Gymnastics
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a sport that involves physical strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, and control.
Gymnastics is translated from the Greek word "gymnazein” which in simple terms means to “exercise naked”. Is a physical activity that involves a range of skills, including flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, control, and strength. Each field consists of a different method and technique. There are various types of gymnastics such as artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, and aerobic.
This e-portfolio consists of eight (8) different gymnastics skills provided with an explanation, pictures, and videos.
Gymnastics has always been an interesting and fun physical outdoor activity. It dates back to ancient times of ancient civilization when physical fitness and agility were connected. The Greeks usually practiced gymnastics as their first training including all the elements such as strength, flexibility, discipline, and so forth. Moreover, the Romans incorporated gymnastics into their daily routines and recreational activities. Gymnastics has always been a way of promoting physical education to young children and even to the older generation.
Over time gymnastics has converted into a modern-day event and dominates in international events like the Olympic Games and so forth. There are different rules of gymnastics such as scoring system, attire and equipment, age and eligibility, code of conduct, and safety protocols. There are basic moves of gymnastics such as forward roll, cartwheel, handstand, back walkover, split leap, and back scale.
There are many different benefits that gymnastics has on our bodies. Regular practice enhances physical fitness allowing individuals to perform activities without fatigue and improve their motor skills. Gymnastics also improve flexibility enabling more effortless movement which reduces the risk of injuries by improving our muscle flexibility.
The front scale involves balancing on one foot while lifting the other leg in the air without bending your knee and holding it for about 5 seconds in that position. Your arms should be kept in a T shape at your sides during the balance.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
The back scale consists of a similar movement to the front scale. Balance on one foot while lifting the other leg in the air and holding it in that position for about 5 seconds. Your arms should be kept in a T shape at your sides to help maintain your balance.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
The side scale is an exercise that challenges your posture, balance, and control. This movement is a fundamental skill in gymnastics as it coordinates with the other main skills. It helps in improving your performance and reducing the risk of getting injury.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
A forward roll is a basic skill in gymnastics. It involves tucking your chin into your chest, placing the back of your neck on the floor while pushing off with your legs and rotating your body over your head. You try to land on your feet without using your arms power to stand up instead using your hips to stand forward.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
Link to the video on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/shorts/YFAWG3isQo0?si=saGjc0uLHHLFx8uy
The back roll is very similar to the forward roll however in reverse. To perform this exercise you must lie straight on your back with your feet together and both hands placed equally next to your head. Use your hands and gently lift your body over. It's important to ensure neck flexibility when performing this skill to avoid serious injuries to the neck and overall body.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
Side rotation is an exercise where you move from one direction only without bending of your knees and your hands must form together in a triangle shape you roll from your side then your roll to your right. This movement is called side rotation.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
This exercise is done by sitting in a knee position and then leaning to one side either your right or left bringing your knee closer to your chest also bringing your head closer to your chest and holding your feet with both of your hands for about 5 seconds only. This exercise helps with balance, flexibilty and strength in your core and lower body.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
Link to the video on YouTube:
Teddy bear roll is a very simple exercise it is done by sitting on the mat with your legs wide spread open then you hold your legs below the knees after than you then lean your body towards one shoulder. Lastly tightly fold your body and roll your back while returning to the sitting position.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
Link to the video on YouTube:
A shoulder stand is an exercise that tests your flexibility and balance and how long can you lift your lower body. To do this exercise you must start by lying on your back and placing your hands above your waist to support your lower back. Next, raise your lower body straight up into the air without bending your knees and hold this position for about 5 seconds. This exercise requires stability and control which helps to improve your flexibility and balance as you maintain an upright position with your body.
Below are pictures and a video demonstrating this skill:
Link to the video on YouTube:
This assignment has been a fun, interesting, and amazing experience for me, especially as someone who isn't very fond of sports. While working on the e-portfolio, I have learned that gymnastics tests your strength, flexibility, and endurance. It's about how long you can balance your weight for or endure a sport. For an individual who is not very into sports, it was very challenging, especially doing the back roll. I'm not very flexible and it was tough to flip around but somehow I managed. It wasn't perfect, but I did it and that's what gymnastics is about trying until you get it right. I felt a sense of accomplishment after finally doing the back roll after about 5-6 redo.
Another challenge was the side scale because I don't have a great balance. I had to redo the exercise many times to get it right, but I realized there was no perfect way to do something. I kept trying and eventually felt like I did well. As I looked at the pictures in my portfolio, I realized that anyone can be able to do gymnastics if they put your mind to it and have a commitment and love for the sport. This experience was really fun and amazing for someone who doesn't usually enjoy sports. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to practice gymnastics more, maybe even with my brother on the weekends. Overall, this assignment was very fun, and I'm excited to continue practicing gymnastics.
Academy, R. (2024, March 2). What is gymnastics? definition, history, benefits and more. Rockstar Academy. https://www.rockstaracademy.com/blog/what-is-gymnastics-definition-history-benefits-and-more
Kassel, G. (2022, July 26). Scales Are the Challenging Bodyweight Balance Exercise You'll Want to Master. Shape. https://www.shape.com/fitness/tips/scales-bodyweight-balance-exercise-crossfit-gymnastics
Kassel, G. (2022, July 26). Scales Are the Challenging Bodyweight Balance Exercise You'll Want to Master. Shape. https://www.shape.com/fitness/tips/scales-bodyweight-balance-exercise-crossfit-gymnastics
Elina. (2020, August 25). Tutorial: Side scale. EVO Fitness. https://evofitness.ch/side-scale/
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, March 20). Roll (gymnastics). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_(gymnastics)
Human Kinetics. (n.d.). Basic technique of the backwards roll. https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/basic-technique-of-the-backwards-roll
Stobo, R. (2021, July 21). How to do a shoulder stand: Salamba Sarvangasana for the people. Greatist. https://greatist.com/fitness/shoulder-stand#shoulder-stand-benefits
I had to upload the videos to Youtube first because I was not getting throught to insert them from my computer Miss.
Done By: Indrawatie Rambharose