Artistic Gymnastics: History, Definition, and Key Features
Introduction to Artistic Gymnastics
This paper focuses on the key themes of artistic gymnastics, a subject covered in the second evaluation of Physical Education. This brief explanation will define the sport, review its origins and modern resurgence, discuss its characteristics and classifications, and finally, list the websites where the majority of information needed to make this work was obtained.
Definition of Artistic Gymnastics
Gymnastics, also called artistic gymnastics, is a sport practiced by both men and women. It consists of a combination of different exercises or body movements that require the gymnast to possess exceptional physical conditioning. It is practiced to maintain good physical health. These exercises can be practiced directly in contact with the ground (always on a mattress) or with equipment.
History of Artistic Gymnastics
For the ancient Greeks, gymnastics was a very important part of the educational system. In fact, the word *gymnasion* (meaning “place to exercise oneself naked”) is where the name we currently use in our language derives.
The resurgence of interest in gymnastics is due in large part to the influence of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn (1778 – 1852), a German who, like the Greeks, considered gymnastics favored youth development, both physically and morally. He created the first space for gymnastics, which was outdoors. He is believed to have invented at least three modern gymnastic apparatuses: the rings, the horizontal bar, and parallel bars.
Gymnastics was included on the agenda of the first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896.
Currently, the international institution that controls the sport is the French *Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique* (FIG).
Features of Artistic Gymnastics
Gymnastic activities are very important in physical education programs due to their characteristics and educational value. They involve learning devices or elements in different shapes and sizes.
These exercises work for the physical development of resistance, strength, speed, and flexibility.
In addition, artistic gymnastics is unique in that its regulations are amended every four years because every competition incorporates new elements in the various disciplines that come from different coaches.
Classification and Programs
The activities of the sport of gymnastics can be classified into:
- Acrobatic Gymnastics Activities
These activities are based on exercises carried out on the floor. The exercises we find among all are made in *tumbling* (which is a large mattress that cushions against possible impacts on the soil), mini-trampoline, and trampoline *jumping*. - Large Gymnastics Equipment Activities
It consists of a variety of apparatuses, and according to the gender of the person, the relevant competitions use different ones.
Men use six apparatuses: parallel rings, horizontal bar, floor, pommel horse, and vault.
Women use four: floor, vault, uneven bars, and balance beam.
But there are some exercises that are included in both male and female fitness, such as the *German wheel*.
Gymnastics competitions of this type generally consist of three different types:
- General Individual Competition
- Team Competition
- Individual Apparatus Finals