Gymnastic besties, gym squad, teammates, family, gym sisters… there are so many different ways to name a gymnast’s friends in the gym. Friendships built in the gym are special and unique from those built in the schoolyard or anywhere else. Gymnastics friendships are built on a mutual love for the sport of gymnastics, and a strong loyalty to your gym. You’re on the same team and work together daily to strengthen your team to perform the best you can in meets. Gymnasts are teammates by chance, but become friends by choice. These athletes spend hours every day together, doing what they love and working hard through easy times and challenges. Because of all this time spent together, many gymnasts call their teammates their gym family, or their gym sisters.
Last week, we asked you guys on our social media to describe your gym bestie, and we got to hear all the wonderful things about your best friends! We were glad to see so many young gymnasts complimenting each other and sharing how much they cared for one another. It takes strength to maintain such strong friendships, especially when gymnasts are competing against each other. Sure, they’re all on the same team, but gymnasts are judged individually on their scores in each event. This can cause some jealousy and bitterness among gymnasts if they don’t know how to work past the competition and maintain a strong supportive friendship. Luckily, we have some tips for maintaining strong friendships in the gym!
Be Supportive
Different gymnasts are all at different skill levels. Even though two gymnasts may be competing at the same level (and on the same team), they likely won’t be at the exact same skill level. One may be better on beam, while the other is better on bars. That’s why it’s so important to avoid comparing yourself to your teammates.
Remember: you won’t win every single meet you attend. That’s why it’s so important to be able to win and lose gracefully. Rather than brag when you win or complain when you don’t, try focusing your attention on your teammates. Learn to support your teammates through their wins and losses. Celebrate with them when they win, and comfort them when they don’t. If you act this way to your teammates, they will act the same way to you, and support you through your own challenges.
Part of being a teammate is being supportive. A good teammate, and a good friend, will celebrate with you and support you through the good and bad times. Be a good teammate, and be supportive.
Partner Up
A good way to be supportive of your teammates is to “partner up”. Find a teammate who is really good at a skill you may be struggling with, and help each other practice and improve! Offer advice and teach each other, and help each other improve. Give support when they’re struggling, and celebrate when your teammate finally nails that new skill! You’ll feel proud of them for finally accomplishing their goal, and you may feel proud of yourself as well for helping. This mutual support may even lead to a stronger, lifelong friendship!
It can be easy to let the thrill of competition get in the way of being a supportive teammate and friend. However, to be a better gymnast and friend in the end, you must focus on supporting and celebrating your teammates.
We Heard From You…
Here are some of the wonderful things you had to say about your gym besties!
“My gym bestie @gymbunny_elyra_gym_mom keeps me going when things are tough. She is kind and a strong gymnast!”
--@gymnast_kayleeofficial
“I have several gym-besties! But what they all have in common is that they are so supportive and a lot of fun to be around.”
--@fifi_rose_gymnast
“My gym bestie is @keila_rgetta. She is always super sweet to everyone. I love her pretty smile that lights up any room! She’s a hard worker and loves leotards as much as I do.”
--@lilahflipz
“@maliyahshae. She’s an awesome girl to joke around with! I love having her. We have the best time together.”
--@_taylor.10_
“My crazy Brookie @gymnastbrookie2026! I talk to her every day even when we are already seeing each other 24 hours a week!! I love her so much and her crazy funny personality!!”
--@gymnastmarisen
Have a great week with your gym besties, gymnasts!
