This athlete found a new home with CrossFit after being a gymnast for 13 years
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
It is natural to feel a little lost after retiring from a sport you spent 13 years of your life on.
This was certainly the case for gymnast turned CrossFit instructor Sheryl Tan, who used to look forward to each of the days she spent in trainings and competitions - the many highs and lows that came along her way as a gymnast.
“After retiring from gymnastics, I missed attending training and wanted to look for outlets where I could at least maintain what I developed and gained over all those years. I decided to go for trials in touch rugby and dragon-boating, but it did not work out and I did not enjoy it as much”, said Tan.
“It was tough looking for a sport that I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed gymnastics.”
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
Tan’s journey as a gymnast began when she was only 4 years-old. Having an older cousin who was a national gymnast, her parents noticed how gymnastics had a positive influence and helped to develop character.
They also believed it was a well-rounded activity that could enhance Tan's physical development and harness basic foundational skills such as strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and body awareness.
Tan confessed: "They claimed that I had so much energy in me back then, that they had to find me an outlet to release it.”
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
"Ever since I started my journey in gymnastics, I never looked back. The thrill, challenges, routines, and the sports culture were so enjoyable and fun to me," she shared.
"I had my first ever artistic gymnastic competition at the age of seven and even though it was insanely nerve-wrecking, I loved the experience and wanted to keep competing forever."
Tan participated in all four gymnastics events: the balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise and vault.
“My favourite event and one that will always be, is the uneven bars”, she shared.
“The feeling of performing challenging skills on the bar, the process of learning new skills and also just swinging back and forth on them was so exciting and thrilling”.
She also attributed her time as a gymnast as playing a big part in grooming her to become the person she is today.
“Many personal values and life lessons of mine were sculpted from gymnastics like discipline, determination, courage, honesty and resilience to name a few”, she recounted.
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
Having built the right foundation after years of training allowed her to transition from sport to sport after retiring from gymnastics, all there was left to do was find the right fit. For Tan, that fit was CrossFit.
Tan was first introduced to CrossFit by a friend who invited her to join him for a training session.
“My first ever CrossFit session absolutely killed me. I was traumatised by the intensity, but because I paid for a month’s worth of membership, I had to keep going.”
“Eventually, I started learning different skills and slowly understanding the culture and concept of CrossFit as a sport.” She also found herself being able to carry over many gymnastic elements and skills, which also gave her a slight head start.
Every time I had to use those skills in a workout, it felt so familiar and comforting. That was when I knew CrossFit would be my new staple”.
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
It is common for many who are unfamiliar with CrossFit to be a little wary of it at first. If you are curious about CrossFit and thinking of trying it out, it may be helpful to remember to go at your own pace and not to compare yourself and your progress to others. Tune in to your own journey.
Tan believes that CrossFit can be for anyone and everyone, and one should not be afraid to give it a go.
“CrossFit might seem dangerous and scary at first, I don’t disagree with that, because even I thought of it that way when I first started. But once you keep going, you will realise how varied, versatile, progressive and functional CrossFit is,” Tan shared.
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
After two years of training, Tan found her new calling as a CrossFit coach.
“It was a real eye opener. I learnt how different and challenging coaching CrossFit could be compared to just doing it. I love how holistic and progressive CrossFit is and the wholesome culture of the sport”, she said.
Tan is currently pursuing a part-time degree in Sports and Exercise Science so that she can continue doing what she loves, which is training and coaching.
PHOTO VIA SHERYL TAN
How does she manage all of it? “I train and coach in the mornings, and attend lectures in the evenings. Because this is the first time I am balancing both work and studies concurrently, it is a little challenging, but still manageable”.
“There is no reason to stop doing what you are passionate about. No matter what plans you have or how busy you are, you will find a way to squeeze in just a bit of time for it. That is what makes life exciting and more fulfilling!”, she concluded.
Tan is in the process of moving to a new coaching and training home ground and we can’t wait to see her back in action!