Thursday, August 27, 2015

Breaking the “Gymnastics is a Women’s Sport” Idea Using its History

A lot of people know what gymnastics is, and it has been a long while since the wide-known sport existed. Almost everyone knows basic information on gymnastics, whether it may be popularly called as “being flexible” or “a supernatural talent,” people have an idea what it is. However, only few know the international sport’s history and background. It’s time to cut off the stereotypical idea that gymnastics is a woman’s sport and reevaluate your concept as you go through its timeline.

Gymnastics originated from Ancient Greece and was initially intended for military training. Yes, military training for soldiers to get ready for war. The skills and strengths in performing this sport were considered as great assets for those who are battling in war-fields.
In the late eighteenth century, pioneer physical educators Johann GutsMuths and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn created exercises using apparatuses for young men and led to what is considered modern gymnastics. Don Francisco Ondeano was the first person who introduced educative gymnastics in France and he promoted the use of parallel bars, high bar and rings on international competitions.

In 1881, the Federation of International Gymnastics was found in Liege, and by the end of 19th century, men’s gymnastics competition became broad and viral, and was eventually included in the 1896’s first modern Olympic Games.

During the 1920’s, women organized and participated in gymnastics events. The first Women’s Olympic Competition was held in Amsterdam in 1928. Olympic Games apparatus and events for men and women had been systematized in modern format and uniform grading structures in 1954.

Girolamo Mercuiriale wrote Le Arte Gymnastica in 1956 which consisted studies of ancients’ attitudes toward exercise, diet, hygiene, and using natural methods for curing diseases. Le Arte Gymnastica also expounded the principles of physical therapy and is noted as the first sports medicine book.

Superb and outstanding gymnasts can be now found on every continent, although it may seem like women are dominating the sport, people should never forget that it’s men who founded and started all of this.


Gymnastics is a great sport and can be well performed by everyone. Mass appreciation doesn’t always equate to something good, whereas the typical thought of gymnastics is a women’s sport, doesn’t mean it is. The sport is unique and extraordinary which can be performed by those whose passionate are immense as they want to be. Whatever sport you are in to, you have to be brave, persevered and disciplined, and these attitudes don’t just come from women, they can come from everyone.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
·         Gymnastics were originally made for military trading in order for men who fight in wars to enhance their battling skills
·         The first women Olympic Games were held in Amsterdam, 1928
·         It’s not just the flexibility that matters in Gymnastics, but above all is the discipline
·         It’s not a women’s sport because anybody is welcome to do it

Bianka Panova Academy offers various kinds of lessons related to ballet and gymnastics for kids. To learn more about what the company could offer for you, check out our official website.

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