Gymnastics

GYMNASTICS
Lesson Objectives

1. To narrate the history of

gymnastics

2. To classify gymnastics

activities

3. To explain the nature of

gymnastics

4. To mention at least 5

benefits/values of
gymnastics.

History of Gymnastics

The word gymnastics means naked art and it originated in ancient Greece. Gymnastics was practiced in the palaestras

(wrestling schools), built in honor of deities. The word gymnasium is also a Greek word for a place where gymnastics

activities are performed.

The modern gymnastics is traced to Germany. Johann Basedow (1723-1790) was the fir to organise and teach gymnastics.

Johann Guts Muths was the first to publish a book on Gymnastics for the Young. He is referred to as the Grandfather of

gymnastics.

Fredrick Ludwig Jahn founded the first club of gymnastics known as the Turnverein in 1881. He also invented various

equipment such as still rings, parallel bars, and horizontal bars. He is today regarded as the Father of Gymnastics.

Gymanstics Association of Nigeria was formed in 1975 as the controlling body of gymnastics. The name has since been

changed to Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN). The world governing body is known as the Fédération Internationale

de Gymnastique (FIG) in English it is known as International Gymnastics Federation.

Facilities and
equipment in
gymnastics

Since gymnastics is an indoor
sport, the main facility is the
gymnastics hall (gymnasium)
with wooden floors, changing
rooms, showers, and toilets,
adequate lighting, and
adequate ventilation.

Equipment

1.

Gymnastics box

2. Gymnastics buck
3. Pommel horse
4. Parallel horse
5. Trampoline
6. Springboards
7. Mats
8. Long horse
9. Balance beams
10. Still rings
11. Horizontal bars/ladders
12. Uneven parallel bars.

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NATURE OF GYMNASTICS

The performance commences
when the gymnast raises his
hand to indicate “readiness”
and when he raises the two
hands to signal the end of the
performance. The grading is
done according to how
complex the events are.

Classification gymnastics
activities

Gymnastics is classified into two namely

1. Floor activities: Activities done on the floor
2. Apparatus activities: Activities done with the use

of gymnastics apparatus e.g. pummel horse, still
rings.

Floor Activities: These are activities done without
the use of apparatus. It is grouped into two namely
1. Tumbling activities: These are activities involving

rolling, twisting, and turning of the body.

2. Stunts: These are activities performed on the

mat, foam, or floor.

Values of Gymnastics

a.Itdevelops

the

muscles

ofthe

arms,

shoulder, chest, and abdomen.

b. It develops muscular strength and power

c.It develops physical fitness, agility, and

flexibility

d. It develops courage

e.It improves body posture.

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