? They are a life saver and let me tumble without too much pain.

Here’s a link to the website: http://www.tigerpawwristsupports.com/?gclid=CPiV7c2l8rECFWFgTAodZDYApQ