Gymnastics is a sport that doesn't get as much credit as it should get, but gymnasts really defend and prove people wrong. Many people don't consider it a sport....but why not? You have to be strong, agile, and motivated, just like any other sports. Here are 5 tips to help gymnasts prove that gymnastics IS a sport!

Tip number 1:  Always give skills your best try! When you don't try your best, and get the skill wrong, you may get discouraged, and in extreme cases, you might want to give up gymnastics. 

Tip number 2: Remember that if you don't get a skill, don't get discouraged and just get back up to do it again. Believing in yourself is a really important thing in gymnastics, and it relates to life outside the gym as well! If you fail at something and get discouraged, it's almost impossible to do it right.

Tip number 3: Cheer on your team-mates! Similarly to the second tip, not only you, but your friends need encouragement! It has actually happened to me that I couldn't get a skill, but when my team-mates started cheering me on, I did the skill, and I can now do it every time I try. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way!

Tip number 4: Always keep your toes pointed no matter what. I know this may sound weird, but it can really make your routine seem a lot nicer! It's the small things that matter!

Tip number 5: Go to as many practices you can, and when you go, don't goof around too much. You're never going to get any skills if you goof too much. Some is ok, but when it's your turn to do skills, actually focus. Focusing really helps you gt your skills much faster!

These may not be many tips, but they can make big differences at your practices!