Stop Procrastinating And Start Getting Fit!

When it comes into the topic of keeping ourselves healthy, what we have to say is: enough with procrastination and just start exercising! The lifelong health benefits of physical fitness are too great to be disregarded, we believe.

Feel younger, live longer. It’s not a slogan, but rather the actual health benefits one can get from physical exercise. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people who engage in moderate to intense physical exercise on a daily basis are at lower risks of suffering from certain types of diseases.

Physical Fitness: Is Exercise Really Good for You?

Ready for some good news? According to some research, regularly participating in physical exercise promotes better sleep, helps in maintaining a healthy weight, minimizes the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even helps fight off depression.

“One study found that when breast cancer survivors engaged in exercise, there were marked improvements in physical activity, strength, maintaining weight, and social well-being,” said Rachel Permuth-Levine, PhD, deputy director for the Office of Strategic and Innovative Programs at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

“Another study looked at patients with stable heart failure and determined that exercise relieves symptoms, improves quality of life, reduces hospitalization, and in some cases, reduces the risk of death,” Dr. Permuth-Levine added. She cleared out that physical exercise isn’t only beneficial for people with good health conditions. “If we can see benefits of moderate exercise in people who are recovering from a disease, we might see even greater benefits in those of us who are generally well.”

Physical exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to bring positive results. Even just by taking part regularly in a moderate exercise (walking, jogging, running on the treadmill, etc.), can already produce positive and healthy results.

Making Physical Exercise a Lifelong Habit

The most common reason why most people don’t exercise is because they don’t have enough time to do so. If you find it hard to add regular exercise to your daily schedule, keep in mind that even just short bouts of physical exercise in your free time could bring numerous health benefits such as minimizing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Aim for at least 10 minutes of short and light exercise every day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you have lived a sedentary lifestyle for too long, then you might find adding physical exercise to your daily routine to be an overwhelming task. What you could do is try to gradually shift to a more active lifestyle, so you won’t be too overwhelmed with the transition.

For example, instead of using the elevator to go upstairs, you could try and take the stairs instead. Also, instead of driving to a nearby grocery, you could go and take a walk as an alternative. The key to physical fitness is to start gradually and get yourself prepared. “Have your shoes, pedometer, and music ready so you don’t have any excuses.” Rachel Permuth-Levine said.

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Are Gymnasts’ Bones Healthy?

Most people take for granted the health of their bones and only think about it once they are in midlife or later, by which time is can be too late to do very much to protect against serious bone loss and resulting fractures of all the physically-demanding activities they have done in their younger years. Especially athletes like gymnasts, who mostly start their gymnastics careers at a very young age, and sustains a lot of injuries their entire careers. So it would not be a surprise if sometimes we ask ourselves, are gymnasts’ bones healthy?

At What Age Does Bones Develop?

Researchers who study bone health said that concerns about the strength of one’s bones should start in childhood and continue through adolescence, because this is the time when the body builds most of the bone that must sustain it for the remaining years of life.

The best time to pay attention to bone development is from childhood through adolescence, since once the peak bone mass has been reached, further gains are minimal. Between ninety and ninety-six percent of girls’ peak bone mass are gained by age twenty, while for boys peaks occur only a few years later. Conversely, abut twenty-six percent of total adult bone is accrued in two years around the time the bone mass increases the most, at ages 12.5 in girls and 14.1 in boys. The amount of bones added during those two years is about the same as what is typically lost in the 30 years between ages 50 and 80.

In all of the mentioned years above where bone masses are developed, gymnasts have started training and probably ended their careers already. The peak times for gymnasts are around the same ages, from childhood to until twenty years old, so it means that while their bones are still developing they are doing harsh physical trainings and competitions simultaneously.

Growth and Gymnastics

Based on a study in 2004 published at “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism,” the impact of stress and physical training on growth is influenced by a lot of different factors like the intensity of training, the type of exercise, and the time that the physical activity began. Competitive gymnasts spend usually between twenty-six and twenty-eight hours a week on training. Aside from this, the time spent on competing is at the same time of puberty. The said study proved that the intense physical training of gymnastics really does impact the musculoskeletal growth and maturation that is supposed to occur during puberty.

In the same study, the researchers evaluated growth and skeletal maturation in male and female artistic gymnasts between ages thirteen and twenty-three. The results reflected that both male and female artistic gymnasts were shorter and slimmer than normal girls and boys around the same age bracket, exhibiting a significant delay in skeletal maturation. This observation is also more evident in males. 

Artistic gymnasts have a reduction of growth potential, especially males, but the females of rhythmic gymnastics, on the other hand, only have a significantly delayed genetic predisposition for growth.

A study in the same journal, only conducted in 1999, evaluated 255 female rhythmic gymnasts from ages eleven to twenty-three years old during the 13th European Championships. The researchers studied the skeletal growth and sexual development in the said elites and they observed that the rhythmic gymnasts had a significant delay in both skeletal and pubertal maturation. However, the study states that the final adult height of the athletes was not expected to be affected by their involvement in gymnastics.

To read more gymnastics-related articles, visit our educational blogs. Experience a fun and imaginative gymnastics training, come and enroll today at Bianka Panova Sport and Art Academy.

Does Exercise Help With Studying?

As a Dutch review of previous studies suggests, being physically active can have a positive effect on the child’s academic performance. The review examined 14 studies which include more than 12,000 children. According to those studies, engaging in physical exercise may help increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, boosting the cognitive function of the children.

Writing in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, researchers stated that they discovered strong evidence of a relation between physical activity and academic performance.

However, according to VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the authors of the said research, they stated that more accurate and reliable measurement instruments were required to examine the link in greater detail.

Dr. Amika Singh and colleagues were triggered to observe the connection between exercise and the child’s performance in the classroom due to concerns that the pressure to improve the grades and performance of the students could result into more time being spent in the classroom and very limited time to perform physical exercise.

So the authors identified ten observational and four interventional studies for review. Twelve of the mentioned studies were done in the U.S., one in Canada and one in South Africa. The sample sizes of the studies varied between fifty-three to twelve thousand subjects between the ages of six to eighteen years old, the period of follow-up ranges from eight weeks to more than five years.

As the study suggests, two of the reviewed researches were evaluated as being of high quality.

Blood flow

According to the researchers, they noticed a clear proof of a “significant positive relationship” between exercise and academic performance using those two studies as evidences.

The study suggests that the reason behind it is that exercise is responsible for increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. The improvement in the blood and oxygen flow positively affects the cognitive functions of the brain. However, according to the researchers, more studies were needed to investigate the exact connection between physical activity and academic performance.

Participating in any kind of physical activity also helps in stress management, mood regulation, and it can also alleviate anxiety, helping children behave better in the classroom.

According to Dr Singh, “children who learn to participate in sport also learn to obey rules. This may mean they are more disciplined and able to concentrate better during lessons.”

“People always ask, ‘How much exercise do I need to do to get an A?’ We don’t know that, but we would like to find out,” said Dr. Singh. “Children should be active for at least one hour a day, for health reasons. But we also need to look at other things, like what kind of activities they should do, when they should do them and for how long.”

None of the studies used an objective measure of physical activity. Most of the studies instructed the subjects or their parents to write down how much physical activity they were getting.

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Physical Activity Guidelines For Young Children

To maintain a healthy and physically-fit body, young people should get enough exercise everyday. It is important for them to meet the exercise guidelines that are appropriate for their age level to keep their physical fitness at the optimal level.

For young children aged five years old and above, it is important to get at least an hour of exercise each day to keep their bodies active, healthy, and physically fit. The exercises a young child should perform must be comprised of moderate and vigorous physical activities. At least thrice a week, these exercises must focus on strengthening the muscles and the bones of these young children.

Normally, in the current generation of youth, most young children are spending too much of their time in front of their screens (smartphones, TVs and personal computers), which eats away all of their free time, leaving barely enough time to do any physical activity.

This kind of habit can be pretty damaging to your child’s health, so you should ensure that your child is not allocating most of their precious time doing such things. It is your task, as a parent, to limit the time they spend in front of their screens. 

You should also start to encourage your child to engage in physical activities such as jogging and sports. You should convince them that these kinds of activities are more fun than sitting in front of the computer screen all day, and you should also tell them some of the benefits they can get from doing such things, so they can be more motivated to start doing it.

Kids at a young age basically won’t do an activity he/she doesn’t enjoy, so you need to make sure that you choose the kind of physical activity he/she will truly enjoy so that your child will be able to willingly do these activities. 

For example, if your child shows enthusiasm to be more active when surrounded with friends, then you should consider letting him/her join a team-oriented sport such as basketball, football and hockey. However, if your child enjoys doing splits and performing tumblings, then gymnastics might be the best sports choice for her.

If your child doesn’t want to join any sports, but is still willing to be physically active, then you should encourage him/her to do any kind of moderate to vigorous physical activities.

What is Considered as a Moderate Activity?

Moderate physical activities are those activities that can be done with only a moderate amount of effort. These activities are known to raise your heart rate levels and make you break a sweat. One way to tell if you’re performing a moderate physical activity is when your breathing still enables you to talk, but you’re unable to sing a song properly without losing a breath.

Moderate activities include: walking to the school, playing outside with their friends, riding a bicycle, and doing simple household chores.

What is Considered as a Vigorous Activity?

Vigorous physical activities require a great amount of effort, and usually make the child push their physical capabilities to the limits. You know you are performing a vigorous physical activity if you can barely talk without having to pause to catch a breath. 

Despite requiring more effort, vigorous physical activities are known to provide better health benefits compared to what a moderate activity could bring. Vigorous physical activities are linked to better overall health, stronger and healthier bones, better physical fitness and higher levels of self-esteem.

Some examples of vigorous activities are: dancing, swimming, running and playing intense sports.

Learn more about physical fitness and expand your knowledge regarding your child’s health by reading our educational articles. Let your child learn gymnastics in the most fun and exciting way, enroll today at Bianka Panova Sport and Art Academy! :) Join us in the fun and learn gymnastics for kids :)

Health Benefits of Exercise

You’ve probably heard a thousand times that exercise is, without a doubt, good for your overall health. Whether it’s a simple activity like walking, jogging, and running or a more strenuous sports like basketball, tennis, or gymnastics, taking part in a physical activity can serve countless benefits for you, no matter how old or young you are.

Experts recommend that young people should get at least one hour of mild to moderate physical exercise per day. Today let us give you some reasons to start including exercise to your daily routine.

Benefits of Daily Exercise

Exercise Improves Your Mood

Exercise is not only beneficial for your body, but also for your brain. Performing physical activities regularly allows the body to release chemicals called “endorphins”, or also known as the “happy hormone”. Having an adequate amount of endorphins rushing through your system will help you feel more peaceful, happy and lively. So, if you’re feeling down and needs something to lift up your mood, go for a quick bout of exercise!

Exercise Can Boost Your Energy

According to research, if you feel fatigued, just simply getting off the couch and moving around can make you feel like you want to move more. That applies, too, in performing mild to moderate exercise. Performing a moderately-intense exercise for at least 15 to 20 minutes can make you feel more energized and active throughout the day. So, if you need something to get you off from that lazy rut, go for a quick jog or walk, it’ll get the job done!

Exercise Boosts Your Confidence

Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals (endorphins) which may help you feel happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and your own self when you take part in a physical activity regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve positive self-image.

Exercise Improves Your Appearance

Exercising regularly can help you achieve that lean, toned look. Taking part in any physical activities helps you burn excess calories and also tones your muscles, keeping you in a better, more attractive shape.

Exercise Leads to Better Overall Health

Taking part in a physical activity allows a child to develop a healthier body and a stronger immune system, which is pretty important to prevent sickness and diseases. Participating in a physical activity decreases the likelihood of conditions such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Exercise can help a person age well.

This might seem insignificant today, but your body will thank you later. Adults, especially women, prone to a condition called osteoporosis (a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile) as they get older. Studies have found that weight-bearing exercise — such as weight lifting and gymnastics — can help girls (and guys!) maintain healthier and stronger bones.

These are just some of the benefits you can get by taking part in a physical activity. So, start living a healthier and more active lifestyle, and add exercise in your day-to-day activities! :)

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Get Fit While You're Young!

Today, we will discuss the importance of getting fit and healthy while you’re young. Eating healthy and getting in shape at a young age is more than just boosting your attractiveness. Let us provide you a handful of reasons to start your fitness journey right now!

You’ll Develop Healthy Habits

There’s a great deal of truth with the saying that ‘any habits formed during childhood are often carried through their adulthood’. Starting to practice healthy habits like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercise, and taking part in physical activities such as gymnastics for kids while you’re young gets you on the right track early on. These types of healthy practices can help you avoid suffering from certain illnesses and diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease in your adulthood.

Forming good habits while you’re young “will be easier than if you’re trying to develop them when you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s,” says John Rowley, a certified personal trainer. “At that point you may have to change your whole life around to implement them. Another reason to adopt healthy habits early on is so you can apply them to other areas of your life. That’s what Arnold Schwarzenegger did. The tools he learned in the gym helped build his movie career, and eventually got him into government.” 

Being Physically Fit Leaves Better Impression

We might not always admit it, but most of the time, we judge people based on their looks. Say for example, you see someone with a slumped shoulders and a big tummy. Do you see him as someone who is hardworking and confident? Most likely, no.

Building a leaner and healthier body gets you prepared for the future. Your appearance is the first thing that your potential employer will notice, and having a fit body will make an impression that you’re disciplined, and is able to get the work done.

“Whether you’re in a suit or plumber’s uniform, being lean, fit, and in shape gives off the impression that you’re disciplined, hard-working, and intelligent,” said Rowley “If you’re in your 20s and just getting out of school, it helps your career by telling people that you have the ability to get the job done.”

Being Healthy Makes You More Productive

According to a research published in the journal ‘Physiology & Behavior’, having bad eating habits such as consuming too much sugary and processed foods leads to a lower energy level, leaving the subjects feeling tired and lazy. Also, according to a study published in the journal ‘Population Health Management’, any unhealthy habits outside of work have a direct impact on the employees’ productivity loss.

So, if you want to be successful, whether it be in life or in gymnastics, you need to keep yourself healthy to maintain high levels of energy and focus. Unhealthy habits obviously won’t get you there.

You’ll Develop Higher Levels of Confidence

Eating healthy and exercising regularly has a direct impact on boosting your confidence level. Simply performing basic exercises such as walking or running for 20-30 minutes is enough to reduce stress and anxiety, which will positively impact your mood. Also, being fit and in a good shape makes you more attractive, directly affecting your sense of self-worth.

“Typically, psychology will follow physiology,” Rowley says. “If you’re not feeling confident, start moving your body in a confident way. And when you’re fit with strong muscles, you move with confidence. Again, it’s about taking the lessons learned inside the gym and using them in other areas of their lives.” 

You’ll Learn to Set Goals

As mentioned in our other article, any kind of sport, especially gymnastics, is not something that you can rush. Being an active participant of these kinds of sports teaches you that unless you have superhuman powers, you need to set smaller, attainable goals to be able to effectively reach your goals. 

“Those structured goals that you use in the gym where you’re doing something on a regular basis to get a predictable result can be a training routine for life,” he says. “Find habits that are working for others, whether it’s a schedule or training routine, and use them yourself. It’s a very effective way to achieve success.” 

Those are just some of the benefits you can get if you’ll start your fitness journey at an early age. It is never too late to become physically fit! Learn gymnastics for kids with us. Enroll today at Bianka Panova Sport and Art Academy and experience a high quality gymnastics training :)

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SSE Next Generation Programme to Bring Young Athletes to the 2015 World Championships

Steve Frew, the first Scottish gold medallist at the Gymnastics Commonwealth Games, has collaborated with Irish young gymnast Rhys McClenaghan at the SSE Hydro to spread the news regarding the partnership between the SSE and the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships.

The announcement came after the ticket sales reached the 40,000 mark, with less than a month until the World Championships takes place on 23^rd October

The SSE Next Generation programme, a four year partnership with SportsAid – a charity dedicated on helping young athletes to reach their full potential, started from SSE’s tier one sponsorship of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. There are 100 young athletes, including Rhys that is currently receiving financial assistance and professional coaching as a result of this programme.

SSE’s support for the upcoming Championships symbolizes the company’s commitment to resume its support for sport and the major competitions in Scotland.

Through the help of the partnership, athletes of various sports across the UK will be able to attend the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow to obtain invaluable experience of the unique pressures and competitive environment brought by a major top-class competition.  Aside from that, they can also take advantage of the insights and advices that will be coming from the senior athletes like Frew -- a two-time representative of the Great Britain at the World Gymnastics Championships.

“Being part of the SSE Next Generation programme has been a huge help to me in allowing me to go to more competitions and training camps, which have boosted my performances. The chance to come and experience a World Championships is a dream come true and it will just motivate me even more to pursue my dreams.”  Said young athlete Rhys McClenaghan

Steve Frew, a gymnast who took part in the 1995 and 1997 World Championships to represent Great Britain said “When you are a young athlete there is so much to keep on top of as you train and develop. Support from programmes like SSE Next Generation is invaluable and this partnership with the World Gymnastics Championships will give athletes the chance to see first-hand the unique and inspiring environment presented by one of the world’s biggest sporting events.” 

The competition has already hit a new record, as a record number of gymnasts from different countries are set to take part in the upcoming 2015 World Gymnastics Championships, which will also serve as a stepping stone to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

An impressive amount of athletes – 615 gymnasts from 91 different countries have agreed to participate in the said event, which is currently the largest-selling artistic gymnastics event that was hosted in the country.

This upcoming World Gymnastics Championships, which will begin on 23^rd of October until November 1, is by far one of the world’s biggest single-sport events, which will feature Glasgow to a broader global audience compared to the Commonwealth Games.

Acting Head of Sponsorship at SSE, Colin Banks, stated: “Following the Commonwealth Games in 2014 it was really important to us to continue to make a difference through our support of sport in the UK. We are therefore proud to be back in 2015 at  the World Gymnastics Championships, which will give a number of our SSE Next Generation athletes valuable experience and insight into a major event. 

“The Next Generation programme has a real athlete-focus, and our aim is to bring that to the Championships in October. With the world’s best competing for gold, and the added prize of a place at Rio 2016, the event promises to be an incredible occasion for participants and spectators alike.”

Former leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson CBE said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome SSE Next Generation as an ‘Official Supporter’ to the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships.

“SSE’s commitment to the development of young people through sport and major events very much mirror’s our own commitment to developing a legacy from hosting the World Championships and encouraging more young people to take up the sport of gymnastics as part of an active, healthy lifestyle. We look forward to working together over the next few months.”

Bianka Panova Academy is a training center that provides its students with various kinds of programs designed to teach its students the most fun and enjoyable way of learning gymnastics for kids. To get more of the latest news and useful information related to gymnastics, you could like and visit the Official Facebook Page of Bianka Panova Academy. 

Does Training Through Pain Send Wrong Message To Kids?

In a physically-demanding sport like gymnastics, suffering from injuries, whether it’s a mild or a serious one, is just a common occurrence for the athletes. Usually, if we are injured or experiencing an unusual kind of pain, we do stop our normal activities and rest so that our bodies can have time to recover. However, this is not the case for the professional athletes.

For the elite gymnasts, performing even amidst of pain is just a normal part of their athletic journey. Most of them continue their training and even participate in competitions while suffering from damaged or dislocated bones, torn muscles and other kinds of injuries. Experts are wondering how these things affect the mentality of the young athletes.

There has been a huge growth in the number of gymnastics participants in the U.S. ever since the American gymnastics team Fierce Five made their way to the podium in the 2012 Summer Olympics. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, there has been an 18 percent increase in the number of participants of the sport since 2009. However, parents should be aware of the risks that are associated in a sport that requires young children, before they even reach the age of ten, to perform 10-15 hours of training per week in the entire year.

“It's an amazing sport but it's also a demanding one," the owner of NYC Elite, Tina Ferriola stated. “Just like any other competitive sport, it can be injury-prone” she continued.

Risk of injury

According to a report that was published by the Center for Injury Research and Policy in Columbus, out of 3 million children participating in gymnastics, around 25,000 of them are treated in U.S emergency rooms every year due to injuries related to their involvement in the sport. That’s comparable with the injury rates from sports that require physical contact such as lacrosse and hockey.

Shoulder pain, wrist injury, and other pain associated with the upper body are the most commonly reported gymnastics-related injuries. Lower body injuries such as ankle, knee and spine injuries are also common. Some of these injuries are an unavoidable result of overuse. Some of them are caused by improper landing and other mistakes while performing a routine or a stunt.

Around 40 percent of these injuries happen inside the gym, and another 40 percent takes place during the school recreation programs. However, for emerging gymnasts that are aged 6-11 years old, sending them to a gymnastics school proved to be more beneficial in preventing further harm – as kids in this age group is more likely to be injured at home while they’re playing around and jumping off tables and bouncing on couches without the proper matting, equipment and supervision.

"When gymnastics is done properly, it looks daring but the athletes have actually been taught the basics of how to move their bodies safely," said Randy Nebel, a gymnastics coach at NYC Elite "A program where there's proper spotting and coaching undoubtedly saves a lot of kids from getting hurt."

The president of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Jim Thornton agreed, and he added that it is also critical for coaches to give more emphasis on balance and flexibility training, and give importance on overall conditioning."They might be sore after a workout and that's OK but they should never workout with pain that doesn't resolve within a few days," he stated.

He also said that parents should keep an eye out for coaches who are pushing kids too hard. "If a coach is telling your child to ignore the pain and keep going, that's a red flag," he said.

Pushy Parents

However, there are times where it’s the parents’ strong desire for success that leads their child at risk. Believing that their child might be the next gymnastics sensation, they encourage their young children to push themselves beyond their capabilities.

Rhonda Dixon, the owner of Excel Gymnastics, remembered a parent that wanted her child to move up the competitive ranks although her coaches think that the child wasn’t ready yet. "She had a terrible season. She was scared of the skills and cried a lot during practices. Meanwhile her mom was on the sidelines asking her why she couldn't do what the other girls were doing." Thankfully, not all parents are like that. However, when parents get out of hand, the Excel Gymnastics owner said that it’s the responsibility of the coach to remind these parents that safety is more important especially for kids that are that young.

As for the message that the elite gymnasts sends to emerging gymnasts, believing that training while injured is not only okay – its expected – they are not seeing the whole picture, and therefore must erase this kind of mindset.According to Nastia Lukin, an Olympic individual all-around champion, even the elite gymnasts take a break if the injury is serious enough and might cause long term damage.

"I've dealt with aches and pains and you certainly put them out of your mind during competition if they're not severe but it's so important to communicate to your coaches, your parents and your medical staff," she said. "If it's spotted early it can be taken care of. If it's really bad, you don't want to make it worse."

Get the most recent news and updates in connection with gymnastics by liking and visiting the Official Facebook Page of Bianka Panova Academy. Looking for a school that offers various kinds of classes and gymnastics for kids? Then you’re on the right path, Bianka Panova Academy is definitely the school for you!

How to Start Doing Gymnastics (Part 3)

This would be the third and the last part of this article. The fact that you have reached the last part of this article is an indication of your intense passion for this kind of sport. So, let us now proceed on discussing the last part of this article.

PART 3: STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY

DON’T FORGET TO WARM-UP AND STRETCH

Don’t! Just don’t. Before doing any kind of intense workout, you need to warm-up and stretch your muscles first. Make sure that you include a set of warm-up and stretching exercises in your daily workout. Without doing so, you are risking of injuring yourself.

• Always remember, warming up and stretching are two different things. It is often a mistake of some people to use stretching exercises as their “warm-up” exercise. However, you have to keep in mind that you should NEVER do stretching exercises while your muscles are cold, as doing so can lead to injuries. 

• Always do cardio exercises such as walking in the treadmill or jumping jacks to warm your muscles up and prepare them for a more intense workout.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF

As a gymnast, you should be responsible to take note of your own progress. You should know what you can do and what you are not capable of doing. It is not a good idea to perform a backflip in front of many people on a hard surface if you haven’t mastered the skill yet. Do not be overconfident, as it might lead to serious trouble.

WORK YOUR WAY UP SLOWLY

Gymnastics is not a kind of sport that you can master overnight. Don’t rush! You need to learn how to be realistic with your goals. It would be impossible for you to learn backflips on the first day and then master it on the next day. Becoming a champion doesn’t happen overnight, so you need to be patient!

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR

Protective gears are made for – guess what? For your protection! You probably don’t want to injure yourself while trying to practice complicated types of tricks, do you?

WATCH YOUR SLEEPING AND EATING HABITS

Gymnastics is a physically-demanding sport, so in order to perform at your best; you need to take a good care of your body. You have to make sure that your body is getting all the nutrition it needs, as well as getting enough rest after a day of hardwork.

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep. When you’re tired, it would be impossible for you to perform at your 100% capability.

• Also, make sure that you are supplying your body with the proper amount of nutrition. Eat foods that contain a large amount of high-quality protein such as meat, fish, eggs and milk. You should also include lots of fruits and veggies in your diet in order for you to stay healthy. Remember, STAY AWAY from processed foods!

Being a gymnast sure is a challenging life to live, but it is also a fun and satisfying one. If you are really passionate with this kind of sport, the day will come; you will see yourself successful in the field of gymnastics. Isn’t it a nice thing to hear? :)

However, to be a great gymnast, you need to find a great school that can provide you with the most appropriate kind of training. Should you be looking for a school that teaches gymnastics for kids, you can try and visit Bianka Panova Academy :)

How to Start Doing Gymnastics (Part 2)

As mentioned in the first part of this article, gymnastics is a sport that involves a lot of physical activities. It is one of the most fun kind of sport you can indulge yourself in.

Being on the second part of the article, I can assume that you are really interested to start doing gymnastics. So, brace yourself and let’s continue to discuss the things you need to do in order to get started with gymnastics.

PART 2: TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR COACH/INSTRUCTOR

As you make progress, it would just make sense if your instructor will encourage you to take your training to the next level. However, there might be times where you might feel that you’re not yet ready or you want to take it to a different direction.

The good news is you can actually tell your concerns to your coach. Don’t be afraid or shy that you might disappoint your coach if you disagree with his terms. Remember, in gymnastics, it is very important to be open with your coach. This kind of sport involves terrifying stunts, and you don’t want to see yourself doing back flips if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, right?

PRACTICE DOING BENDS

Aside from the standard cartwheel and handstand, one of the first skills that you will learn in a gymnastics class is bends. Bends is the foundation of countless other complicated yet exciting tricks. Without learning how to do bends, you probably won’t be able to do flips either. So it is very important to practice doing your bends every once in a while.

PROCEED ON DOING JUMPS

As you make progress, you will then proceed on doing different kinds of jump. When you combine jumps with bends, you will be able to do flips. That just means that you are moving to the next step of your gymnastics goals.

START DOING FLIPS

After getting used on doing jumps and bends, you are now ready to proceed on doing flips. Being able to do flips is the dream of every gymnast. This is where you will feel like you’re getting more and more advanced.

Before doing any kinds of flips, always make sure that you are being guided by your coach. Also, you should practice doing flips at the gym and make sure you have a spotter and a soft foam or cushion that you can land on. Once you get more advanced then you will be able to perform it in front of other people.

START GETTING MORE ADVANCED

Once you have learned the basics of bends, flips and jumping, you can now start to do more advanced kind of tricks and stunts. You can also combine all the things that you have learned in order to perform a more complicated and impressive kinds of tricks.

BEGIN COMPETING

Once you are advanced enough and are already confident with your gymnastics skills, then you are ready to compete with other gymnast. This is where you will further improve your gymnastics skills. You will also be able to show other gymnasts what you are made of. Let them know that you trained hard enough to be right where you are now!

Also, by competing, you will be able to show other people – gymnast or not, that nothing is impossible if you will just work hard for it.  You will be able to inspire other people that everyone is capable of achieving what they are dreaming for, if they are really passionate enough on trying to achieve it.

But wait, that’s not yet the end of the steps you need in order to get successful in the field of gymnastics. Stay tuned for the last part of this article (click this link: http://biankapanovaacademy.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-to-start-doing-gymnastics-part-3.html). By this time, you already know how fun and interesting gymnastics is. You might want to encourage your child, or a younger sibling to attend a school that teaches gymnastics for kids. If I am right, you can check Bianka Panova Academy out and see what we can offer for you :)

How to Start Doing Gymnastics (Part 1)

Gymnastics is a kind of sport that involves a lot of physical activity. It requires a proper amount of fitness in order to be done by an individual properly. Gymnastics can be one of the most fun activity a person can commit too. Not only that, it is also a great exercise, which can improve your fitness on intense levels.

Perhaps you are now starting to get interested with gymnastics and may be wondering how you can start on learning the sport. Below are some of the steps you can follow in order to get started.

(Note: This article will be divided into three parts, and the link for the next part of the article will be provided at the end of this article)

PART 1: GETTING STARTED

FIND A NEARBY SCHOOL THAT TEACHES GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics isn’t a kind of sport that you can just learn all by yourself. Yes, you can watch tutorials and educational videos, and you can also read articles about gymnastics in order to learn some of the basics of the sport. However, those things alone are not enough to get to an advanced level. It would be best if you will train with the guidance of a trained professional.

GET STARTED AT YOUR LEVEL

Always remember, any kind of sport, especially gymnastics, is not something that you can rush. You have to take it one step at a time. You cannot just do backflips and somersault at the start of your program. Also, it would be impossible for you to do splits if you are not yet flexible enough. You should inform your teacher of your current fitness level so he/she can adjust the difficulty of your training depending on your current ability and skill set.

NEVER EVER FORGET TO IMPROVE YOUR FLEXIBILITY

If there’s a thing that you could do on your own, it is working on your own flexibility. Never forget to do stretching exercises at your free time in order to improve your flexibility. Being flexible is super important if you want to be good at gymnastics as a lack of flexibility will hinder you from doing certain gymnastic stunts.

Most people thought that being flexible is just being able to kick higher and do splits effortlessly. However, you should never forget to improve the flexibility of your shoulders and especially your back as it will be super important when it comes to gymnastics.

TRAIN YOUR MUSCLES AND -- REST!

Aside from flexibility, getting strong muscles is also an important part of being a good gymnast. Being able to lift your own body is a must for some of the gymnastics stunts so you should also focus on improving your strength.

Start improving your strength by doing some bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups and squats. Once you built a good foundation, you can start to move forward on lifting weights. However, if you do begin weight training, never forget to take a day or two off from the gym to let your muscles heal themselves. Resting is as important as training as that is the time where your muscles are growing. Plus, you deserve that rest day after an intense workout!

GET COMFORTABLE OF BEING UNCOMFORTABLE

Always remember these things: if you are too comfortable of doing any tricks, without feeling any kind of fear, there is a high chance that you are going to hurt yourself. Plus being too comfortable will make your training sessions boring. However, if you are too uncomfortable and scared to the point that you’re shaking and hesitating before doing a trick, you are likely to fail and won’t get the trick done. So, you need to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable – meaning you have to accept if you’re feeling a little nervous. Being a little nervous will make you aware of what you’re doing and will prevent you from being overconfident.

Those are just some of the steps you need in order to get started on learning gymnastics. Stay tuned for the next part of this article (click this link: http://biankapanovaacademy.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-to-start-doing-gymnastics-part-2.html). Should you be looking for a school that teaches gymnastics for kids, I am very glad to tell you that the search is over. Visit the official website of Bianka Panova Academy to learn more about the school and what it can offer for you :)

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 19^th 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.

The Benefits of Attending Gymnastics Class for Young Children

Gymnastics is a kind of sport that young children can get involved in, and they may continue to do so until their teenage and college years. While most kids use their talent and expertise in gymnastics in order to be a competitive gymnast and participate in competitions, other children get involved in the sport just because they love to learn new things and they are seeking to develop their fitness level.

With today’s alarming obesity rate on the rise, because kids nowadays are starting to prefer playing video games and watching television rather than playing outdoors, letting your child attend a gymnastics class can offer them numerous physical and social benefits.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Regardless of the ability or age of your children, letting them attend a gymnastics class will enable them to enjoy a lot of physical benefits. Participating in gymnastics class will help them increase strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.  The kids will also learn how to balance on the beam, and they will be able to enhance their power when they vault. Gymnastics will also help them become physically active, which will make it easier for them to stay in shape and get fit and healthy.

Encouraging your children to engage in sports like gymnastics, which incorporates moderate and vigorous physical activities, is very critical for them, especially at a young age, as any habits formed during childhood are often carried by the child through their adulthood.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

Allowing your children to participate in a sport like gymnastics can also help them further improve their social and communication skills. In a gymnastics class, they will be required to listen, follow commands and instructions, and also be respectful of each other. They will also have to socialize with their classmates and from there, they will learn how to make friends.

CHARACTER BENEFITS

Gymnastics lessons can also enhance the character of your child. Participating in the lessons teaches them discipline, determination, courage and self-confidence. It can also help them learn from their mistakes. Also, it encourages them to persevere in times when they face troubles in learning a skill. Goal setting will also be a natural part of your children’s life, as being involved in a sport like gymnastics requires you to set goals in order to keep track of your progress.

It was proven that kids who are involved in physical activities such as sports are rarely involved in bad habits such as alcohol, drugs, and smoking.

So with all the benefits that your child can get from a school that teaches gymnastics for kids, aren’t you now interested in looking for the right academy for your child? Bianka Panova Academy offers a great opportunity for your child to learn and develop their skills in the most fun way. So what are you waiting for? Check out our website (http://biankapanovaacademy.com.sg) or visit us personally to learn more about us.