Gymnastics- an inspiring story

GYMNASTICS

“JUMP OFF THE BEAM , FLIP OFF THE BARS,
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND REACH FOR THE STARS”
                                                          -Nadia Comaneci

Gymnastics:A sport which is a unique combination of balance,flexibility , strength,coordination,control and agility.This sport is truly the 'Mother of all sports '.Ancient Greeks started gymnastics,and it included skills like mounting and dismounting a horse.Since then gymnastics has been an integral part of the modern sports.It was also included in the 1st modern Olympic games which were held in Greece (1896).Women gymnastics was included in the Amsterdam Olympics (1928).

Gymnastics is broadly categorized into 4 parts.

Artistic gymnastics
Acrobatics
Rhythmic gymnastics
Aerobics

The most famous form of gymnastics is artistic gymnastics.The gymnast has to perform a routine on the apparatus within a fixed amount of time.The apparatuses are different for men and women.They include parallel bars,Roman rings,horizontal bars and pommel horse(for men) and balancing beam,uneven bars (for women).Floor exercises and vault are common for both men and women.Artistic gymnastics requires flips,jumps,swings etc.

Acrobatics includes partnership of gymnasts.It requires synchronization and coordination.The pairs have to perform a routine which includes floor exercises,balances,lifts,throws and catches.The combined routine is a delight to watch.

Rhythmic gymnastics is an all women's sport.The gymnast has to perform her routine with a specific apparatus.The apparatus includes rope,ribbon,clubs,ball and hoop.The routine is synchronized with music. Flexibility along with leaps and jumps is the main focus here.

Aerobics is a series of dance moves performed in coordination with music.This can be performed both individually and with the team.It consists of jumps,balance and dance movements.The movements are quick and well synchronized with the music.

Gymnastics has been an important sport throughout the phases of history.People have always loved doing and watching gymnastics.Every game needs determination and willingness of the players.Some of the greatest players of this sport are Nadia Comaneci,Olga Korbut,Nellie Kim etc.They were the pioneers of this game.It is always the efforts of the players and the coaches that help in recognition of the sport.It is all because of the players that gymnastics has gained world wide acceptance and appreciation. 

Gymnastics teaches us a lot.It makes us more alert and focused.We gain confidence and strength ( both physical and mental ).It also helps us in being flexible as a doll and having strength of a rock at the same time.  Gymnastics teaches us that whatever the circumstances are,just smile and perform your routine.Gymnastics is the mother of all games, whatever game you play you would certainly be doing some bit of gymnastics in it.So just smile through your routine and perform well.