Why You Should Keep Doing Gymnastics at Your Local Club While in College

Graduating high school doesn’t have to mean retiring your leotard. In fact, continuing gymnastics while in college—especially at your local gymnastics club—can be one of the best decisions you make. Whether you’re pursuing a degree nearby or coming home on breaks, there are countless benefits to staying involved in the sport you love.

1. Stay in Shape – Physically and Mentally

College life can get busy and stressful, and it’s easy to fall into sedentary habits. Gymnastics provides a fun and challenging way to stay active. It keeps your strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance levels high—and it’s a great mental reset from lectures, exams, and papers. A regular workout in a familiar gym can work wonders for your focus and mental health.

"During college I continued to compete in USAIGC and I excelled in my skills way beyond what I accomplished during high school. It helped me destress from school and stay in great shape!" — Coach Brielle

2. Keep Doing What You Love

If you grew up in the gym, you know there’s nothing quite like sticking a landing or swinging bars. Gymnastics isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion. Staying involved allows you to keep enjoying the thrill of new skills, working toward goals, and staying connected to your gymnast identity.

3. Be a Role Model

Younger gymnasts at your local club look up to the older athletes. As a college student, you can inspire the next generation with your experience, leadership, and dedication. Whether you train alongside them or help coach, your presence can have a big impact on their journey.

4. Build Your Resume

College students are always looking for ways to stand out—and staying active in gymnastics can give you just that edge. Whether you're coaching part-time, helping with meets, or demonstrating team commitment, you’re gaining valuable experience in leadership, time management, and communication that can benefit your future career.

5. Maintain Community and Support

Returning to the same gym you’ve trained at for years can feel like coming home. The friendships, coaches, and routines offer comfort and consistency during a time of big life changes. It's a support system you can lean on, no matter how hectic college life becomes.

6. Flexibility for Your Schedule

Most local clubs are more than happy to work around a college student’s class schedule. Whether you want to train recreationally, stay in shape, or coach a few hours a week, gymnastics can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and commitments.

🎓 Coming Soon: Scholarships for NJ College Gymnasts

Exciting news is on the horizon! A New Jersey college is preparing to offer scholarships to ALL NJ gymnasts who continue to compete with their local club while attending college. This groundbreaking opportunity will reward your dedication to the sport—and your community. Stay tuned for more details!

The Bottom Line:You don’t have to choose between college and gymnastics. You can do both—and thrive. Staying involved at your local gymnastics club not only keeps your skills sharp and your body strong, but also connects you with your roots and sets you up for long-term success—inside and outside the gym.

So don’t hang up your grips just yet. The next chapter of your gymnastics story might be your best one yet.