Gymnastics combines strength, flexibility, grace and discipline. Gymnastics is practiced by males and females on both competitive and recreational levels. The sport involves choreographed routines with acrobatic movements performed on apparatus and specially designed floors. On a fundamental level, gymnastics improves your physical health and athletic discipline. Through consistent practice of the sport, you will build strength, improve flexibility, fine tune coordination, develop discipline and enhance your self-esteem.
Coordination
Gymnastics exercises require balance and agility. Because of the variety of different movements necessary for the apparatus, you rotate your body in multiple directions. In addition to the execution of the exercises, gymnastics routines require you to learn choreography, which also involves elements of dance. The combination of choreography and intricate tumbling passes will fine-tune your motor skills. As you enhance your coordination, you also gain a sense of body awareness.
Strength
You develop total body strength through gymnastics. Strong core muscles make it possible for you to invert your body and complete aerial movements. Upper and lower body strength are important for completing explosive power movements on the floor and vault apparatus. Additional physical conditioning such as calisthenics will enhance your strength to help you master advanced gymnastics movements. As you build strong muscles, you also develop strong bones and decrease the likelihood of developing osteoporosis or porous bones.
Flexibility
In addition to strength and coordination, flexibility is another major benefit of gymnastics. Because of the multifunctional movements your body performs, gymnastics creates long and supple muscles. Floor routines often involve jumps that require flexible hip flexors and hamstrings. Basic tumbling builds flexibility through your back and shoulders. The flexibility you gain in gymnastics prepares your body for everyday activities such as sitting, standing and bending, which are less likely to lead to injuries when your body is flexible.
Discipline
The sport of gymnastics is a discipline in and of itself. The movements and exercises you perform require a great deal of concentration. In addition to developing concentration, you build discipline through repetitive practice in order to advance your skills and master your technique. Gymnastics requires you to push yourself and work out of your comfort zone. The discipline you build in gymnastics allows you to apply the same level of discipline to school work and other activities.
Confidence
As with all physical activity, gymnastics gives you a sense of self-confidence. Gymnastics allows you to perform movements that you may have once thought impossible. Your confidence improves knowing that you are getting stronger and doing something beneficial for your health. The confidence gained in gymnastics will help you achieve success in other endeavors.
References
- USA Gymnastics; Guide to Gymnastics
- "Perceptual and Motor Skills"; Relation of Physical Activity and Self-Esteem; Andrea Bobbio; February 2009
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