We explain what gymnastics is and its origins. We also explain what types of gymnastics exist and their health benefits.
What is gymnastics?
Gymnastics is a sport that consists of performing systematic sequences of physical exercises that develop different physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility. It is one of the main Olympic disciplines.
The origin of gymnastics dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was practiced consecutively alongside other disciplines in circuses and competitions. However, it was the Romans who gave it greater use, recreating gladiatorial combats. You must read about Phobia once.
Later, in the Middle Ages, it was not a highly regarded discipline: it was practiced by jesters and acrobats as a form of spectacle. It was not until the Renaissance that it was reclaimed as a sport by figures such as Martin Luther (1483-1546). Today, gymnastics has various forms and can be practiced for pleasure, competitive, educational, and even therapeutic purposes.
- The word “gymnastics” comes from the Greek γυμνασία, which translates into English as “aficionado of athletic sports.”
Types of Gymnastics
Currently, the practice of gymnastics is professionally governed and organized by the International Gymnastics Federation, founded in 1881 and based in Moutier, Switzerland.
According to its Olympic regulations, six types of gymnastics disciplines are recognized. They are:
Rhythmic Gymnastics:
It is distinguished from other gymnastics in that it incorporates elements of dance and ballet, so it is practiced with background music and complementary elements such as the ball, ribbon, rope, and hoop, among others. In a competition, it is always evaluated in two categories: individual and group. Maybe you should definitely read about Coward once.
Artistic Gymnastics:
Very similar to rhythmic gymnastics, it incorporates choreography and synchronized movements performed at high speed. Of all the gymnastic disciplines, it has the longest Olympic tradition.
Acrobatic Gymnastics:
It is practiced in groups and, in addition to artistic or gymnastic movements, includes showy aerial acrobatics, which require strength, coordination, precision, and a great deal of confidence.
Aerobic Gymnastics:
Its movements come from aerobics, so the execution of the movement pattern includes variations in intensity and rhythm. Therefore, it is the most intense gymnastic discipline.
Trampoline Gymnastics:
It is practiced on trampolines or trampolines to propel the athlete’s body into the air and allow them to perform various movements before landing as gracefully as possible.
Gymnastics for All:
This is the only non-competitive form of gymnastics, as it typically involves the production of a visual spectacle with music, colors, costumes, and scenery. In fact, its demonstrations can include elements from any of its sister disciplines.
Benefits of Gymnastics
Like all sports, gymnastics is highly beneficial for health, as it exercises the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, in addition to subjecting muscles and joints to different levels of sustained effort.
In general, practicing gymnastics develops physical abilities such as flexibility and quickness, improves reaction time and reflexes, and allows for greater coordination and body control.
Gymnastics also has psychological benefits: it helps build self-confidence and, when practiced in groups, the ability to work as a team or in pairs. Likewise, in competitive settings, it fosters self-improvement, tolerance of frustration, perseverance, and a fighting spirit.
References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Dominican Olympic Committee. (2021). Gymnastics. colimdo.org
- Argentine Gymnastics Confederation. (2019). Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. gimnasiargentina.com
- Erbach, B. (1985). Year-Round Gymnastics. Stadium.
