What would come to your mind, if you could hear the word gymnastics? A lot of people think that when men and women perform amazing acrobatics, they‘re doing gymnastics. The fact is that being involved in such sport does not just mean as that.

Gymnastics has many branches where each of them has different specializations. Have no idea? Let’s take them a look!

Top #1: Artistic Gymnastics

The most popular type of gymnastics is the one called artistic gymnastics. This type involves a lot of muscular strength and power. However, men and women have to live with almost different apparatuses though they share almost the same aesthetics.

Top #2: Acrobatic Gymnastics

One type of gymnastics involves acrobatics, as mentioned earlier. In this category, gymnasts may act in pairs, trios or quartets and they use no equipment but themselves. They make poses emphasizing group balance, tumbling and breathtaking acrobatic jumps.

Top #3: Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is a combination of dance, ballet, and gymnastics. Gymnasts have to be very flexible and should be equipped with great precision and coordination. They mainly compete with hoop, rope, ball and many other elegant props.

Top #4: Aerobic Gymnastics

This is the type of gymnastics that combines the beauty of acrobatics, gymnastics, and dance together. Gymnasts typically perform this sport with rhythmic music and place more emphasis on synchrony and precision.

Top #5: Trampoline Gymnastics

​In gymnastics with trampoline discipline, the common routine for gymnasts is acrobatics while having to do extreme bouncing on a trampoline. Their movements go from simple pike to twisted somersaults. Fast moving routines are implemented to create a stunning spectacle that would shock audiences.

What’s the Best?

Gymnastics is full of complex but stunning routines but there is no such “best gymnastics” concept. All of the types or categories mentioned above are pretty great. All of these disciplines gained widespread fame and everyone could give it a try.

Not a gymnast yet? Why not give it a try?

Wonder why gymnasts use white powdered particles spreading almost all over the body? In fact, chalk can be seen all over their hands, legs, and feet. If you have no idea what kind of chalk they’re using and why they have to use it in the first place, keep on reading!

What is Chalk in Gymnastics Made of

A chalk that gymnasts use is not the kind of chalk you see in the classrooms. It is not even the one found in sidewalks or at the local craft stores. Gymnasts are using chalk made up of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), a naturally occurring white mineral. This kind of chalk can be synthesized but it can generally be found by mining Magnesite.

Different Types of Chalk

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• Powder

Powder chalk can almost be found in every gymnast’s gym but this type of chalk can give trouble in breathing and that a lot of gyms don’t recommend using it. It can also give the messiest end unless you use chalk ball (powdered chalk but has been wrapped). 

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• Solid

Solid or block chalk is formed like a bar soap. It turns into a powder once you applied it in your body parts and is making a lesser mess.

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• Liquid or Spray

Liquid or spray chalk can be the most decent type of gymnast’s chalk as you only have to spray or dump it like water. Generally, it provides a more solid result after you use it.

​Why Gymnasts Use Chalk

​Gymnasts use chalk, not for fun but to dry out any moisture their body may get when sweating. This is to prevent them from slipping every time they flip. Chalk can also help with friction when gymnasts perform their grips.

​As the chalk absorbs moisture, it has been used in gymnastics to dry out sweaty hands, feet and other body parts especially during meets. Without chalk, gymnasts can’t perform very well!

In order to learn new things, one thing is normally present – injury. It is something that commonly happens during first-time practice but no one wished to have it. This is because injuries could damage a gymnast’s life.
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Here are five common injuries in gymnastics everyone must be aware of. Learn what its impact in the body and see how to avoid them in the first place. 

​#1: Tendon Injury (Achilles Tendonitis)

Injury in the tendon part is known as Achilles Tendonitis. Tendon is a flexible cord attaching calf to your heel. Achilles tendon problems happen when a gymnast is making continuous, intense moves. This is one of the most serious injuries that can make a gymnast off the team. 

​#2: Lower-back Injury (Spondylolysis)

If a gymnast often complains about low back pain, she may be suffering from Spondylolysis. It is defined as a defect fracture typically in the pars interarticularis. In most cases, the lower lumbar vertebrate is extremely affected due to repetitive hyperextension of the lumbar spine. This bone injury may get gymnasts off from bending again.

​#3:  Wrist Injury (Distal Radius Epiphysitis)

When vaulting and tumbling snap, gymnasts may suffer wrist injury known as Distal Radius Epiphysitis. A gymnast can experience pain in the radial, the closest part of the wrist to the thumb. Taking rest and preventing wrist stress is the basic key to healing.

​#4: Elbow Injury (Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum)

Repetitive elbow compression can develop bony injury showing abnormalities in the humerus part. The cartilage and bone fragment of the elbow may break and that injured gymnasts need to take a break. Surgery is expected if the injury becomes worse.

​#5: Knee Injury (Osgood-Schlatter) 

Improper running and jumping can lead to fracture of the tibial tuberosity. Gymnasts could experience pain in the front part of the knee and are required to take a period of rest. A painful bump typically lasts a few months.

The Bottom Line

Ignoring safety precautions is one of the most common reasons why injuries occur in gymnastics. Implementing safety measures in a gym can prevent life-threatening damages like these and that they should not be taken for granted.
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How to get your body covered? Live with extra care! 

​Leotard – a tight-fitting stretchy garment that can destroy a gymnast’s life in the competition. How so? In gymnastics scoring, the judging criteria do not just depend on how you make the best and flawless moves, but also depends on how perfect the leotard you’re wearing works throughout the competition.

3 Best Tricks for a Winning Leotard

When you make one wrong move, it has a big impact on the points. This works the same when a gymnast’s underwear sticks out. You will not just get embarrassed; your points will be deducted too. Well, you can go without it. But if you feel pretty uncomfortable without having anything under your leotard, here are some tricks to keep that thing stay in place. 

​Wear Skin-toned Underwear

Most gyms require girls to wear panties and sports bras. This is to protect them and cover their private parts. But, what they’re wearing is not something you see on the beach. They wear skin-toned, Y-back underwear. Using these types of underpants will make your score untouched as they will not be visible even during the most complicated moves.

​Put on Strapless Bra

Kids don’t typically need to wear any bra but adult gymnasts have to. To avoid straps from showing when you make your routine, use a tube-like bra or a bra without straps. If you’re wearing a leotard with holes on the back, a backless bra is a way to go. Make sure you get the comfort you need when wearing undergarments.

​Use Butt Glue

Butt glue keeps the swimsuits of most beauty pageants in place no matter how they show their impressive walks. Gymnasts use the same glue to keep their underwear and leotard from sliding as well. The glue is a perfect body adhesive and is safe for your skin and garments.

​Additional Tricks and Tips

Never wear colored underneath’s. Use flesh or skin-toned instead. If you are not comfortable wearing a strapless bra, use one with clear straps. Lastly, don’t forget to use white and clear Smooth Grove to kill that embarrassing Camel Toe.