Flexibility
for Gymnasts
Strength at Full Range
Strength through
the whole range of flexibility is often important in gymnastics.
Even if a gymnast is able to kick their leg to a 180 degree split to the
back does not mean they are strong enough at that degree of flexibility
to hold their leg at 180 degree separation in a scale.
Shoulder Flexibility Equally Important
While leg
flexibility primarily contributes to the appearance of dance skill on floor
and beam, shoulder flexibility is important in the correct execution of
acro skills on every event.
Judges Will Notice Excellent Flexibility
Judges will
take special notice of gymnasts who have 180 degree plus split leaps and
jumps, even though 180 degrees (or less in compulsories) is all that is
usually required. So if you to not only want to avoid deductions,
but want to gain general impression points for being extra flexible, work
your splits.
Develop Flexibility Evenly
In both shoulder
and leg flexibility, even bi-lateral (left and right side) flexibility
development is a requirement. Inflexible gymnasts sometimes develop
habits like turning to their more flexible side when they do front and
back walkovers. This habit is a disaster for beam consistency, not
to mention an unattractive way to do those skills.
Be Creative and Do Whatever you Have To Do
Flexibility
is one of the few aspects of gymnastics you can work outside of the gym.
Many gymnasts have found interesting ways to work on their splits and flexibility.
Some gymnasts sit in splits whenever they watch TV. Some gymnasts
never bend their legs when they bend over to pick up things off the floor
to improve their pike flexibility. We have even heard of gymnasts
who have slept in their splits.
Get to Max Flexibility While Still Young
However flexible
you are now, you want to get to the required or optimal flexibility level
as soon as you can in your gymnastics career just like you want to get
as strong as you can..
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