WHAT IS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS?
Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical exercises. Basic rhythmic skills develop attributes that are perfect stepping-stones for other activities. Some of these include flexibility, balance, strength, agility and hand-eye coordination. Girls can begin the sport at almost any age and participate in the fun and fitness level, or progress into competition.
Through proper instruction, children enrolled in a rhythmic gymnastics program demonstrate progress in a number of key developmental areas such as coordination, confidence, discipline and creativity.
WHAT ARE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS APPARATUS?
HOOP
The hoop may be made of plastic or wood. Its interior diameter is from 80 to 90 cm; its minimum weight is 300 grams. The hoop must be rigid enough to retain its shape. The technical groups for hoop are the rolls over the body or on the floor, rotations around the hand or other parts of the body, throws and catches and passing over or through the hoop.
BALL
Ball is by tradition an elegant and “lyrical” rather than a dynamic apparatus.It’s made of rubber or a synthetic material. It is 18-20 cm in diameter and weights 400g. The ball should rest in the gymnast’s hand and not against the wrist, all the time during performance; no grip is allowed, the movement should be flowing and sensuous.
CLUBS
Clubs are a great “hand – game”. The clubs, often compared to batons, are 40-50cm long and weight 150 grams each and should be made of wood or synthetic material. Their handling requires rhythmic work, psychomotor coordination and clockwork precision. Clubs are especially popular with ambidextrous gymnasts.
RIBBON
The ribbon, made of satin (or a similar material without starch) is at least 6m long and 4-6cm wide. The stick is of 1 cm diameter and a length from 50 to 60 cm. It is usually made of wood, bamboo, plastic or fiberglass. The movements with the ribbon should be large and free flowing. Any knots in the ribbon are penalized. Its function is to create clearly outlined designs in space. Working with the ribbon requires strength of the shoulder and arm muscles.
