Gymnastics works every muscle in your body and is a great way to stay in shape.
British coach Scott Hann says gymnastics is "exciting and challenging, keeps you fit, gives you discipline, and there are always extra steps to make."
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Artistic gymnastics sees men participate in six apparatus: floor exercises, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar.
Women participate in four apparatus: vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercises.
Rhythmic Gymnastics is performed exclusively by women, with the gymnasts performing choreographed movements to music using apparatus such as rope, hoop, ball, clubs and a ribbon.
Both men and women participate in the trampoline.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
Contact the British Amateur Gymnastics Association:
British Amateur Gymnastics Association
Ford Hall
Lilleshall NBSC
Newport
Shropshire
TF10 9NE
www.british-gymnastics.org
They have a great section on finding your nearest gymnastics club by inputting your postcode.
The 'contact us' page of the website includes details of development officers and regional secretaries throughout the UK.
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
British Gymnastics
Beijing 2008 - gymnastics
International Gymnastics (FIG)
Have your say on gymnastics - 606
Gymnastics drills and skills
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