Gymnastics Bodies

I’m four months into my new fitness regimen. I’ve stopped doing weight training and am in a program by GymnasticBodies (check it out at Gymnasticbodies.com) which is built around body movement exercises to build strength and mobility.

Friends and family are noticing the difference. My chest and shoulders are bigger. My waist is smaller and my weight is down insignificantly.

I’m a little surprised gymnastics would build more muscle than weight lifting. The exercises are only done once a week at home and take far less time than my former gym routine did. The really big difference is that every strength exercise includes a mobility exercise. Stretching the muscles that are being worked is really important for mobility, a major concern as I age (I’m 64). But stretching apparently enhances muscle growth as well, if my results are any indication.

Since I began GB, I’ve been having to manage constant pain, which is bad enough at times to keep me from sleeping. I have sciatic pain on both sides and my right shoulder really bothers me. I had those conditions before I began GB and I believe they are related to the continual connective tissue stress that yoga, Taekwondo, and gymnastics put on a body. This pain is different from the muscle soreness that comes with weight training. I manage the pain with ibuprofen, codeine at night, medical cannabis and hydrotherapy. I’ve recently added curcumin for its anti-inflammatory effect. I’m also taking 1000 mg of lipospheric vitamin C which is important for building new collagen and connective tissue.

But I still hurt. Nevertheless, I'm going to stick with GB for at least two years. Reshaping a body is a slow process, especially at my age.

I expect that in addition to eventually being able to do some impressive gymnastics tricks, my regular practices of yoga and Taekwondo will benefit, too. I'll keep you posted as time goes on.