History of Gymnastics

GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics is a sport that includes

physical exercises
requiring balance, strength, flexibility,
agility, coordination, dedication and
endurance. The movements involved
in gymnastics contribute to the
development of the arms, legs,
shoulders, back, chest,
and abdominal muscle groups.
Gymnastics evolved from exercises
used by the ancient Greeks that
included skills for mounting and
dismounting a horse, and from circus
performance skills.
Origin of Gymnastics
Gymnastics started as ancient civilizations doing strength and
acrobatic exercises. The word gymnastics comes from the
Greek words “gymnos” and “gymnazo” meaning roughly to
train, to exercise naked.
Johann Christoph Friedrich Gutsmuths, a German teacher and
educator, is considered the great grandfather of gymnastics. In
1793 he published a textbook which was later translated to
English as “Gymnastics for Youth: or a Practical Guide to
Healthful and Amusing Exercises for the use of Schools”.
A fellow German, Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, is known as the
father of gymnastics. He was a member of the Prussian army
in the early 1800s. After a battle in which the Prussian army
was defeated, he came up with the idea of improving morale
by developing physical and mental strength through
gymnastics. He opened the first Turnplatz, or open air
gymnasium in 1811. Parallel Bars, rings and high bar were
practiced at this gym.
Gymnastics is one of the oldest sports in the world. And the history of gymnastics is as colourful and exciting as
the sport itself. Derived from the Greek word “gymnos,” which roughly means “training or exercising naked,” it
was first introduced and practised in Greece in the 5th century BC to improve strength and agility that were
necessary for combat. Gymnastics originally involved disciplinary exercises that combined physical skills like
balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength with acrobatic skills in an artistic manner. And the same
principle still applies to modern gymnastics exercises. Over time, it went beyond a military practice and
became part of civilian life. It was also eventually included in the Greek Olympics, with ring activities, pommel
horse, and floor exercises becoming a part of the competition. After Rome invaded Greece in the 2nd century
BC, they adopted their gymnastics exercises and made them a part of their military training. The Romans were
also responsible for spreading the practice to other parts of the ancient world and making it mainstream.
During the Dark Ages, gymnastics was almost lost to the world until its revival in the 16th-century renaissance.
Due to the numerous health benefits they offered, gymnastics exercises began to be recognised and practised
even more extensively than before. In the 19th century, German doctor Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, commonly
referred to as the father of modern gymnastics, developed a series of exercises for young men and introduced
the pommel horse, horizontal bar, parallel bar, balance beam, ladder, and vaulting horse. His techniques became
so popular that they were later adopted by the US military to improve hand-to-hand combat skills.
In 1881, the Bureau of the European Gymnastics Federation was formed, which later became the International
Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the current international gymnastics governing body. Gymnastics then became an
“organised sport” and was included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It wasn’t until the 1956 Olympic
games that gymnastics events for both men and women that we know of today were introduced as Artistic
Gymnastics. Women competed in four events, namely Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and the Floor
Exercise. On the other hand, men competed in Floor Exercises, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar, Pommel Horse,
Rings and Vault.
Throughout history, gymnastics has helped athletes become the best versions of themselves, both physically
and mentally. And even though it has evolved drastically since its introduction, the basic principles behind it
remain relevant and unchanged. At MK Springers, we welcome children and adults interested in learning this
classic sport and improving their physical and mental fitness in the process. Contact us on 01908217788 to
learn more about our sessions

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GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics is a sport that includes

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