Gymnastics

The word gymnastics means naked art and it originated in ancient Greece. Gymnastics are physical exercises designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, agility and co-ordination of the body.

Scope of gymnastics.

Gymnastics floor activities can be classified into three, which are

1. The stunts activities (individual or with a partner)
2. The tumbling activities
3. The balancing activities

The stunts are brief activities performed on the floor, mat or foams. Stunt can be done individually or with a partner.

Examples of individual stunt activities include:

1. Frog jump
2. Sit up
3. Cat spring

d. Trunk curl

1. Push-up

f. Cycling in the air

1. Rabbit Jump

h. Bear walk

Examples of stunts with a partner include:

1. See saw
2. Wheelbarrow walk
3. Leg wrestling

(2) Tumbling: is an activity that involves turning, twisting , rolling and springing of the human body.

Examples of tumbling activities include:

1. Cartwheel
2. Headstand
3. Handspring
4. Forward roll
5. Backward roll
6. Front somersault
7. Back somersault

 

3. Balancing is a gymnastics activity that can also be carried out on the floor.

Examples of balancing activities include:

1. Head stand balance
2. Hand stand balance
3. Squat balance
4. Knee balance
5. Crab balance
6. Chest balance
7. Side arm balance
8. Side arm balance

The sequence of forward roll in gymnastics

1. Spread a mat and stand at the end of the mat, facing the direction of rolling
2. Take a squating position , place palms forward on the mat , shoulders wide apart and knees between the arms.
3. Tuck the chin to the chest , making a rounded back.
4. Raise the buttocks and look between the legs as far back as possible
5. Roll over the neck and shoulders With the knees close to the chest
6. Roll out and stand up.

Values of Gymnastics

The following are the values and benefits of gymnastics

1. Gymnastics enchance alertness and quick reasoning. Participant become creative and discover new movement patterns.
2. Participants build courage and self-confidence, determination and endurance
3. Participants learn cooperation, team work, loyalty and patriotism
4. It devep the muscles and improve body posture, flexibility, agility and strength.
5. It provides means of livelihood

           Assignment

1 Who is a gymnast?

2. Who is a spotter in gymnastics?

See also

Basic Swimming Strokes

Career Guidance in Physical and Health Education

Puberty

CONTRIBUTIONS OF SOME PROFESSIONALS TO PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

NIGERIAN SPORTS HEROES AND HEROINE