Gymnastics is a sport that requires participants to master many different exercises, which combined, test the individual’s strength, flexibility, power, agility, coordination, grace, balance and control. The word “gymnastics” means “to train naked” in ancient Greek. It is a reference to the ancient Greek tradition of athletes training with no clothes. While the origins of the sport lay in ancient Greece, it was not until the late 18th and early 19th century that German physical educators created the exercises that form the core of modern gymnastics.
Common gymnastic exercises for women include the vault, the uneven bars, the balance beam, and floor. Somewhat strangely, the some of the events for men are different. Men’s gymnastic exercises are the pommel horse, the still rings, floor, vault, parallel bars, and the high bar. In competition, gymnasts are judged based on their execution, degree of difficulty, and overall presentation skills. Today, most people are probably familiar with gymnastics from the Olympic games. In the United States, there are over 92,000 professional gymnasts.
However, you do not have to be an Olympian, or even a professional, to enjoy gymnastics. In fact, gymnastics is appreciated millions of young boys and girls. Some gymnasts start taking classes as early as 4 years old. Many kids love gymnastics classes because its fun, while parents love gymnastics because it develops their children’s strength, flexibility, coordination. Gymnastics is also great for boosting kids’ self esteem and giving them confidence that they can apply to other areas of their life. There are even adult gymnastic classes because you are never too old to benefit from gymnastics.
Whether you are looking for a gymnastic class for kids or gymnastic classes for adults, there are likely local gymnastics classes in your area. Search online to find a gymnastic school near you if you are interested in discovering the exciting sport of gymnastics. More like this.
