1. What is the gymnast’s ability? Work with the gymnast to figure out his or her skills and if you can, make a list of them. Figure out what skills the gymnast is good at, and include the compulsory elements that the gymnast must have in his or her routine. Figure out a way to highlight the skills the gymnast is best at, while including all the compulsory elements.
2. The best music to perform to is usually instrumental versions of popular songs, themes from movie soundtracks and classical music compilations. There are even music companies who specialize in music for gymnastics routines. But no matter what music you choose, it will take several listens to decide in what parts of the song you will best highlight certain skills and create a routine that will please the judges.
3. Writing down the area that the routine will be performed in and dividing it into sections will work the best. If you can, place the stronger skills in the sections closer to the judges and the audience, and the less strong ones in the back sections.
4. Transfer the skills to the floor and make certain the gymnast knows what “section” holds what skills. Perform the routine several times and watch the gymnast. Even the best routine requires some form of improvement and refining!

Always keep in mind that unless you are familiar with gymnastics, you should ask your gymnast’s coach at Nashua School of Gymnastics to help you oversee any routines. And always remember that before doing any routines, you must stretch to prevent injury!

Uses

Because gymnasts use a lot of equipment, it is crucial that the gymnast can hold onto the equipment as he or she performs the routines. A sweaty ring can cause accidents, so gymnasts use chalk to help absorb the sweat and gain a better, more reliable grip. Gymnasts will powder their hands, but some will also powder their hands when using equipment such as the high bar and uneven parallel bars.

Types of Chalk

Powders and clays have been used throughout history to help gymnasts gain a better grip, but magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is the material of choice. It is found in nature as a white material, but despite the misnomer, it is not the same chalk as people use in classrooms. Magnesium carbonate comes in three forms: as a powder, as a solid block and as a spray. Some gymnasiums forbid the use of the powder form as it causes a mess so will use the block instead. The spray kind transforms into a powder seconds after it has been applied and is legal for use in competitions.

Regulations

Although not strictly a requirement in gymnastics, chalk is felt to improve the safety of the gymnast so it is allowed. Gymnasts are forbidden from applying chalk directly to the equipment, but are allowed to dust their hands and feet with a small amount before performances.

Gymnastics chalk makes any gymnast’s routine safer, and most gyms, such as the Nashua School of Gymnastics, will provide tubs of it. A safe gymnast is a happy gymnast!

The Junior Olympics Gymnastics Program

This competitive program is run by USA Gymnastics (the governing body for gymnastics in the US). There are ten different levels to the program and each gymnast must achieve a certain minimum score in order to progress to the next level. In acrobatic gymnastics, however, the gymnast’s coach decides if the gymnast is ready to progress. No gymnast is allowed to skip levels, but is allowed to compete in more than one program per year. The exception to this is men’s artistic gymnastics, as the gymnast can only compete in one level per year.

In women’s artistic gymnastics, there is an age minimum for each level. Levels one and two is a minimum of being four years old, whereas level ten is a minimum of being nine years old. In men’s artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, all competitors must be at least six years old. In trampoline, tumbling and acrobatics there is no age minimum.

Becoming An Olympian

Once a gymnast has reached level ten, he or she can attempt to qualify for elite (Olympic level) competition. In every program, the procedures vary by gymnastic discipline and even by year to year, where the gymnast must have a certain score in the competition or received a certain rank in a national competition. In all competitions, once a gymnast has reached the elite level, he or she is no longer part of the Junior Olympic program.

Once a gymnast has been selected for the elite level, he or she is expected to become dedicated to the sport and to excel in it. While there are nearly a hundred thousand children entered into the program, only the best are ever selected to be part of the US Olympic team. If you or your child has dreams to reach Olympic goals, keep the dream alive and keep practicing. Practice makes perfect and if there is passion, there is always success!

Strength

By performing gymnastics, you develop total body strength. Upper and lower body strength is required to help you on the vault and with power movements on the floor. Strengthening those core muscles helps you to invert your body and complete aerial movements. Over time, strengthening these muscles will improve posture and balance.

Healthy Bones

Gymnastics is also a weight bearing activity, which means that the body works against gravity. A person’s legs, feet or arms are supporting the weight of the body. This helps to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis later in life.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to move muscles through their full range of motion. By becoming flexible, you reduce tension and risk of injury, improve coordination and improve the circulation. 

Risk Of Disease

Studies show that children who become involved in gymnastics and other physical activities have a reduced risk of developing asthma in adolescence. In addition, children who are active have a greatly reduced risk of developing diabetes and a chance at preventing many types of cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Gymnastics helps to greatly improve a child’s strength; flexibility and coordination can slash the risk of many diseases and develop healthy bones. These are all benefits that can help your child later on in his or her life. Instead of lounging around all day, enrolling your child in the Nashua School of Gymnastics in New Hampshire could very well be one of the best things you can do for him or her! Contact us today to find out how you can become a part of our team!

Some parents and family members wonder what to get for the gymnast who is always on the move. What is the perfect gift? Chances are, you can usually find at least one thing that a gymnast would really like from the seemingly endless array of choices.

Pins and Display Racks

Some gymnasts love their pins and will want pins for every event they participate in or to remember certain events. Some will decorate their bags and jackets with them while others will display them all over their bedroom. For easy pin display, a simple cork bulletin board will allow for display without the pins falling all over the place. Competitive gymnasts will also receive a lot of ribbons and will want an attractive place to display them. Metal racks can be found and are a great way to keep ribbons together and looking organized.

Clothing and Equipment

If your gymnast’s bag has been looking a little ratty as of late, surprise him or her this holiday season with a new one! A gymnast’s bag becomes their “mobile office”-a place to shove hair ties, bottles of water, snacks, grips and extra leotards.

Speaking of grips, instead of hunting for them, a new grip bag is a great gift idea. Most gyms require gymnasts to wear grips when doing bars and some will want to bring along a small bag just for the grips instead of lugging their entire duffel bag with them.

Some gymnasts may like having a new leotard, but be sure to ask the parents or coaches first. Some coaches have color restrictions on leotards. For your gymnast’s downtime, a snuggly hoodie or a graphic t-shirt may become his or her new favorite piece of clothing!

Jewelry

Especially for a young gymnast, there is nothing better than to have a new necklace or a watch to show off his or her love for their chosen sport!

While it may seem like finding a gift for a gymnast is very hard, in reality, many gymnasts would appreciate a gift related to gymnastics. Whether you purchase him or her a new bag or a snazzy new watch, that gift will be treasured for years to come.

Check out the Nashua School of Gymnastics for more ideas to get a better perspective on what a perfect gift for your gymnast could be!