History of Gymnastics
History of Gymnastics
The word gymnastics derives from the common Greek adjective γυμνός (gymnos) meaning "naked", by way of the related verb γυμνάζω (gymnazo), whose meaning is "to train naked", "train in gymnastic exercise", generally "to train, to exercise". The verb had this meaning, because athletes exercised and competed without clothing.
Exercises of the ancient Greeks began with athletic feats performed by each individual according to his own notion. The youth were encouraged to combine amusement with exercise. In time, this kind of exercise was incorporated into a system that figured prominently in the state regulations for education. In fact, the period for exercise or gymnastics was equal to the time spent on art and music combined. All Greek cities had a gymnasium, a courtyard for jumping, running, and wrestling. The term included stretching exercises and warm-up preparations for athletes (from the Greek athlete ἆθλος âthlos, which means "struggle", "fight"). These tests were based on military exercises.
Gymnastics is a very popular sport. This is a precision sport which involves the performance of a sequence of movements in a highly coordinated and synchronized manner. These movements require physical strength and flexibility. Gymnastics is all about the suppleness of the body. The gymnast should have a sense of balance, endurance and physical grace. The gymnast should be comfortable with skills like handsprings, handstands, split leaps, aerials and cartwheels.
Gymnastics as a sport evolved in ancient Greece It was started as a beauty and fitness practice during those times. Initially, the skills of mounting and dismounting from a horse formed part of this great sport. Gymnastics became a full-fledged sport after it was separated from the skill required by circus performers. Russia has been a front runner in the field of gymnastics in the past decade. China and U.S have also made a significant mark.
Physical fitness was extremely
The word gymnastics derives from the common Greek adjective γυμνός (gymnos) meaning "naked", by way of the related verb γυμνάζω (gymnazo), whose meaning is "to train naked", "train in gymnastic exercise", generally "to train, to exercise". The verb had this meaning, because athletes exercised and competed without clothing.
Exercises of the ancient Greeks began with athletic feats performed by each individual according to his own notion. The youth were encouraged to combine amusement with exercise. In time, this kind of exercise was incorporated into a system that figured prominently in the state regulations for education. In fact, the period for exercise or gymnastics was equal to the time spent on art and music combined. All Greek cities had a gymnasium, a courtyard for jumping, running, and wrestling. The term included stretching exercises and warm-up preparations for athletes (from the Greek athlete ἆθλος âthlos, which means "struggle", "fight"). These tests were based on military exercises.
Gymnastics is a very popular sport. This is a precision sport which involves the performance of a sequence of movements in a highly coordinated and synchronized manner. These movements require physical strength and flexibility. Gymnastics is all about the suppleness of the body. The gymnast should have a sense of balance, endurance and physical grace. The gymnast should be comfortable with skills like handsprings, handstands, split leaps, aerials and cartwheels.
Gymnastics as a sport evolved in ancient Greece It was started as a beauty and fitness practice during those times. Initially, the skills of mounting and dismounting from a horse formed part of this great sport. Gymnastics became a full-fledged sport after it was separated from the skill required by circus performers. Russia has been a front runner in the field of gymnastics in the past decade. China and U.S have also made a significant mark.
Physical fitness was extremely