How to Get Into Gymnastics as an Adult
With elite gymnasts often competing in their teens and retiring in their 20s, gymnastics may seem like a sport for the youthful, but it’s really for everyone.
Read more →Gymnastics for Beginners: Drills, Flexibility and Home Training
Gymnastics drills for beginners focus on building the flexibility needed for splits and backhandsprings. Learn the requirements for various levels and how to train safely at home as a kid or adult.
The Difference Between Gymnastics & Ballet
Gymnastics and ballet both center on the athlete’s body movements -- the strength, balance, flexibility and artistry displayed in a performance. Despite these similarities, gymnastics and ballet are two different physical activities.
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Required Level 1 Gymnastic Skills
Whether a gymnast plans to eventually compete on a team or wants only to participate in the sport recreationally, all gymnasts in the USA Gymnastics program must master the required skills in Level 1 before advancing to the next level.
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How Does Elite Gymnastics Work?
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.
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How to Begin Gymnastics If You Are 15
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.
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Types of Jumps in Gymnastics
On the floor and the beam, gymnastics jumps are about height, flexibility, extension, form and speed. While the floor and the beam have some spring action, most of the height actually comes from the gymnast’s power.
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