Gymnastics is one of the most rewarding athletic activities. After all, only the individual participating is in charge of how well they perform.
While the sport isn’t as difficult to get involved in as it may seem, not everyone knows where to start as a beginner. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at the gymnastics moves for beginners you can learn to help you get started.
1. Cartwheel
Cartwheels can look intimidating to gymnastics newcomers, but they’re not as difficult as they seem at first.
The move is performed by standing tall with one leg in front of the other. The gymnast then reaches down and puts both palms on the floor while ensuring they remained aligned with their front leg.
They then kick their back foot overhead followed by the front foot. When they land, the opposite foot of the one they kept forward should be in front. With enough practice, this motion will become fluid and effortless.
2. Forward/Backward Roll
To perform a forward roll effectively, the gymnast will reach down to the floor and then roll forward before standing upright afterward.
It’s important to ensure that your upper back touches the floor instead of your head, as this could cause neck pain over time. To help facilitate this, you can tuck your chin and look at your abdomen.
To perform backward roll, the gymnast will squat on their heels, fall backward onto the shoulder blades, and complete the roll by pushing off the ground and standing up straight.
3. Bridge
To begin a bridge, you’ll want to lie flat on your back while on the floor. You will then place your palms on the ground behind your head while ensuring that your fingers are pointed toward your heels.
Then, you’ll need to bend your legs and put your heels on the floor. Afterward, straighten your arms so that you can lift your head off of the floor.
Wearing proper gymnastics leotards can help make you more mobile, so keep this in mind while learning the basics.
4. Handstand
Although a handstand is a basic movement, it does take a little bit of practice in order to master.
With one foot forward, the gymnast will place both palms on the ground and keep themselves inverted by extending their legs into the air. Their feet should remain together when a handstand has been achieved.
To help gymnasts learn the movement, it’s often done with the assistance of another person holding their legs during the handstand. Or, it could be performed against a wall to help the gymnast balance and focus on their form.
Learning Gymnastics Moves for Beginners Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above gymnastics moves for beginners in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward mastering the basics and improving your skills as quickly as possible.
Want to learn more tips that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out what the rest of our blog has to offer.
