About Gymnastics

For sheer beauty, elegance and breath-taking spectacle there are few sports that can match performance gymnastics.

It is one of the largest participation sports in Great Britain, with an estimated four million people taking part on a regular basis in schools, leisure centres and clubs (source: "Young People in Sport, Trends in participation" Mori, 2002).

Originating in ancient civilisations and introduced as a modern Olympic discipline in the nineteenth century, it is an ever growing and developing sport.

Participating in Gymnastics provides benefits for those that also take part in other sports and physical pursuits as it draws on and develops the core qualities of all-round fitness: strength, mobility, endurance, flexibility, body control and co-ordination.

The diversity of gymnastics, varying equipment and a mix of skills and competencies have created a sport that meets the needs of a wide range of participants.

Gymnastics is suitable for the complete beginner to the World Class Performer, and everyone in between. There is a competition and progression structure for those that want to compete in the sport, or the opportunity to take part without competing. Gymnastics attracts women, men, boys and girls, young and old, people with disabilities, and from all socio-economic and ethnic groups.

BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans recently tried gymnastics as one of the 'Breakfast Show Sporting Challenges' and he said afterwards it was one of the most enjoyable things he had ever done. So if he can try it, anyone can! You can watch the video of Chris Evans doing it here: 

Page created: 17 April 2010