Adult gymnastics classes are something that people think you need prior experience with to participate in. When most people think of gymnastics, usually you think that you have to do it from age three, and once you 15 years of age, you are to old to begin. As long as you are not trying to go to the olympics, this statement and thought however, is not the case. In fact, you do not need to have any experience to participate in a drop in adult class in Eugene to learn about the world of gymnastics. If you are interested in getting an amazing work out, gain flexibility, build incredible strength, and show off beautiful movements in the air, you should definitely try out a gymnastics class at one of the three locations in town that offers them. In the specific class pages on this blog, I go into great detail on the various classes offered in Eugene.

But first, a bit of background. The first flying trapeze act took place on November 12, 1859! His name was Jules Léotard, a the French acrobat who performed at the Cirque Napoléon in Paris. He connected a bar to some ventilator cords above the swimming pool in his father’s gym. The traditional costume worn, the leotard, is named after him.

Jules Leotard (1st flying trapeze)

                              Men and women in the circus in 1935

Here are eight reasons to take a gymnastics class, whether you are 18, or 38!!

1) You will get very strong

2) It is impressive to show your friends

3) Your flexibility will increase greatly

4) You will become more coordinated

5) It will help you over come fear

6) It helps you learn to fall without hurting yourself

7) You will learn to laugh at yourself

8)  It will bring out your inner child

The gymnastics centers in town offer night classes mainly consisting of aerial trapeze classes open to adults 18+. In addition, there are open gym hours, where you can pay a small fee and have free range to use the equipment to practice skills at your own pace.

I believe that adult trapeze classes are a wonderful addition to the already spectacular arts community in Eugene. It allows the participation of adults in this beautiful art form, regardless of experience levels. If you have ever seen cirque du soleil, the classes in town teach you to do the basic moves that the beautiful professionals do in their shows. And best of all, the classes are offered at night, so if you are a busy school student, or working professional, the times allow for your participation in this one of a kind art form.