Balancing gymnastics

CEDAR RAPIDS - Gymnastics has been around for more than 2,000 years and remains popular today with more than 90,000 athletes registered in competitive gymnastics programs in the United States.

Cedar Rapids Xavier's Gabby Schroud is a platinum level gymnast at Twisters Gymnastics who works hard each week to gain new skills in order to make high marks during competition season, which started this month.

This sport is not just about being physically fit, but being able to push through mental barriers and stick the landing.

Schroud started gymnastics when she was 3 years old because her older sister also was involved with the sport and her parents wanted to get her involved in something. Today she participates in competitions across the Midwest.

'Gymnastics is both a team and individual sport because you have a team, but your skills and routines are alone,” Shroud said. 'I love having both aspects of a team and individual sport.”

Schroud has become friends with her teammates and hangs out with them in and out of the gym.

Schroud has been in and out of the gym for a lot of sports.

'Gymnastics is the hardest sport I have ever done, and I have participated in dance, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, swimming and basketball,” she said. 'It is really challenging physically and even more mentally. That's why I believe it's so difficult.”

The physical challenges in gymnastics can destroy a body over time if injuries are not allowed to heal.

'To be in gymnastics, you need to be in really good physical condition, and over time gymnastics really takes a toll on your body,” Schroud said.

She has gone through physical therapy multiple times for her back, joints, muscles and bones. Although physically difficult, the mental aspect of gymnastics is what can drive gymnasts to the end of their career.

'It is very mentally challenging because you have to do it all yourself and you know you can get really hurt if you do it wrong,” Schroud said.

Mental blocks and nervousness can demolish the dreams of a young gymnast. Without trust and motivation in the world of gymnastics, it is impossible to stick the landing and go for the gold.