RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CREATES BETTER ATHLETES IN ANY SPORT

Gymnasts are recognized for their ability to perform tricks and tumbles in the air and on the ground. To achieve such feats, rhythmic gymnasts need to be in good physical shape. The top components required to be a successful gymnast are also the building blocks for being good at other sports. Agility is essential in track events, football, and soccer for instance. Cardiovascular endurance is important in distance events, whether rowing, running, cycling, swimming or skiing. Becoming a good rhythmic gymnast translates into developing skills to make an athlete better at a whole host of activities.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to move and bend joints through a wide range of motion easily and without sustaining injury. It also helps in improving balance and coordination. Being flexible is important when we’re young and gets increasingly more important as we age. Flexibility is vital to a gymnast’s capability to perform certain stunts such as backbends, splits, leaps, and kicks. If a gymnast doesn’t have a high range of flexibility, then they are at risk for injuries such as pulled muscles. It is the same in all sports. The more flexible an athlete is, the less prone to injury.

Agility

Agility is the ability to change between multiple positions swiftly. Dexterity is essential when completing Rhythmic Gymnastics routines and doing stunts such as backflips and tumbles. Agility transfers to other sports that require quick reflexes and quick feet.  

Whole Body Strength Training 

Adequate strength is a fitness component that is at the foundation of learning gymnastic skills. Power, especially core strength, is important when training, participating and competing in other sports. Without building up enough strength, gymnasts are unable to execute the correct technique when demonstrating skills such as handstands. Rhythmic gymnasts, progressively build muscle, developing the strength required to lift their own body weight when practicing tumbles.  

Athletes can work on their overall strength from a young age in safe and supervised Rhythmic Gymnastics programs. Even if your child wants to compete in other sports, Rhythmic Gymnastics is an excellent cross-training and whole-body activity that children can begin at a young age.

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