The Challenge

We have found something that actually physically challenges CJ.  She insisted on having her training wheels taken off at age 4, and immediately mastered riding without them. Two weeks later she had strapped on roller skates, and despite living on a hill, figured out how to skate.  She doesn't want help, she just wants/needs to conquer "it" whatever "it" is at the moment.

Even a few weeks ago when we started up gymnastics again after nearly a two year hiatus, she was in love and bored. They invited her to join the competition track, and she loves it -but says it's hard! Finally something that she has to work for.

The first day we were trying out the gym, she saw kids doing straddle handstands (at least I think that's what they are called) and this has been her goal.  She can do parts but doesn't have the control or strength at the moment to go all the way.  However, since it has been a few weeks and she still can't do it, she wants to give up.  This is a great challenge for her, to really work at getting it.

here is a video of the move she is personally working on:




I don't think she has told her coach yet about her desire to master this move, and since her preview of this new class they want her to move up one more level it won't be long before she is actually expected to be able to do it.  I'm not sure mommy is ready for that kind of pocketbook and emotional commitment, but the truth is, it is easy to see her passion and desire, and very hard to even consider dampening that.

 She's up, but she's got to get stronger and hold it longer, then figure out the move to the handstand position.

No leotard required, this is a regular daily occurrence around here.

Cartwheels

Handstands

Walking on hands

A 10 in my book

All of this and her flexibility is out of my league! She's the only on I know who can step on her own hand in the middle of a cartwheel...and still finish the cartwheel off strong. Even a 90 minute session after school doesn't slow her down or wear her out.