History

History of gymnastics

It is a competitive sport that runs several modalities. Most of the modalities demand the athlete to be balanced, strong, flexible, agile, resistant and composed. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is the organization in charge of regulating competitive disciplines. One of the countries that practices gymnastics the most is Spain, according to the 2010 CSD Sports Habits Survey. Specifically, the most popular is rhythmic gymnastics. This sport was practiced in Rome, for the first time. Gymnastics also contained several modalities, such as walking, horse riding, and other gymnastic exercises. On some occasions, the loser in the competition was thrown into the Tiber.

Gymnastics also expanded in Greece, but more inclined to exercises in circuses, although later it was transformed into gladiatorial fights.

The FIG has accepted six gymnastic modalities: artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobic, acrobatic, and gymnastics for all. The first two are the most distinguished because they are part of the Summer Olympics. While, trampoline gymnastics has been part of the Olympic Games since 2000, a competition that took place in Sydney.

Disciplines within gymnastics

Artistic gymnastics: The gymnast performs a choreographic composition, in which he executes body movements at different speeds. This modality contains several modalities according to the male and female categories. Women can make use of several elements within the geographical composition: uneven bars, balance beam, foal jump, and ground, while in the men’s category they are rings, pommel horse, parallel bars, high bar, colt jump, and floor.

Rhythmic gymnastics: This modality combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and elements such as rope, hoop, ball, mallets, and ribbon can also be implemented. This category has a level of competitions and another of exhibitions, music, and rhythm are very important when executing movements. Rhythmic gymnastics can be performed individually and in groups. The score is over a maximum of 20 points.

Trampoline gymnastics: In this discipline, a series of exercises are developed in various elastic devices, here acrobatics is the protagonist. Within this discipline, there are three specialties: tumbling, double mini-trampoline, and trampoline, the latter being part of the Olympic Games, since 2000.

Aerobic gymnastics: It is known as sports aerobics, a routine of between 100 and 110 seconds is executed with high-intensity movements in addition to a series of elements of difficulty. The gymnast must develop continuous movements, where he tests flexibility, strength, and perfect execution in the elements.

Acrobatic gymnastics: It takes place in groups: male couple, female couple, mixed couple, female trio, and male quartet. Collective gymnastic demonstrations are held, jumps, figures, and human pyramids are performed.

Gymnastics for all: Gymnastics for everyone has some peculiarities; It is the only non-competitive gymnastics discipline endorsed by FIG. It can be performed by people of all ages and genders in groups from 6 to 150 gymnasts who perform choreography in a synchronized way. It is divided into three categories: white, blue, and red groups. The first is the basic category, the blue group is intermediate, and the red group the advanced. It is characteristic of general gymnastics to use uniform gymnastic elements and accessories to characterize a theme. This discipline may include dynamic activities and exercises from artistic, rhythmic, aerobic, acrobatic, trampoline, and dance gymnastics.