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Over the weekend of August 12-14, 45 adult gymnasts gathered in Portsmouth, NH at Atlantic Gymnastics for an adult gymnastics training camp. The camp accommodated both men and women, and welcomed beginner gymnasts right alongside gymnasts with elite level skills. Over 13 hours of training time was available, plus an adult gymnastics clinic poolside. We also had plenty of opportunities to spend time with fellow campers at meals and social events, including an Olympic Watch Party where we were able to watch the happenings in Rio unfold. We all collectively strained and yelled as Chuso attempted her Produnova vault in event finals. We sympathized with her knees and ankles as she fought valiantly to salvage the landing. It was apparent what rabid gymnastics fans we are when, in spite of our extreme hunger after Sunday’s training, no one would get up to eat while vault event finals were underway.
Camp had a mix of focused training within similar ability level groups, plus some time when we got to do games and basics with the entire camp as a whole. There was some conditioning, flexibility, and open gym time mixed in as well. By Sunday, lots of video was taken as everyone was excited to show off skills they had learned or improved
This was our third camp, which means many campers were returning and were excited to reunite with friends from near and far. Far, indeed—our furthest camper comes from Australia. Gymnasts from the U.K., Canada, and all across the U.S. were also represented.
The experienced camp staff was able to accommodate the needs and goals of each and every camper. We also had an Athletic Trainer and Massage Therapist on site. If you needed a drill or special station, Gina Paulhus, camp director, could come to the rescue. If you needed a double spot, we had coaches available for that. Some of the campers are coaches themselves, and we noticed campers helping each other, whether it be setting up a station or offering some technique. On Friday, it was 45 athletes working out individually. By Sunday, it was 45 campers working out together, as a supportive team.
Saturday seemed to be the highlight of the social scene, which involved a lunch at a famous lobster house in nearby Kittery, Maine and also an evening gathering at The Friendly Toast which featured local organic food and some killer craft beers.
Sunday were another highlight—we had a mix of hysterical ‘gag’ awards combined with awards for jaw-dropping progress that was made on some skills during camp. See the list of awards below! Many campers noted that they struggled with fear when training alone, but the strong spotters available at camp, the safe facilities including pits, and most importantly the support and inspiration of fellow adult gymnasts gave them the courage to attempt skills that normally eluded them.
Nancy - Best Wolf Turn
Meghan - Most Realistic Wonder Woman
Andrea - Quickest Study on Vault
Joe - Strongest Lever
Jen H. - Voice in Katy's Head
Katy - Hungriest
Jose - Best Heel Drive
Traci - Quality Over Quantity
Jane - Animalistic Aggression
Lana - Most Mobile
Melody - Best Bad Side Cartwheel
Melissa D. - Best Balance Beam Launch
Casey - Most Jealousy Inducing (male)
Kea - Most Jealousy Inducing (female)
Ryan - Aly Raisman Twinning
Justine - Beam Quick Study
Melissa V. - NASA Launch
Sam - Upside Down is Right Side Up
Rach - Greatest Comeback
Kim B. - Best Rhythmn
Kim. K. - Best Toe Point
Christine - Bars Babe
Rebecca - Most Balanced Beam
Hallie - Strongest
Jill - Best Life Strategy
Anita - Most Body Aware
Amy - Most Likely to Kill a Spotter
Kristen - Best Aeriel
Suzy - Bars Natural
Lizabeth - Most Graceful
Sherrie - Age Reversal
Heather - Best Back Handspring Shape
Suzanne - Best Chucker
Caitlin - Sharpest Gymnastics
Jackie - Cleanest Gymnastics
Nicole - Power Packed
Allie - Cutest Smile
Celia - Miss Giants
Linda - Grind
Jen S. - Scholar
Dominique - Best Cartwheel Precision
Jerome - Layout Tsuk King
Cait A. - Miss Technique
Chelsea - Braveheart
Jenna - Most Precise
Being at adult camp has been the best experience of my life. I thank everyone that has come for helping make it such a special and successful event!
You can continue to keep in touch with our Facebook Group, "Just Like Fine Wine….Adult Gymnastics." The group is 4000 members strong! The camp is made possible by Tony Retrosi of GymMomentum. He opened up his facility to this camp, and him and his staff helped Gina Paulhus, camp director, be in the position to organize and share so much knowledge with other adult gymnasts.
Find out when our next camp is on this page.
Disclaimer: Adult gymnasts and coaches give advice and suggestions on this page. By reading and implementing the information, you assume all liability for injury. The advice given is for educational purposes only. Please check with your in-person coach and ensure that you have the proper pit, mats and/or spot available before trying any suggestions. If you don't agree to these terms, do not attempt anything that you see on this page.
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