Unlike sports such as soccer or baseball, where the objectives -- score points and win the game -- are clear, the objectives of gymnastics are not so obvious, beyond the generic ones of having fun and staying safe. Gymnastics truly is a sport all its own, with team competition, individual competition and a strictly recreational side for gymnasts who do not compete. Gymnastics centers around three key objectives, but you may pursue any number of objectives within the sport.
Physical Fitness
Gymnastics requires a level of physical fitness matched by few other sports. As a gymnast, you must strive for strength to support your body weight on your hands and to pull yourself over the bars. You need flexibility even for the most basic skills, such as splits. You must control your balance, whether you are on the beam or holding a skill on the floor exercise. In tumbling passes and especially on the vault, you must push for power and speed. You should have an overall object of endurance, so you can push your body further and work toward excelling in all events.
Artistry
Gymnastics is about artistry. When you begin gymnastics, artistry may not be your prime objective as you focus on the fundamentals of body positions, landings and learning to fall without breaking your neck. However, artistry sets you apart in this sport. Your goal should be not only to execute the skills properly but to execute them with style. You can achieve artistry by watching a variety of elite gymnasts and taking note of the little things they do that turn their routines into performances of art.
Progression
Gymnastics is a level sport; you must pass specific requirements on each apparatus to progress. In the USA Gymnastics program, you must move from level to level, beginning in Level 1, despite your age or level of experience. Because gymnastics can be a dangerous sport, it is important to fully master all basic skills in the lower levels before competing at the team levels. Depending on your age and how far you want to go in the sport, you generally do not want to spend more than one year in any level.
Individual Objectives
Gymnastics is first and foremost an individual sport, and different gymnasts and different gyms will have different objectives. Many gyms list teaching discipline as a primary objective. You need discipline not only to commit to regular attendance at practice, but also to practice every day at home, especially on stretching and conditioning. Gaining self-esteem, making friends and working as a team are also worthy objectives that gyms promote. Gaining a healthy competitive spirit and learning good sportsmanship should be top objectives for any competitive gymnast.
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