PE04 * Learning Material 2 * Unit 1-2

Topics: *The Competitive Gymnastics

*Values of Gymnastics
*Objectives of Gymnastics

Aims: This learning material aims to:

a. introduce the FIG competitive gymnastic disciplines;
b. describe the values of gymnastics; and
c. explain the objectives of gymnastics.

Introduction:

As early as 4,000 years ago, the people of China practiced gymnastics exercises purely to benefit their health
and promote longevity. In Ancient Greece, where perfection of the human physique was highly celebrated, gymnastics
was practiced by men and women. The Ancient Greeks prized gymnastics so much it was part of the Ancient Olympic
Games, making it one of the world’s oldest sports along with athletics. Gymnastics was utilized by the Ancient
Romans to turn their soldiers into finely tuned machines.
Physical activity to promote health and happiness was one of the developments of the Age of Enlightenment,
when Greek classical education was revived and heralded by thinkers who presented concepts linking the soul and the
body [a sound mind and a sound body]. Coming on the heels of the Scientific Revolution, this era led to physical
education as a science and quickly, a societal and nationalistic concept. Governments mandating physical activity led
to the “Battle of the Systems” as debate raged over what the best exercises were, with promoters of different schools
of physical education arguing their merits over the others. During this era, the first seeds of the sport of gymnastics
and its future competitive disciplines were sewn, and Artistic Gymnastics returned as a sport at the first Modern
Olympic Games in 1896. [from the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) – the highest governing body of
this sport]

Warm-Up:

Answer briefly: Narrate your experiences when you were in the elementary learning different motor skills [movement
skills]. What were your activities back then? How about when you were in high school? Did it helped you attain a
physically fit body? Yes/No/Why?

Central Activity:

*The Competitive Gymnastics

 There are 7 competitive disciplines/forms of gymnastics governed by the Federation Internationale de
Gymnastique (FIG); these are:

Task 1. Complete the table below [answer briefly but substantially]:

FIG disciplines: Brief Description [answer this column]
1. Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG)
2. Artistic Gymnastics
2.1 Men’s division (MAG)
2.2 Women’s division (WAG)
3. Acrobatic Gymnastics (ACRO)
4. Aerobic Gymnastics (AERO)
5. Trampoline Gymnastics (TRA)
6. Gymnastics for All
7. Parkour

*Values of Gymnastics
Guide question for this topic: What are some of the contributions of gymnastics to the development of an individual?
1. Past studies involving physical fitness indicate that gymnastics should be a vital activity in physical fitness
training.
- The movements in this activity are fundamentally big-muscle movements and will develop greatly
the muscle groups in the arms, shoulders, chest, and abdomen – these body areas are neglected in
other sports – the trampolining and tumbling activities will develop the musculature of the legs.
2. Besides building strength and power, gymnastics also contributes to other factors of physical fitness such as:
 - agility, flexibility, coordination, and balance – a general improvement in posture also can result
from this type of activity.
3. Gymnastics has special meaning as a sport – emphasis is on coordination and skill with stress on the
execution and perfection of the performance.
- Students whose capabilities and size may not fit them for contact sports can find in gymnastics the
satisfaction of competition and the thrill of accomplishment in skilful physical activity.
4. Gymnastics also develops mental qualities as alertness, daring, and precision – many of the stunts call for
quick thinking and split-second timing is necessary.
- Gymnastics is an individual sport, the gymnast is the only person who can make him/herself
overcome fear in learning new moves.
- By repeating moves, the gymnast develops the ability to make definite decisions and to perform
actions that must be correct for the successful completion of the stunt.
5. Development of character traits like self-confidence, perseverance, and self-discipline are developed from
gymnastic activities.
- If the gymnast works to make progress, s/he quickly learns to develop perseverance to the highest
degree.
- Self-discipline and force must be applied, and the same stunt must often be tried repeatedly until
mastery is finally accomplished.
- Gymnastics is a self-testing activity, each individual may progress at his/her own pace. A gymnast
who is challenged by a particular advanced stunt or routine is not prevented from trying it by the
lack of progress of fellow gymnasts.
6. Creative ability has unlimited opportunity in the sport of gymnastics. Great pleasure is derived from working
out possible combinations and routines.
- This develops an understanding of symmetry, continuity, coordination, balance, and timing in the
gymnast.
- It also develops an understanding of the need for strength and endurance in order to complete
some of the routines created by the gymnast.
7. Another value is the fun and enjoyment received from participating in the activity.
- The joy of successfully completing a stunt is outstanding; the elation of learning a new skill is
indescribable.
- To see children laughing and shouting with joy and pride as they successfully complete a stunt is
indeed rewarding to the gymnastics instructor.

*Objectives of Gymnastics
 Objectives of the Gymnastics Program:
1. To improve and maintain a physically fit body.
2. To improve efficiency of movement through grace, poise, dignity, form, and rhythm.
3. To enhance creativity through the exploration of new movements and movement combinations.
4. To improve courage, initiative, determination, and perseverance.
5. To stimulate interest and enjoyment of gymnastics.

Task 2. Cite 4 types/forms of exercise routine that will help prepare or condition the body to engage into the gymnastics
program.
Type of Exercise Target of the Exercise
1. -
2. -
3. -
4. -

Wrap-Up:

 Gymnastics, as a form of physical activity, will help an individual enhance his/her physical fitness and achieve
lifelong fitness.
 Participating in the gymnastics program will lead into a successful sports career.

Assessment: An exam will be uploaded at mVLE.

***Sir Bang (09778946000)