GYMNASTICS AT HOME: PANDEMIC EDITION

Australia is a nation that is big on gymnastics and the Olympics. They love their sports just as much as they love their outbacks. A large chunk of young Aussies makes up the population of Olympics and Gymnasts! It is well known that these endeavours need consistent training in gyms, but the current pandemic situation has curbed that for many young guns. 

In line with the pandemic, items like workout suits to kids gymnastics equipment are easily accessible to ensure that these children continue their training routine in the comfort of their homes. These tools not only ensure that children get their quota of physical activity that is vital for optimal development, but it also connects children across the neighbourhood to give them a good time as well! 

Tools like this only become much more essential in a place like Australia that promotes sporting activities. Gymnastic Australia reports that almost 77% of Aussies participate in some gymnastic activity around the year! That’s not all; a significant chunk of this 77% comprises young kids of ages 8-12! 

What is gymnastics?

Gymnastics is an umbrella term that involves several Olympics sports. These are typically a showcase of physical exercises that require strength, agility, balance, and flexibility. It usually involves the stretching and development of the muscles in one’s arms, legs and abdomen. 

Gymnastics is a sport that kids and adults undertake, and some take it up at their homes. Since it is a sport that tests agility and strength, it usually has a retirement cap of 40 in many countries. This age cap differs locally. Kids as young as three years typically get started on gymnastics in places like Melbourne and Sydney. 

Many well-known sports comprise gymnastics as a more prominent sport. For example, there is artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, tumbling, dance, among other athletics. 

Workout Routine

One of the crucial things for a gymnast, especially kids involved in training, is a consistent workout. Research shows that high-quality training allows the body to naturally develop and become the right kind of fit for gymnastics. Today, many parents opt for kids gymnastics equipment to ensure that their kids do not miss out on their training due to the pandemic, but practise at home! 

Some routines that one must add to their workout are:

• Hollow Hold: This is a popular isometric bodyweight exercise where the legs and arms are outstretched, lifted a little above the ground. It is a variation between planks and sit-ups. This is a fundamental core workout that utilises body weight to improve upper body strength,

• L-stand: L-stand is a type of push-up that is a variation of a headstand. This requires a special kids gymnastics equipment called the parallettes bar that allows the gymnast to get into the L position supported by a barbell press. While this is not as difficult as a regular headstand, it provides for overall shoulder strengthening. 

• Knee Tuck: Knee tucks are usually done in the standing position. But seated knee tucks are suggested for gymnasts. One gets into their position for a Russian twist and pulls back their knees towards the chest. This requires the entire lower body weight. There are several variations in a knee tuck, like side knee tucks, that are used to train the obliques. These exercises help strengthen one’s midline. 

Benefits of gymnastics

Kids as young as five start gymnastics training worldwide. Most gymnastic workout routines focus on core development as well. Many parents hesitate to put their children in gymnastics due to fear of untimely physical development, but that is not true! Here are a few benefits of gymnastics for kids: 

• It improves health. Research shows that when children start early on, they avoid the risk of obesity in school and hence risks of heart diseases and diabetes. 
• It builds excellent mind-body coordination and promotes athleticism. 
• Gymnastics allows individuals to build and practice discipline, and it can very well be practised at home. 
• It is fun! Children love tumbling and jumping. Such activities not only keep the children engaged but also boosts the release of happy hormones!