Can you turn a cartwheel?

[plgrn]

At 24 years old I'm trying to learn, and it's not going so well. My legs never make it completely vertical over my head, so I wind up resembling a dying frog.

Any tips or suggestions?

If you CAN turn a cartwheel..first of all, I hate you ..secondly, how old were you when you learned?

If you CAN'T turn a carwheel, let me hear from you so I don't feel so bad.

 

[Kim&Chris]

When I was younger (and ALOT thinner), I could turn a nearly perfect cartwheel...sometimes several in a row.

Now, I'm sure if I tried to do one, I'd surely break my neck.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I'm 27 and have never been able to do a cartwheel. However, my dd is 5 and can do a perfect one.

 

[RadioNate]

Yes, at 31 I still can. I was 5 or 6 when I learned. They aren't as pretty as they once were, I'm more of a round off girl but I was able to show my DS how to do one.

 

[Tiggeroo]

No and I'm so glad not to be 11 years old and standing around watching all my friends do cartwheels and make fun of me cause I couldn't. I'm a major clutze with a huge coward gene.

 

[azgal81]

I used to be able to we had a few weeks of gymnastics in gym class in school. Now I probably couldn't I'm not that flexible but then maybe I could I haven't tried for years!

 

[briannesmom]

I just checked and yes I can still do a cartwheel. I learned when I was around 5 or 6.

Amy

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

Never have been able to - If I tried now (I'm 46 yo), I would probably break bones.

 

[icebrat001]

I'm 23 and I've never been able to do a cartwheel.

 

[cheerbop]

34 and yes I can still do one.
I learned when I was maybe 3? I was a cheerleader/gymnast so I used to do many tumbling things...I can also still do perfect splits on both sides!

But, after being a cheerleading coach for many years, I can honestly say that some girls have a very hard time learning, esp the older that you are...so don't fret!.

The best way I can describe to you on how to practice is HHFF--Hand Hand Foot Foot. That is the order in which you should place them. Plus, think like you are a wheel. Don't bend your elbows too much or you will collapse. Oh! and keep your knees as close to "locked" as possible. Maybe try doing a handstand up against a wall to get the "feel" of how it is while upside down, straight.

Hope I helped in some way

 

[hlbtimes2]

Nope, cant now and never could.

 

[plgrn]

The best way I can describe to you on how to practice is HHFF--Hand Hand Foot Foot. That is the order in which you should place them. Plus, think like you are a wheel. Don't bend your elbows too much or you will collapse. Maybe try doing a handstand up against a wall to get the "feel" of how it is while upside down, straight.

Hope I helped in some way

Do you get a running start or stand still? Can someone "spot" you while you are learning?

 

[plgrn]

Never have been able to - If I tried now (I'm 46 yo), I would probably break bones.

Yeah, I think I sprained my wrist already. It's just one of those things that I'm determined to do before I die. I'm not going to let the cartwheel win

 

[SC Minnie]

I could try but I would hurt myself.

I have never been able to. DD finally learned how to last year. I signed her up for gymnastics just to learn how to cartwheel.

 

[cheerbop]

Do you get a running start or stand still? Can someone "spot" you while you are learning?

Well, you can run if you want, but that is more for round-offs. I would suggest do it from standing still position.

Yes, you can spot a cartwheel. You stand behind the person and cross your arms and then place hands on waist. Make sure they are crossed in such a way that when the cartwheel is turned, whether left or right side, the arms will naturally uncross. Then you just walk a bit with the person as they are moving while doing the cartwheel (and while you are uncrossing your arms).

The other spotting you can do is to have someone hold your ankles up while you assume the "handstand/mid cartwheel" position/phase of the cartwheel. (legs open, ya know?) You should look like an "X". If someone holds you there, they can then make sure your legs are straight and then they can let go while you finish the last half of the cartwheel...to get the proper feel.

You get what I am saying?? It is harder to put into words than show/demonstrate it!!

 

[Melissa M]

I have never been able to turn a cartwheel. Somehow I managed to be a cheerleader in spite of this fault. I had good form on the cheers and could jump high, so I showed a lot of enthusiasm to compensate for my lack of gymnastic skills. Now, this was back in the 80s when cheerleading wasn't such a competitive sport. However, the next year they made a new rule that in order to try out for cheerleader, you had to know how to do a cartwheel.

 

[juligrl]

I can contort my body into all sorts of interesting shapes (still at 28!) including a pretzel, but never once have I been able to execute a decent looking cartwheel! Maybe my kids will have better luck.

 

[CathrynRose]

I think I still could - but I'd be scared to try.

I can still do the splits, though!

 

[MouseJunkie]

I tried once a couple of years ago. It wasn't pretty. I think I let fear get to me. I just knew I was going to kill myself. So, I didn't exactly just go for it. I wimped out and it was a hilarious disaster. I used to be able to do all sorts of tumbling. I was in gymnastics when I was a kid.

 

[lindakmonty]

I think I started doing cartwheels when I was 3 or 4... had a big sister to keep up with!! I can still do them...but I'm only 29...