There are three primary types of gymnastic competitions: artistic, rhythmic and acrobatic. Each is a separate sport. Artistic gymnastics are generally known as just "gymnastics." Men's and women's gymnastics include two common events, the floor exercise and the vault.

It is easy to believe that gymnasts use every muscle in the body. They leap, spring, bound, flip and handstand. They not only use every muscle, but also use them in every way a muscle can be used.

There is no need to be a gymnast in order to do a backflip on a trampoline. Thanks to its bouncy surface, all it takes is time and practice. Practice moves such as a backdrop to overcome any fears then roll into a backward somersault. Once you have mastered these basic movements try to do a backflip.

Carly Patterson was 16 years old when she won the all-around for women’s artistic gymnastics at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Paul Hamm was 21 when he won the all-around for men’s artistic gymnastics in Athens. Elite gymnasts begin the sport at very young ages because their bodies peak so early.

Although natural flexibility is one of the things coaches look for in children who become elite gymnasts, your flexibility isn't limited by your genetics. According to governing body USA Gymnastics, stretching is essential for increasing flexibility.

Gymnastics offers significant health benefits, even improving problem-solving skills. It improves bone density, flexibility, strength and coordination. Additionally, it can reduce stress. However, gymnastics also poses the risk of increased injury and adds pressure to remain thin.

Gymnastics requires movements on various pieces of equipment such as the pummel horse, parallel bars, rings and high bar. To do these movements with maximum ease and safety in mind, gymnasts must wear the proper clothes.

Elite artistic gymnasts are the best gymnasts in the world, competing for rankings and medals. Elite gymnastics begin once a gymnast has surpassed level 10 and met the elite requirements. In the United States, elite gymnasts are members of USA Gymnastics and follow the Federation de Internationale Code of Points.

Gymnastics puts such an incredible demand on the body, it's important to plan your workouts in accordance with your gymnastic goals. Strength training is vital -- Olympic gymnast Alicia Sacramone devotes an hour each day to outside practice.

The balance beam is one of four main apparatuses that are used in competitive women’s artistic gymnastics. The beam itself measures 16 feet long and 4 inches wide. Early balance beam routines consisted of dance-based moves, including leaps, poses and acrobatic skills like walkovers and back handsprings.

The tumbling skills required for cheerleading tryouts vary from squad to squad. A competitive squad may require more elite skills, such as a backflip or layout, while a squad that cheers at sporting events may not have specific tumbling requirements. Cheerleading has developed into an athletic sport over the years.

The vault is an event in both men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics. Performing a successful vault involves power, speed and proper technique. During a gymnastics competition, gymnasts are judged on execution and level of difficulty. More difficult vaults are worth more points than easier vaults.