Hints and Tips About Gymnastics
Apparatuses
The following information was taken out of The Young Gymnast By: Joan Jackman Foreword by:

Shannon Miller.

Floor- Is used by both men and women. The routines take place on a 12 by 12 meters carpeted square, built on a springy base.

Uneven bars- Is used by only women. This exercise should include swings, handstands, circles, and release and catch moves.

Balance Beam- Is used by only women. The routine lasts between 70 to 90 seconds. The beam is 5 meters long and 10 centimeters wide. The surface of the beam is padded to make it a little springy. It also helps cushion the gymnasts as they land on it.

Vaulting Horse- Is used by men and women. It is 5 feet 4 inches long and 14 inches wide. The top of the horse is slightly padded for a cushion for the gymnasts.

Rings- Is used only by men. The rings are 18 centimeters in diameter and hang 275 centimeters above the floor.

Pommel Horse- Is used only by men. The pommel horse is 5 feet 4 inches long and stands 3 feet 10 inches high.

Parallel Bars- Is only used by men. The man has to travel between two wooden bars; using his hands, upper arms, or on one arm.

Horizontal Bar- Is only used by men. The bar is 7 feet 10 inches long. It is set at 8 feet 2 inches from the floor. The routines are very similar to the uneven bars that are performed by women.
 
 






Starting Gymnastics
The following information is taken out of the Young Gymnast By: Joan Jackman Foreword By:


 














Shannon Miller.

Hair- Your hair should be neat, not hanging in your eyes. If you have long hair tie it back so it doesn't interfere with your gymnastics.

Hand Guards- Gymnasts usually wear hand guards for working on the bars or rings. The hand guards help prevent blisters from forming.

Chalk- Many gymnasts put chalk on their hands and feet to prevent them from slipping.

Warming Up- You should stretch each time before tumbling. This way your heart will beat faster, increase breathing rate, loosen your muscles, and joints, makes you more flexible, and it prevents stiffness and injury. You should warm up your wrists and fingers. Also bend, stretch, shake, and circle your feet and ankles.

Leotards- Are named after, a french acrobat, Jules Leotard, who was the first person to wear one. Leotards are made of stretchy fabrics and are made to fit closely. Girls should wear long sleeved leotards and boys should wear a sleeveless leotard with shorts or long pants. Then your coach can see the position of your body more easier and clearer.

Jewelry- You shouldn't wear jewelry when you are in the gym. It may cause you or your coach to get injured. It may also damage the equipment.
 
 
 

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