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Is there a degree needed to be a gymnast?

Hi, I'm Laniya and i was interested in starting Gymnastics again. I was wondering if I started to like it more than i expected, if i needed any education to be a gymnast. #gymnastics

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Jared’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

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Like most professional athletes, professional gymnasts don't need college degrees to compete. However because of how competitive the sport is they often try to get an associate's or bachelor's degree to "hedge their bets".


Going Pro


The career path is actually quite specific and (to be honest) it's quite short. Gymnasts who end up going pro typically start very young and peak in their 20s. You'll need extensive coaching, which you can get from personal coaches you hire, professional classes, or through competitive gymnastics programs. It can be an extremely strategic sport, so you will need to learn the rules and strategies to win. You'll also need to hone your abilities and cultivate any innate talent you can muster. Colleges have gymnastics programs as well, but that's often the last stop, because by that point you're already nearing 20.


What happens after you retire?


Since professional gymnasts retire so young, you want to closely consider what the future holds beyond professional competition. It's not uncommon to become a gymnastics coach, work in the administration of the sport, or go into related fields like sports therapy, physical education, or even things like the psychology of sports. It's not uncommon for gymnasts to retire from competition and begin completely independent careers in business or other fields. As a result, it can be very good to plan to get a college degree if possible so you have something to fall back on when your competitive career (inevitably) ends.


I hope this is helpful Laniya! Good luck with your gymnastics classes and please let us know what other questions you have that we might be able to answer.

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treasa’s Answer

Physical fitness is another possible field for professional gymnasts. This is another field in which a high school diploma is often sufficient, although the BLS notes more employers have begun to require an associate or bachelor's degree in a field such as exercise science, kinesiology or physical education.
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Bobby’s Answer

Hi Laniya! You do not need any education to become a gymnast. What you need is confidence and dedication. Of course, a good coach is also needed. If you do want to get an education where gymnastics plays a role, you can try personal training, physical therapists, exercise science, or even physical education (PE). Best of luck with your gymnastics and I hope you love it!
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