Artistic gymnastics - the advantages and disadvantages of practicing it
As healthy lifestyle gains popularity, more and more people do sports. The more interesting the form of physical activity, the better. Many people forget that stretching is as important as muscle strength. However, fortunately, the popularity of stretching in the form of artistic gymnastics is growing.
Making a twine not only impresses, but also involves other benefits. Stretching after workout usually lasts five minutes and doesn`t bring that much effects. Therefore, it is better to increase the time of doing this type of exercise. That is why yoga and artistic gymnastics are popular. Although yoga has more followers, it is worth gaining more knowledge about artistic gymnastics because of the many benefits that it brings.
The history of Artistic Gymnastics
The basis of artistic gymnastics were created in the eighteenth century by three Frenchmen who supported movement expression. They believed that you can express yourself through the dance and movements of specific parts of the body. This idea was developed a century later by a German who created the system called 'aesthetic gymnastics'. Thanks to it, you could express your emotions and feelings. At the end of the nineteenth century these exercises were mainly performed by musicians and dancers. They were meant to improve posture, flex muscles and add graceful movements.
In the first half of the twentieth century, tools, such as ribbons, began to be included in this form of activity. That`s when gymnastics competitions started and became greatly popular among the public. In 1984 this discipline was included in the summer program of the Olympic Games.
Artistic gymnastics competitions - rules and contests
Age groups at artistic gymnastics competitions
The basic requirement for participation in the artistic gymnastics competition is not the weight, as in the case of boxing, but age. The categories are as follows:
youth class, or children under 9;
youngsters - up to 10 years;
young junior or second class - up to 12 years;
junior or first class - up to 16 years;
senior or class M - 16 years and up.
Contests at artistic gymnastics competitions
There is a lot of contests in artistic gymnastics, which are characterized by the use of additional accesories.
The first association with artistic gymnastics is a ribbon. The dance systems in which it is used are very spectacular and attract the attention of the audience. It doesn`t differ much from maces, although they require more precision. At the Olympics you can also see gymnasts with skipping rope, hoop or ball. The performances are individual or collective. They have dancing and acrobatic character.
Artistic gymnastics - for whom?
Artistic gymnastics is a sports discipline that is mainly associated with children. Of course, if someone wants to practice this sport professionally and participate in serious competitions, they must start very early (at about 4 years old). At this age bones are very flexible. The body is getting used to this kind of effort much faster. However, few know that adults can also do this type of sport.
In Poland, this awareness is not that great yet, but in the USA, Japan, Germany or Australia there is a large-scale movement called "Gymnastics for Everyone" that attracts people of all ages. This activity began to be just as popular as fitness clubs or gyms.
The benefits of regular stretching are great. It positively affects body in both youth and older people. That is why more and more elderly people are starting to become active in sports. Not only for recreational, but also aesthetic reasons, because gymnasts and dancers are considered to be sports groups that have the most beautiful bodies.
The benefits of practicing artistic gymnastics
Improving body posture
This is one of the main benefits of practicing this discipline. Well-trained body prevents postural defects. Particularly because the spine and the muscles around it are actively involved in the exercises. That is why this sport should be practiced by people who hump or have any other posture problems. During the practice, you have keep your back straight all the time, which accustoms the body to this position.
Increasing flexibility
Artistic gymnastics is not endurance or interval training, but mostly stretching. When you practice regularly, effects can be seen quite quickly. However, it depends on age, because the bones of a forty-year-old are not very flexible. Thanks to artistic gymnastics you can quickly learn how to make twine, without overstretching your tendons and muscles.
Developing body awareness through artistic gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics affect body awareness in a great way. Movements are more coordinated and less "accidental." Thanks to this, self-esteem is also strengthened. Person becomes confident and not afraid of challenges. Artistic gymnastics teaches discipline and consistent pursuit of achieving goals.
Strengthening and slimming muscles
Gymnastics also activates muscles, especially the deep ones. Additionally, it tones them, which improves your shape and makes body slimmer. This sport allows for slow muscle development and develops general body habit to exercise. Muscles are developed at a rate that does not threaten your body in form of various types of injuries.
Positive effect on mind & spirit
Artistic gymnastics have a salutary effect on mind and spirit. By developing body awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem increase. In addition, practicing different poses and moves teaches patience and perseverance, which can shift into other areas of life. In this type of sport, as in any other, you have to put in a lot of effort, which teaches conscientiousness.
Disadvantages of practicing artistic gymnastics
Age. The earlier you start practicing gymnastics, the better. Young bones are more flexible, therefore they adapt more quickly to unnatural postures or bends.
Time. In order to see the effects of practicing artistic gymnastics you`ll need to devote a lot of time, especially people over forty. You can practice to do certain postures or moves even for years.
Overloading spine and joints. This applies especially to professional gymnasts, whose spines are unnaturally stretched, so the joints get overloaded. Such people often have bone pains after finishing their careers.
Author: Anna Magiera