Training
To be a gymnast requires a lot of dedication. Gymnasts must train in at least 2-hour practice intervals. Once gymnasts hit level 5, the practices can be as long as 5 hours. Around level 3, most gymnasts are training 9-12 hours per week at least 3 times a week for 3-4 hours. By level 5, most gymnasts train 4 hours a day 4-5 days a week (16-20 hours). By level 7, gymnasts are training 20+ hours per week. Elite gymnasts will train 30-40 hours per week to perfect their skills.
Gymnastics involves many different aspects of athleticism. Gymnasts must be incredibly strong, as well as fast, and flexible. Gymnasts have to do intense conditioning to make their muscles strong. For example, many gymnasts are required to practice climbing ropes to build upper body strength. For speed and agility, gymnasts have to practice doing sprints so that when they vault, they are reaching their maximum speed as they approach the table. For flexibility, there are many different stretches gymnasts need to perfect. Splits are especially important in gymnastics. Also, shoulder flexibility and foot and ankle flexibility are vital to having a long athletic career.
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The National TOPS team's warm up. |
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Check out this crazy conditioning video! |