Gymnastics is unusual compared to most sports because gymnasts usually compete barefoot. Shoes restrict the natural movement of the foot especially the ability to fully point toes which is a key movement for gymnasts. Being barefoot indoors is not a problem and the extra grip and stability that bare feet provide are essential. However, there …
Learning a new sport will be hard no matter what. Parkour is a particularly hard sport to master as it can involve performing extreme jumps, flips and rolls in an unforgiving outdoor urban environment. However, Parkour also has different levels just as most sports do, so if you are looking to learn it for the …
Many people notice the similarities between gymnastics and parkour and ask which one is better. The straightforward answer is that it depends on personal choice. In this article, I dive a bit deeper and explore the history and differences between Gymnastics and Parkour. So if you haven’t made your mind up yet, this article should …
No, 30 is not too old to start gymnastics! Gymnastics is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or ability which is easy to forget when you see young gymnasts performing super-human skills. In this article, I answer some of the questions that adults often ask when they think about starting …
There are lots of different events in gymnastics and each one belongs to a particular discipline. Lots of people wonder which gymnastics event is the easiest, but this is a difficult question to answer as different people are suited to different events because of their individual strengths and weaknesses. However, in this article, I look …
Lots of people look at the small and stocky build of elite gymnasts and wonder if there is a height limit for gymnastics. The answer is that there is no height limit or maximum height rule but it is true that gymnastics becomes harder the taller you get. Newton’s three laws of motion, especially the …
Now you have a balance beam at home, you might be wondering what to practice! I have put together a list of the 7 skills I teach first to beginners on the Balance Beam. These beginner balance beam skills are basic but will provide the stepping stones to learning more advanced skills in the future. …
A Headstand can be a tricky skill to learn, especially for beginner gymnasts. It can also lead to injuries if performed incorrectly, so for that reason, you should always learn how to Headstand in a safe environment with guidance from a professional. In gymnastics, the Headstand is different from a Yoga Headstand as we balance …
If you are based in the UK but need gymnastics equipment for home use, there are plenty of choices. Some major equipment brands are based in the UK, whilst others are US companies with a global reach. In this article, I will give you a rundown of the brands I would recommend for home gymnastics …
There is a fine margin between successful gymnasts and those that are not. More often than not it is the mental attitude and not the physical skills that make the biggest difference. After coaching hundreds of gymnasts over the course of 20 years, I am able to recognize the habits of highly successful gymnasts. If …
