I definitely think it's a realistic goal. For me, I was stuck on low beam for awhile, until that day that it just worked perfectly and my feet started sticking. After you get your hands on, it's only a matter of time until your feet get with the program. And as for tips... practice! Repetition...
I personally like holding 2 minutes each split. Then at the end of 2 minutes I hold my hands up for 10-20 seconds. I do this a few times while watching tv. I'm really inflexible and this has helped me!
I'm a level six, moving up next season. I'm at a YMCA though, I'm not sure if I'd move up at a club. I started "actually" doing gymnastics 2 years ago, so this is my third year. Before that I just did rec classes about once a year.
Beam: Not mine but it was hilarious. My friend was doing a full turn and slipped. She was about to crotch the beam, but somehow she did the worm out of it. I was laughing so hard.
Bars: I had a really scary one where my coach was having me do tap swings with a total of 6 rips (not exaggerating...
Bookworm, I don't know about JustMeHere, but I have stayed at the YMCA because of a few reasons. Though I could probably get better coaches and equipment at a different gym, the YMCA is cheaper and easier for my family. Just had to mentions that. :)
I have one main tip for you... practice. When I first started doing handsprings on beam I'd NEVER get my hands on. I literally did hundreds before I'd put my hands on the low beam. Try doing some where you focus only on your hands and don't worry about the landing. Eventually it'll just become...
Wow! Thanks for all the feedback! My gym has mandate scores too, I think the YMCA program requires it so teams don't start holding back gymnasts just for them to score higher. I think ours is getting a 34 twice. My coaches make sure no one moves up waaayyy too soon, though sometimes I feel...
I go to a YMCA, so our open gyms don't have that many kids (80+ would be INSANE!!!). Open gyms can be crazy when a lot of younger kids are there that don't know the rules of the gym (Don't cross the equipment for example). However, usually the coaches and some of the older gymnasts can watch the...