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Have you always dreamed of becoming a gymnast but never really had the money or the experience? Well here is your chance. Have fun reading!
Steps
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Search YouTube for tips and tutorials . Search specific skills by writing "How to do a (skill)". Use common terms, and don't type in things like "For a nine-year-old," or "For someone who has done gymnastics before." Once you find a video, watch it thoroughly . Do not start trying until you have watched the whole thing. If you can't find any videos on YouTube (or they aren't very helpful), search wikiHow for more help.
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Stretch daily . One of the most important attributes of a gymnast is flexibility. To become proficient in gymnastics, you must have at least one forward split down, but splits are not the only thing gymnasts need to be flexible in. Stretch your back , shoulders, pike, toes and wrists. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Eat a balanced diet . A gymnast doesn't eat McDonald's everyday, nor do they eat fat-free everything. Eat a well-balanced diet daily. [2] X Research source
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Practice every day . You cannot learn gymnastics in a day. You must start small, and work your way up.
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Acquire gymnastics clothing and equipment . You do not need a $60 leotard, but you do need some comfortable clothes, such as leggings and a t-shirt. Also, attain mats. Though this is not mandatory, it will help you enormously if you have even a single mat. You may also (though this is more expensive) find gymnastics beams or junior kip bars. If you are unable to acquire mats, find an open gym near you.
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Learn how to do a forward roll and backward roll . This can lead up to front and back tucks eventually. [3] X Research source
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Learn how to do a handstand . Arguably the most important skill in gymnastics is the handstand. It is the building block of nearly all gymnastics skills..
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Learn how to do a cartwheel . One of the most basic moves in gymnastics, the cartwheel is almost as important as the handstand, because after a cartwheel comes the most important skill in tumbling: the roundoff. [4] X Research source
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Learn how to do a bridge . This stretches your back and is the position for a backhandspring and back walkover .
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Learn how to do a roundoff . As mentioned above, this is one of the most important skills on floor for tumbling. [5] X Research source
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Learn how to do a scorpion . This is a very flashy move that is easy to master if you stretch every day.
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Learn how to do a chin stand . A chin stand is a move that requires a very flexible back, but if you are flexible, you should be able to do it with practice.
- If you want to learn a chin stand, do it with an instructor or someone who can support you when you fall. Prepare your body with a sun salutation or downward and upward dog poses.
- Place two yoga blocks by the wall and place your shoulders on them to relieve pressure for the chin on the floor. Bring the tailbone up to the ceiling as you do in a downward dog position and walk forward until the back is straight.
- Kick one leg up until you hit the wall. Then do the other leg the same way. After you gain enough balance, try keeping your legs off the wall.
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Learn how to do a back walkover and front walkover . These are the skills working up to front and back handsprings, and are a must for mastering front aerials and other advanced techniques. [6] X Research source
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Learn how to do a backhandspring . Doing a back handspring is every beginner's dream, but be very cautious. Master all previous steps before attempting and make sure you have a spot on your first time. [7] X Research source
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Learn how to do a back tuck. The ultimate self-taught gymnast's achievement, learning to do a back tuck is a very exciting skill, and fun to show off. However, this is the most dangerous of the skills you can learn at home. Go outside, or into a huge open space. Get a spotter to help you. If you have a trampoline, try it first and master it there.
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Pat yourself on the back. You are now a self-taught gymnast!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI'm scared of doing either one of these tricks. What can help?Community AnswerTry getting a spotter to help. Stretch every day and watch other people doing the particular skill, including using videos. Think about yourself mastering the skill. If it still doesn't help, say to yourself: "I'll be great at this", as a personal pep talk. Finally, take it gradually -- you are not going to master any single skill, let alone all of the skills, in any hurry. All of this takes time, patience and dedication.
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QuestionHow can I do gymnastics without a mat or carpet?Community AnswerDo it on grass. You can still do gymnastics but it would be safer to do it in grass.
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QuestionHow can I get started if I'm scared and weak?Reecelikesfuzzy2004Community AnswerPractice by doing pull ups, push ups, planks, etc. Doing these basic exercises will help build your muscle and your confidence as well.
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Tips
- Make sure you have lots of open space. Don't attempt a new trick on a hard surface - you may injure yourself.Thanks
- Don't overdo yourself. Take breaks and drink lots of water.Thanks
- Wear something comfortable.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you don't stretch, such things may happen, such as pulled hamstring or a fractured arm, leg, wrist, or ankle.Thanks
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Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- fitting but comfortable clothes
- Soft surfaces like a mat or carpet
References
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/439171-for-how-long-do-gymnasts-stretch.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/feed-child-athlete.html#catschool
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/7785110/gymnastic-moves-for-beginners
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/7785110/gymnastic-moves-for-beginners
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eZ_6s_xGUc
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHJB1ky9PtQ
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZDM8eq_-t4
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/safety-gymnastics.html#catschool
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 97,360 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "This inspired me to stay true to myself. I did gymnastics, then we got a new coach and we stopped learning tricks, so I left. I have nowhere to go and I lost most of my strength and fitness and ability to do gymnastics. A competition came to my school. I got picked because I did it last year when I was doing gymnastics on the day of the competition. I really thought about it and realized that I do still have a passion for gymnastics. I asked my mum if I could start again and she said no." ..." more
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"This inspired me to stay true to myself. I did gymnastics, then we got a new coach and we stopped learning tricks, so I left. I have nowhere to go and I lost most of my strength and fitness and ability to do gymnastics. A competition came to my school. I got picked because I did it last year when I was doing gymnastics on the day of the competition. I really thought about it and realized that I do still have a passion for gymnastics. I asked my mum if I could start again and she said no."
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"It helped by telling me what I have to master first to be a full-time gymnast! I am really into gymnastics, but I never tried it before. Reading this article really helps me know that I can accomplish being a full-time gymnast! Thank you, wikiHow, now I feel more encouraged!"
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"The tissue under your chin trick helped a lot, because I sometime find it hard doing the backwards roll even though I can pretty much do it. I can't figure out why I'm on and off with it. I've tried this, and it totally works. Thanks wikiHow. "
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"I want to be a gymnast,but have no experience. My sister is very good at gymnastics, and I want to catch up to her. This article helped me a lot, since I don't want to go to gyms and gymnastic domes. "
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"This was awesome! I am a self-taught gymnast and only had 5 sessions of real gymnastics classes. What helped me most was how to do the skills. My first article and I'm loving it!"
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