For years, I’d felt a pull toward gymnastics, a quiet curiosity about flipping through the air, defying gravity, and rediscovering the playful joy of movement. But somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that gymnastics was a sport for the young. I turned it into a fleeting dream left behind with childhood leotards and hair scrunchies. Then I discovered Shine Tumblers in Orange, New Jersey, and everything changed.
It all began on a whim when I signed up for a beginner’s class taught by the legendary Coach Rayshine Harris. If you’re unfamiliar with Coach Harris, his story alone is worth hearing. A three-time world record holder for the most difficult tumbling pass in the mid-90s, he’s a powerhouse of skill and dedication. Today, he devotes himself to helping others achieve their goals, and his passion for the sport is contagious.
Walking into the Shine Tumblers studio for the first time was both exhilarating and intimidating. The room buzzed with energy. There was a mix of eager kids, a handful of hesitant adults, and Coach Harris’s commanding yet encouraging voice weaving through it all. As a first-timer, I was nervous about looking out of place, but I quickly realized that the environment wasn’t about competition or perfection. It was about growth, fun, and exploring what your body could do.
A Warm Welcome and a Warm-Up
Coach Harris greeted each of us with a wide smile, instantly easing my nerves. He explained that gymnastics is for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and emphasized that the goal was to challenge ourselves while having fun. We began with stretches, a mix of gentle movements to loosen up stiff joints and more intense poses to build flexibility. I could feel my body awakening, like it was saying, “Oh, we’re doing this?”
After warming up, we jumped into foundational skills, like cartwheels. I hadn’t done one in a while, but Coach Harris broke it down into manageable steps. With each attempt, he offered feedback that was equal parts technical and motivating. By the time I landed my first semi-decent cartwheel, the sense of accomplishment was immense. It reminded me that progress—however small—is worth celebrating.
From there, we graduated to back handsprings and front handsprings. Coach Harris made it feel possible for me, a beginner, to take on handsprings on day one. He guided me step by step and spotted me to ensure my safety. It was challenging, yes, but also thrilling. There’s something magical about overcoming that mental block and trusting your body to do what feels impossible. Each attempt was met with cheers from the room which was a reminder that support fuels courage.
The Benefits of Adult Gymnastics
While my initial motivation for joining the class was simply to try something new, I quickly realized the myriad benefits of adult gymnastics.
- Strength and Flexibility: Gymnastics works muscles you didn’t even know you had. From holding poses to executing flips, the sport builds core strength and enhances flexibility, which benefits everyday movement.
- Improved Coordination: Mastering routines and individual moves challenges your brain and body to work in harmony, improving overall balance and coordination.
- Stress Relief: There’s a freeing joy in moving your body with intention. The focus required for gymnastics quiets the mind, making it an effective way to de-stress.
- Confidence Boost: There’s nothing quite like nailing a move you never thought you could do. Gymnastics teaches you to embrace challenges and celebrate progress.
- Community: Joining a class like this connects you with people who cheer you on every step of the way. The shared experience fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
By the end of the class, I was sweaty, exhilarated, and already planning my next session. Adult gymnastics at Shine Tumblers reminded me that it’s never too late to try something new, embrace a challenge, and reconnect with the joy of movement. If you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine, build confidence, or simply have fun, I can’t recommend it enough. You might just find that flipping through the air is exactly what you’ve been missing.