I always wanted to write about some myths and rumours, perceptions and dodgy tales about gymnastics but never really found the time or the structure (where does one start??) to do so.
Having a bit of time I will try to clarify some of these myths and perceptions – please take them with a pinch of “whatever”. Most of the thoughts and comments that follow are based on questions that I frequently encounter by parents.
Also note that this is a document that will evolve. I will add sections if and when a situation arises that warrant a certain response / thought. (ArgeNienhuser – Club Manager)
Does gymnastics help my child to concentrate?
NO – at least not more than most other sport. However, the more successful gymnasts are those that take time to think, analyse the coache’s corrections and try to understand the technical challenges of each skill. But these are the successful sports people that would be good in many other sports that require application and discipline.
Gymnastics is a sport that does favour “thinking” people. Hence the fact that the better ones are also the ones that concentrate better.
Does gymnastics improve discipline?
Similar answer as above. Most sports require discipline if you want to be good. Gymnastics does not necessarily improve discipline significantly, but it is the more disciplined individuals who come out on top.
Does gymnastics improve strength and flexibility?
Certainly yes, but only if you practice or stretch 3 times a week with intensity. Flexibility and strength (we call it power) are the two most important ingredients to make a successful gymnast. Hence the more flexible kids that also have natural power get identified early and are invited to be part of our (ambitious) competition program. To compare to something that all understand – can’t just take a Tata car, put on a big exhaust, spoiler et al and think you are now a racing car! You gotta come in with some natural ingredients ( 2.0ltr, fuel injected GTI!!) and then we fine tune the engine and we really race !!!!!
How complicated is gymnastics?
VERY!! Literally there are thousands of skills involving different locomotions, coordinations etc.
Compared to Golf or swimming – these are easy by comparison. A swimmer needs to learn 4 styles involving a coordinated effort between legs and arms. That’s all there is to it! The rest is about who is the most powerful one.
Golf involves a T-off, an approach shot and putting ( lets leave out a bunker shot!). Not much else otherwise. Reading the greens is probably the most challenging task, but that falls under tactical.
Gymnastics has app. 30-50 different basic skills on which all the other skills are based! So it is very complex and hence it takes such a long time for children to learn the basic skills. A lot of these skills are not even related to each other. So, it is really a demanding sport.
Does gymnastics help with fitness and weight reduction?
NO, that would be the same as saying that Basketball makes you grow taller!!
Research has shown that the average gymnast practices his skills between 8-11 minutes per hour at a medium to high heart rate. Hardly the right sport for shedding a few kg’s.Running , rowing, swimming or cycling are more suited for weight loss.
Gymnastics favours the smaller, lighter individual, but everyone can do it. It’s in fact a sport that does not make too many demands on the metabolism of the body, an hour of running reduces weight a lot more than 2 hours of gymnastics.
What makes a successful gymnast?
Bring in some basic ingredients (being supple, agile, have some good natural coordination and some natural power) and then plenty of determination, discipline and support from the family.
Frequent training throughout the year is vital, even with the odd holiday in between. But to miss every second or third class will not get you anywhere! Gotta keep on practicing these skills- they are technical by nature and require frequent repetition.
It does help to be fairly clever/intelligent as the sport requires lots of thinking, fault analysis and trying different things to achieve ones goals.
But above all is the will to achieve, the desire to overcome the many challenges and to be committed.
What shall a gymnast eat during gym?
If the class is longer than 90 min. The gymnast should be able to snack on some power food that is digested quickly and provided energy. Simba Chips are a NO GO, they only fill you up and provide poor energy.
So what is right? Food with a relative quick energy release (health bar, raisins, apple, banana, grapes, yoghurt, bar one, etc. The modern trend is low GI food, but that is only correct if this is done frequently throughout the day as this results in a controlled, slow release of vital sources of energy without the undesired sugar spikes. However, most gymnasts do not eat much low GI food at school or lunch, hence their energy levels are run down and so they need a quick fix half way through gym. That’s why a low GI food item is not too meaningful. It has to be food that can be quickly digested (little ballast) and releases sugars relatively fast.
Does gymnastics harm the body?
Research is not conclusive enough on this subject. It does not stunt growth, that is for sure. It just happens that the sport favours smaller people at the top level.
There are gymnastics specific injuries, but every sport has that. Typical gymnastics injuries occur in joints (knees) and shoulders. Yes – compared to table tennis, gymnastics is a more dangerous sport, but so is soccer, rugby and netball.