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.

Why Do Gymnasts Use Chalk?

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Lance Fuller

In every gymnastics facility, a large tub of powdered chalk is as common as bars, beams and mats. During practices and meets, gymnasts liberally dust their hands and legs with chalk to absorb sweat and improve their grip strength during events.

Specializing in health and fitness writing, Lance Fuller is currently interning for the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. Fuller was the first student to write about health and fitness for "The Independent Florida Alligator," America's largest student-run college newspaper. Fuller holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism, focusing on health and fitness writing, from the University of Florida.