“Is 10 too old to start gymnastics?” is one of the most frequently asked questions on Google when it comes to the sport. Indeed, the traditional notion was that gymnasts start super-young and retire by 20. However, this is no longer the case, as the sport has evolved and become more democratic.
Age no bar
More people are pursuing gymnastics as a fitness alternative to reap the benefits of toning, flexibility and weight loss. You may not reach the Olympics as an adult learner, but you can still enjoy the rewards to be gained from the “mother of all sports”. (And, having said that, Olympian gymnast Oksana Chusovitina is a healthy 46.)
Who wouldn’t want to say they can do a handstand or a backflip or muscle-ups on a hanging ring?
Dija Khalid,
35
Gymnast and fitness instructor Christian Brezeanu, who lives in the UAE and is a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, believes it is never too late to take up the sport and says he has several clients over the age of 50 who are “studying” gymnastics.
“Age is just a number but, unfortunately, there’s still a big number of people who think gymnastics is just for children or that they are too old for it. We need to differentiate between gymnastics as a fitness and recreational activity, and gymnastics as an Olympic sport. As an activity, anybody can benefit from gymnastics, no matter how young or old they are.”
Brezeanu says the number of adults taking up gymnastics has risen in the UAE in the past five years. Various courses and camps are available for children and teens, but adults looking for a new way to tone and condition their muscles can also benefit from the activity. And if they push themselves hard enough, he believes anyone can learn cartwheels, handstands and bars manoeuvres at any age.
Flip the script
Brezeanu, who started learning gymnastics at the age of 6 in Romania and now runs Fly High Fitness gymnastics in Dubai, says most gymnastics coaches are from outside the UAE. “Gymnastics is still quite a new sport here. That’s why it is more popular with expats, and both men and women take it up in equal measure, whereas among children, girls make up a higher percentage.”
Adults pursue gymnastics for different reasons. Some may have done it in their younger years, and they want to come back because they miss it and are aware of the benefits. Some are bored with regular gym training, and need something more physically and mentally stimulating.
Some are involved in activities such as yoga, CrossFit or martial arts, and need to improve their performance, while some have always dreamt of being able to do a cartwheel, if only to share it on social media.
Fitness enthusiast Dija Khalid, 35, took up gymnastics to shake up her CrossFit routine, use different muscles in her body and, above all, for enjoyment.
“Who wouldn’t want to say they can do a handstand or a backflip or muscle-ups on a hanging ring? As an adult, that’s not something you see every day unless you’re a personal trainer or have been practising since childhood. So I’m hoping I can pursue gymnastics not to a professional level, but as a way of learning new skills while enjoying them, too,” she says.
Fear factor
It’s not all fun and games, however. The fear factor hinders many an adult, believes Loredana Niroda, 29, who started learning gymnastics at the age of 3 in her home town of Lugoj in Romania.
It’s easy to get injured ... so it is important to be patient and consistent
Elke Vinck,
founder, Aspire Gymnastics
“As adults, we are more aware of what can happen to us if we fall or do something wrong. It would be best if you prepare yourself to fall many times as this will happen over and over again until you master the art of falling without hurting yourself.
"Just remember that perseverance and an excellent coach can help you achieve things you didn’t know you were capable of, even at an older age,” says Niroda, who works as a gymnastics coach, group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Fly High Fitness.
Niroda believes if one crosses the barrier of investing enough time and energy in the sport, they will be rewarded with mobility, strength, agility and good posture, as well as having a higher level of body awareness.
The solution to hesitancy and fear among adults is consistency and determination, agrees Elke Vinck, founder of Aspire Gymnastics. She says the sport requires frequent and devoted practice, which adults sometimes miss out on because of other obligations. Most high-level gymnasts put in 30 to 40 hours of training a week.
Vinck says while adults can learn gymnastics (although it may take them longer than children to gain flexibility and strength), it is crucial they have a set goal.
“Some people specifically want to practise the rings or do bars and so on, so we guide them accordingly. For example, we train those who want to focus on flips on the trampoline.”
She pursued the sport after having five children, since they were also doing gymnastics. Focusing on flexibility, stability and balance all the time means it's not easy, says Vinck, who has noticed many adults inquire and try a couple of classes, but not everyone continues.
The key, she says, is to build up the training slowly. “It’s easy to get injured; one wrong landing and you can be out for a while. So it is important to be patient, consistent and enjoy what you’re doing. Oh, and always listen to your coach.”
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
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A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
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New process leads to panic among jobseekers
As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.
“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.
Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE.
“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.
“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
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Group Gustavo Kuerten
Novak Djokovic (x1)
Alexander Zverev (x3)
Marin Cilic (x5)
John Isner (x8)
Group Lleyton Hewitt
Roger Federer (x2)
Kevin Anderson (x4)
Dominic Thiem (x6)
Kei Nishikori (x7)
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
