​Judging is an essential part of gymnastics. There can be no competitions without it. A great judge is consistent, objective, and fairly applies the rules of their discipline.
 
So what is a judge looking for in a routine? How judging is done in a gym? Whether it is a local school competition or an international championship judging factor varies widely. That will be discussed in this post today.

Common Judging Criteria 

Gymnastics comes in different forms. Each has different judging guidelines. We’ll breakdown some of the most common scoring criteria. 

​Routine Requirements 

Judges are looking for all the skills performed in compulsory routines. Performance is usually in order and nothing should be missed. If one skill is omitted or reversed, deductions are provided.
 
Nevertheless, there are optional routine requirements at specific gymnastics level. Know them right from the very start of a competition to avoid the noisy process.

Execution 

Skills must be performed very well because execution is one of the most important things judges are looking for in a routine. Present allowed skills flawlessly and as exactly as required. 

​Artistry and Dynamics 

Artistry and dynamics are all about your quality of expression. It is about your creativity and how vibrant your performance is being delivered. Be playful for playful parts and serious on serious parts. Expressions might change and be willing to adapt to it. 

Composition  

Additional deductions can also be taken based on how a routine or discipline was composed. Rhythmic gymnastics is strict when it comes to composition score. Better work based on music and choreography to stay on the line.  

​Getting the Best Score 

Judging is exciting for both competitors and coaches. To get the best score, judges are looking for the most impressive presentation. They always have a front-row seat watching stunning performers on the stage – you.
 
So do your best and show them what you’ve got!

​Flare is one of the most powerful acrobatic moves. It is popular in B-Boying or Breaking Battles but was originated in gymnastics.
 
It is easy to lose momentum when training flares. Fortunately, there are ways you can do to learn it. Before going through, get to know the different variations first and clear out a few confusing terms.

The word flare is a noun and it means spreading out or widening, or something like to spread out in display. As you can see in gymnastics, the legs are spread out on display. Flare is something you do which refers to a skill, routine, or performance.
 
On the other hand, flair means stylishness and originality. It would be like describing
skills or something you have.
 
While flare can be performed with flair, these two terms will never mean the same thing.

A Guide to Learning Flare

​Step #1: Get your legs apart while standing straight. Bend forward and then put your
right hand to the ground.
 
Step #2: Slightly shift your body weight to your right hand. Then bend your left leg slightly while keeping your right leg stretched.
 
Step #3: Once you get comfortable in this position, kick or swing your right leg. Kick your left leg forward while kicking your right leg at the same time.
 
Step #4: Now try to put your left hand into the ground to shift your body weight on your hands. Keep your hips up to form a V sitting with both hands.
 
Step #5: While you shift your weight to your left hand, push your body up then swing your left leg towards the right. Keep the legs in V shape as if you come into a semi handstand.

Points to Remember 

Learning flares, no matter what variants, need patience. Keep on training to gain the skill.
 
If you opt for gymnastics competition you should never do a b-boy style flare to avoid deductions. While flare originated in gymnastics, gymnastics alone has specific skills and requirements.

Want to experience intense movement patterns? Consider aerobic gymnastics.
 
Aerobic gymnastics is a great physical training and a top competitive sport. It is a combination of gymnastics skills and fast-paced dancing movements. Music can do great for our mood. Doing gymnastics with music is probably the most satisfying thing to do in life.

Get entertained as you perform this with friends!

What Blows Audiences Away

​

• Speed
• Aerobic patterns
• Interaction
• Synchronization
• Lifts

 
Aerobic gymnastics is probably the most dynamic and energetic gymnastic discipline you can ever find. It is known for its high energy routines set to play with up-tempo music. Both males and females can have fun. 
 
This kind of sport can be performed with friends. It can also be played solo. Aerobic routines are very much heart pounding and are a great way to keep your body in shape while following the beat of good music.
 

​The speed, continuous complex, and cardio-vascular nature is the first thing that blows away everyone that watches. This includes lifts, aerobic movement patterns, interaction, and synchronization. 
 
If you take cardio-vascular fitness, bring it to a new level with aerobic exercises.

The Rules

Music 

The choice of music must be inspiring and contributes to the overall choreography, style, and execution quality. It should match the theme of the exercise and offers a good structure and tempo.
 
Choreography 

Aerobic gymnastics can transform into an artistic performance if all of the components of the choreography fit perfectly together. It is great to choose a sequence of steps that’s both dynamic and surprising. 

​Attire 

Women are mostly required to wear a leotard, tan tights, white runners, and socks during competition. Their hair should also be tied tightly with a bun. On the other hand, men have to wear unitard or body shorts along with form-fitting shirts in bright colors.  

How You Can Benefit

Aerobic gymnastics is a form of exercise that uses oxygen to produce energy. This trains both the heart and lungs to become stronger and more efficient. 

​Gymnasts also learn the importance of agility, self-confidence, and coordination. Having the strength is great to prepare the body for whatever challenges the life may bring. Learning the power of aerobics is very much exciting and pleasing to watch. 
 
To build up aerobic endurance is fun. Kids and adults can benefit from this modern, fast-paced, and intense routine throughout the session.

​Thinking about gift giving? There are a lot of ideas to choose from.
 
But picking one that your gymnast would love is a different story. Gifts that help kids become better at the sports they are interested in are worth the pay. 
 
Surprise the cutest gymnast of your life by buying a gift to fuel the fire. Here are the 10 great gift ideas you’ll find a perfect present. 

Gift Ideas for Gymnasts at All Ages 

Leotard  
​
Leotard is one of the most important things of a gymnast. If you choose to buy a gift like this, opt for something different and unique. Personalized leotard is a big plus.

Gym Bag  ​

Sending out custom-made gym bag could create a smile on their face. You may put a name on it for her to feel the love and care. The color and design of the bag should match her personal preferences. 

Medal Display/Holder  

It is absolutely great to see a beautiful medal display where your kid can put all of her accomplishments on. Giving a thing like this can provide encouragement and power.

Gymnastics Books  

Everyone loves reading. Gymnastics books can be a great gift you’ll find for both kids and teenagers. There are Olympic inspired books you can buy for your gymnasts for them to learn how to overcome a struggle, gain confidence, build skills, and receive gold.

​Pillowcase  

No matter how good or bad the day of the gymnast is, sleeping in a gymnastics pillowcase is very much comforting. Something with an inspirational message will do.

Hair Ties  

Simple but helpful. Hair ties come in different kinds. Start by finding ties that are cute and durable. Place them in a lovely box to make it more special.

​Gymnastics Mat  

There is more gymnastics outside gymnastics, right? Gym mats can be a great gift you can give for them to be safe and prevent messes. Better choose mats that are easy to be folded and stored. 

Jewelry  

We know that jewelry is not allowed in most gyms but how about dressing up for special occasions? There are gymnastics jewelry like inspiring bangles and necklaces you can pick so she can still rock with her favorite fashion.

​Mom/daughter Shirts  

Giving a shirt that motivates is great but mom/daughter shirts are even greater. Wearing such a shirt shows the support your gymnast needs.

Chalk Ball  

Chalk ball is a part of a gymnast life. You may include this in your gift list for a cheaper, easy to access option.

​Gymnastics is sometimes demanding. Giving your gymnast a simple present is enough to help them go on.
 
Which of these gifts you think is best and effective? Please share your answer in the comments below.

​Are you a gymnastics newcomer? Or, are you just interested in trying a move? Good thing you land on this page.
Here are the easiest moves to impress with friends.

Basic Gymnastics Skills worth Trying

There are many skills a beginner can do. What’s good is that most of them can be performed in the comfort of your home. 

​#1: Cartwheel

Cartwheel can be learned in one day. A baby cartwheel is good to start with. You can do this by bringing your hands to the floor while having the body inverts.

#2: Forward Roll

From the name itself, all you need to do is to roll forward. It is a basic gymnastics move that even a kid can perform. 

​#3: Backward Roll

Backward roll is the reverse of a forward roll which means you need to roll backward. Start by standing up first and then squat down. Make sure to protect your head from hitting the floor.

#4: Handstand

Handstand is one of the most important skills in gymnastics that is performed with a kick-up. It supports the body by balancing on the hands.

#5: Back Bend Kick Over

At home, you may start bending your back using a wall or with the help of a raised platform. Learning this skill can prepare you to do more complex moves.

Conclusion

Bear in mind that learning skills need careful consideration. It is not good to go on the hardest when you can’t even perform a single easy step. It is not also good to learn the easiest if your body is not capable of it. So, the rule of the thumb is to always consult an expert.

 Which of these skills do you like the most? Let us know in the comments.

Do you see someone that stands beside a gymnast when they move? That’s a spotter. 

A spotter responds quickly to the needs of an athlete. He/she provides guidance to position players in a way they can land safely. 
 
Spotting in gymnastics involves many things. If you wonder what magic it can do in a gym, continue reading.

The Need for a Spotter

​A spotter can be your coach or someone who is good at catching and is willing to assist you in everything. This person looks after you in case you stumble on difficult skills such as Uneven Bars. 
 
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert athlete, you may need a spotter for:
 
Safety: Safety is the number one reason why you need someone that stands beside the apparatus and catches you when you fall. This avoids serious injury preventing you from performing on the stage.
 
Motivation: A good spotter does not just catch but also motivates. He/she can be someone you can talk to about things you can improve.

​Guidance: Spotting can be your guide to correct your movements and positions. Injuries will not only be reduced but also the errors in performance. 
 
Confidence: Having a spotter gives you confidence. You will not be afraid to try new exercises and do a few extra flips. 
 
In the danger of injury, spotters give priority on securing the head and neck. Nevertheless, it is not good to rely on the spotter alone. Show the most amazing moves out in you while observing safety.

Essential Spotting Tips  

For the most dedicated spotters out there, here is what you can do to do well at spotting.

Focus on the Gymnast 

Never get distracted by the people around you. Don’t talk unless you are allowed to and avoid leaving your area when a player is on the move.

Take a Wide Stance

​Get your hands ready and position your feet properly. Be stable and balance. Be able to run or move so you can easily catch a falling individual.

Don’t Help Unless Needed 

A spotter does not help all the time. This person only assists in a minimal amount. Athletes will never learn new skills if spotters always lend a hand.
 
Spotting helps a lot. It is great to have a regular spotting buddy. Stay fun, stay in shape, and stay safe with a spotter. Having one makes a difference!

​Exercise is good. It makes our body strong and active. But too much work out does not anymore help.

Many athletes don’t realize this until their body reacts. Of course, you can’t afford to risk your life for that. It is better to protect your body right from the start so you can continue living life in the game.
​
Learn why overdoing physical fitness may be a bad thing and discover ways you can do to protect your body.

​Disadvantages of Overtraining

Hurts the Heart

Most people who expose to heavy-duty workouts have shown signs of scarring of heart tissue or fibrosis. It makes heart muscle weak as they age. Overtraining may disrupt normal heart rate that could lead to serious diseases.

​Destroys Diet

Gymnastics and many other sports have to follow a specific diet to lose weight while engaging in heavy exercise patterns. This is often causing unwanted food cravings and destroys healthy eating habits.

Promotes Stress

Exercise indeed helps combat stress and mood issue. However, if the intensity of stress becomes too great our adrenal glands become tired and exhausted. As a result, athletes experience fatigue, sleeping disorders, and hormonal imbalance. 

Too much exercise can do a lot of harm in your body. Here is how to prevent it.

Keeping a Balance Exercise

It is not easy to stay in shape while engaging in tremendous physical activity. But there are helpful ways to keep everything balanced.
​

• Don’t increase the intensity of your workout too quickly.
• Be prepared and do warm-ups.
• Maintain a regular training schedule.
• Allow yourself to slow down so you can be refreshed and start again.

​Before joining any hard workouts, consider your age, weight, training background, and overall health status. Everybody is different. If it helps others it may destroy yours.
​
Whoever you are, whatever your goal is, bear in mind that involvement in sports is very much good for the health – just don’t overdo it.

​Up for a meet or gym practice? Carry everything you will use in a gym bag.
​
What is it exactly to include in a bag? Whether you pack it for yourself or for your gymnast kid, it is great to be prepared.
Here are a few essentials you should always bring.

Athletic Tape

Athletic tape or duct tape can fix everything. This will protect your wrists or body from injury. It is something a gymnastics world will never lose. 

​Grips

No grips mean no bars during the meet. While some gyms allow you to leave your grips it is still good to bring one yourself. It is a must for both men and women gymnasts.
​
Extra Clothes

​You should always have extra clothes along with you so you can change after practice. Wearing sweaty clothes will never be healthy for your skin.

​Hair Accessories

Sometimes, hair falls out. Have a comb, clips, or hair elastics to be able to fix it. Don’t forget your hairspray to make a strong hold. This will help you avoid a messy hair day.

Snack

You can’t always go out to buy anything you want to fuel up making it essential to keep something you can munch on. Foods that are high in protein will do.

​Water or Sports Drink

Always keep yourself hydrated by bringing a bottle of water of your own. A practice is so much tiring and you sweat a lot. Having something to drink could save your day.

Deodorant

Carrying a deodorant is something that needs no explanation. You and your fellow players may be thankful for having some backup.

​Gymnastics is full of activity. It is good to pack everything you need in advance to save yourself when in a hurry.
Is there something you can add to this list? We’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments.
 

​Engaging in sport is very much physically healthy. But there is one other important aspect of a human that should be taken care of – mental.

There is no denying that all athletes have experienced mental challenges once in their life. They just could not perform the things they know they are capable of. How would sport heroes prevent mental stuff? Here is how.

#1: Perfectionism

While perfectionist athletes do have an intense desire to succeed, they may not be aware of the dark side. Perfectionism is associated with depression when something has gone wrong. Perfectionists want to be mistake-free, things that for humans are impossible to get. 

​#2: Negativity

Negativity is probably the opposite of perfectionism. A person with a negative mind thinks that failure is his life. As a result, you will lose enjoyment in sport. You are filled with doubt leading to the incapability of doing your best. If you have that sense of negativity, yourself is your worst enemy.

​#3: High Expectations

High expectations from yourself or from others can sometimes be a disaster. It is normal to expect your best but making it too high is different. Expectations commonly focus on results. When the result is bad, you are judged. When it is good, you are forced to do more. 

​#4: Low Self-confidence

Confidence is one of the best ingredients for success. You cannot reach your true athletic potential if you are lacking it. Sometimes, you need to kill disbeliefs to win in life. People with low self-confidence nearly experience anxiety. If you don’t trust yourself, you will never move up. 

​#5: Fear of Failure

Failing is normal, fearing to fail is not. Fear of failure is one of the most dangerous mental barriers that will never bring good results. This kind of mind challenge is characterized by high expectations and is associated with social approval. If you have this mindset you could experience anxiety or tension that breaks.

How You Can Win the Battle

Manage your emotions. Accept mistakes and learn from them. Fear is just in the mind. Know your limits and be flexible, balance, and positive. Give your life a strong mission to clear the doubt. Supply yourself with time, patience, and belief in yourself.

Renew yourself and stay fresh in all aspects. If you feel something bad inside, move it out. Your brain needs your care. Rise with pride and win the fight!

​Sure, gymnastics is one of the greatest sports in history. Gymnasts become marvelous aerial skiers and great pole vaulters. From kids to seniors, their body becomes incredibly flexible.
​
The other good thing about this activity is that you can’t easily be a good gymnast even if you excel in another sport. Gymnastics require tremendous power. But not just that, many things make this sport truly incomparable.

​Very Young Starting Age

While other sports need teenage players, kids that age two or three years can already perform in pre-school gymnastics classes. There is no likely other sport with members as young as gymnasts in the world today, if there is then it’s pretty amazing.

This means you don’t need to wait for your kids to grow up before letting them go to the gym. However, enrolling toddlers in elite-level training is huge decision parents need to make.

​Very Early Retirement Age

The retirement age in gymnastics is the same age as other athletes just begin working on their careers. At the age of 19, an Olympian named Kyla Ross retires from elite gymnastics. Such age is too early for other sport to take leave.

However, gymnasts that age over 25 are still allowed to compete in master-level competitions as long as they are still interested and able to join. 

​Gymnast equals Dancer

Gymnastics is not just a sport; it uplifts one’s skills and talents. Being a gymnast gives you a great dancing background essential for becoming a great dancer.

As you can see on participants competed on Dancing with the Stars, all of the Olympic gymnasts like Simone Biles and Shawn Johnson become top-notch. This means they perform better in dancing compared to their opponents who are once a football and tennis player.
​
Dancing requires rhythm, grace, and flexibility. Gymnastics offers them all. 

​Summing Up

Gymnastics is unique is so many ways. You start early but at least you end early so you can enjoy adulthood. Training is considered to be a full-time job but that should not scare you.
​
In the end, the skills you gained will give sparkling lights in your life. Growing old will never be boring as you always have the spotlight on you.