Gymnastics defined

There are plenty of definitions that can be used to

describe this discipline.
 As a sport
 Involves in the physical performance of sequences of movements or routines
requiring physical strength, flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness.
 A competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed
acrobatics feats either on the floor or on special apparatus in order to demonstrate
strength, balance, and body control.
 Involves in the performance of sequences of movements requiring physical strength
,flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness, such as handsprings and handstands.
 As a physical activity
 An exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity.
 Physical exercises for developing skill, strength, and control in the use of the body
or a sport in which such exercises are performed.
 Physical exercises design to develop strength and coordination.
 Self-motivating activity where one can manipulate the different parts of the body
into varied positions or movements
 Physical exercises designed to develop and display strength, balance , and agility,
especially those preformed on or with specialized apparatus.
 Gymnastics involves not just physical prowess, but very
importantly, it requires the use of mental power. Gymnastic
entails creativity in putting together a set of routines that mixes
difficulties , uniqueness, and artistry. Creativity requires the use
of intellect.As we use our body, we need to be aware of its
framework, strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and
capabilities.Gymnastic is not just a sport that uses strength of the
muscles or flexibility of the body, but it is a sport that makes our
brains work too.
 BENEFITS OF GYMNASTICS
Physical Benefits
• An increase in muscular
strength, flexibility, and
endurance.
• The ability to relax.
• Correct body alignment while
walking, standing, jumping,
etc.
• The knowledge of how to fall
and roll safely.
• Increased agility and
coordination.
Cognitive Benefits
• Awareness of the body.
• Awareness of space and where
the body is in it.
• Awareness of
relationships:body parts to
each other and the apparatus.
• Awareness of relationships
with others.
Psychological
Benefits
• The joy of movement mastery.
• Discipline and self control.
• The exercise habit as a pleasurable
daily occurrence.
• A confident self image and a
positive attitude towards their
bodies.
• Trusts in one’s own abilities:
move from a world of “ I can’t” to
“ I can.”
THE PHASES OF GYMNASTICS
Diňoso (1990) discussed the different phases of gymnastics program and each phase contributes to us various
elements.
1. Conditioning Program- it involves calisthenics exercises that prepare the body of more complicated work.
2. Rhythmic Gymnastics- is a sport in which gymnasts perform on a floor with an apparatus: hoop, ball, clubs,
ribbon, or rope.
3. Stunts- it refers to all activities in the form of play that test the gymnasts strength, flexibility, power, vigor,
balance, control of movements, speed, endurance, and agility.
4. Tumbling- it is considered to be the most important phase in the gymnastic program as the skills of the
gymnast are tested.
5. Apparatus Exercises
 Heavy apparatus- pertains to the balance beam, vaulting horse, steel rings, pommel horse, trampolines, etc.
 Light apparatus- refers to the gymnastic ball, ring, hoops, clubs, and ribbon.

6. Pyramid Building- these are the activities that involve more than three performers who must execute balanced
positions resembling the pyramid. Pyramid building tests, the gymnast’s balance, muscle control, and strength.
OBJECTIVES OF GYMNASTICS BASIC TERMS IN GYMNASTICS
1. To improved and maintain a ;physically fit body.  Arch
2. to improved efficiency of movement through grace,  Dismount
poise, dignity, form, and rhythm.  Exercises or Routine
 Head or Static Position
3. To enhance creativity through the exploration of
new movements and movement combinations.
 Mount
 Press
4. To improve courage, initiative, determination, and  Scale
perseverance.
 Split
5. To stimulate interest and enjoyment of gymnastics.  Spotter
 Spotting
 Tuck
 HUMAN BODY
Identifying body parts in
gymnastics helps the students to
understand how they will execute
each movement and how will they
use the body parts. Below are the
basic parts of the human body that
the students need to understand in
performing different gymnastics
skills.
 GOOD POSTURE
According to Diňoso (1990), good posture in the proper alignment of the body parts while standing, walking,
sitting, or running position.
1. A Good Standing Posture
a. Chin parallel to the floor.
b. Feet parallel, toes pointed forward.
c. Rib cage lifted, “tummy in,” shoulders relaxed.
d. Ears above the middle of the shoulder.
e. Arms at the side of the body.
2. The Mechanics of Walking
a. Assume a good standing posture, toes pointed
forward, walk in two parallel lines, one for the right
foot and one for left foot.
b. The weight of the body falls on the heel of the foot
first and then it rolls to the balls of the foot.
c. Swing arms moderately forward and backward.
d. Knees slightly flexed.
3. The Mechanics of Sitting
e. With your back toward the chair, place one foot
under the chair.
f. Bend trunk slightly forward and reach far back the
chair.
 BODY MOVEMENTS
There are two types of body
movements: axial and locomotor. The
axial movements are done by apart of
several parts of the body in stationary
place. Locomotor movements normal
font bring the performer from one place
to the other.
The Axial Movements
a. Bend or flex – to move the body or part of the body around a wide axis.
b. Lift, raise – to elevate a part of the body or the whole body to a desire level.
c. Stretch, extend, straighten – to lengthen a part of the body.
d. Twist – to move a body around a long axis.
e. Circle – to move a body around point.
f. Swing – to move continuously from one point to the other.
g. Turn, rotate – to change direction to move around an axis.
The Locomotor Movements

The preparatory movements to locomotor movements.

a. Point- executed by means of touching the floor with the toes, the knees well extended.
b. Step- executed by transferring of weigth from one foot to the other.
c. Place- executed by touching the floor with the whole of the foot with slightly body weigth
on it.
d. Spring- executed by pushing of the leg or legs in the air.it is a combination of a bend on the
kness and leg stretch.
Types of locomotor movements
a. walk – a series of steps done in all direction.
b. run – to series of walk with longer strides and there is a push–off by the foot
to suspend the body momentarily in air.
c. hop – executed by performing the following: a spring on one foot and land
on the same foot.
d. skip – executed by performing the following: a step and hop with the same
foot in one count.
e. Leap – executed by performing the following: spring on one foot and land on
the foot.
f. Jump – executed by the performing the following: spring on both feet and
land on one or both feet.
Directions of Movements
There are different movements done in several directions.
1. Forward
2. Sideward
3. Upward
4. Downward
5. Diagonal or oblique
6. Clockwise
7. Counter-clockwise
8. Backward
 SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
Knowledge of safety techniques in gymnastics activities is very important teaching pre-requisite (Diňoso,
1990). To prevent injuries while performing the gymnastics, the class should be divided into three parts;
Pre-work out Period. This part includes all activities and produces that prepares the students for the actual
instruction and practice of all gymnastics skill.
a. Check up of uniforms b. Warm-up
Workout Period. This phase is the actual performance or demonstration of the students. In every plan, safety
instructions should be incorporated when reviewing and demonstrating the skills; The class should be aware of the
maximum safety precautions while performing the gymnastics exercises and skills.
 Safety Precautions
a. Full attention is needed when a new skill is discussed and demonstrated.
b. When in doubt, ask questions.
c. When doing a skill for the first time, have a ready spotter.
d. Stop when instructions are given to stop.
e. Foolish acts have no place in the class.
f. Learn to relax and fall to prevent injuries.

Post Work-out Period

a. Relaxation exercises
b. Keeping of equipment used in their proper places
-The End-