Many spectators of championships and competitions in rhythmic gymnastics are fascinated by the flexible and flexible girls-athletes who really know how to control their bodies and even use various complementary equipment during the performance: balls, ribbons and so on.
But few people know that such skill was preceded by many years of hard training. Even a single rhythmic gymnastics training involves total dedication, zeal, and coordination. From childhood, gymnasts get used to the fact that they must be strong, to the point that many minor injuries are not perceived by them as such.
What is rhythmic gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines excellent physical fitness, aesthetics of movements and a slight hint of choreography. Unlike gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics involves a more danceable performance of elements, including using additional equipment:
- gymnastic ball;
- gymnastic tape;
- jump ropes;
- mace.
Training gymnasts in rhythmic gymnastics includes not only the study of gymnastic and acrobatic elements, good stretching, but also the development of plastic and coordination of movements. Practice shows that rigor and strong discipline are important in this sport.
Rhythmic gymnastics training with children
Mostly they begin to practice gymnastics in childhood, when the muscles are even more elastic, and the weight of the child allows him to keep himself during the performance of strength exercises. Gradually, the child develops his sports data, and new exercises and elements are given to him much easier.
Basic principles of training:
- Warm up must be mandatory. This is a necessary element of any training related to physical activity, ranging from gymnastic training to choreographic exercises. A warm-up prepares the body for more intense workouts.
- The child should have all the necessary equipment for classes, and clothing must be comfortable. It is important that the child is able to perform the exercises qualitatively and safely for himself and others, and also for training the discipline. It is unacceptable to forget the uniform at home, the gymnastic mat, shoes in rhythmic gymnastics.
- The trainer should monitor each child in the group, especially when it comes to preschoolers. For this reason, groups should not be crowded - this is a gross violation. Insufficient attention of the trainer can lead to the fact that the child easily violates the technique of performing the element and gets injured, accidentally or deliberately interferes with the execution of the element to another, which will lead either to conflict or, again, to injury.
- Safety comes first. All equipment must be in good condition. The trainer's task is to check the log, horizontal bars, the Swedish wall and other sports equipment used during training for breakage and damage.
Individual rhythmic gymnastics training
Typically, individual training is conducted in two cases: before competitions, contests and at the personal request of the child’s parents or the child himself. Their indisputable advantage is that the trainer can pay more attention to a particular gymnast or gymnast, therefore there will be a more significant result from the training.
Workout structure
The structure of individual rhythmic gymnastics training is no different from the group. It includes:
- Warm up. Warm up is necessary in order to warm up the muscles. This will help avoid injuries, as well as make learning and doing exercises more effective.
- The main part of the workout. Testing the elements, stretching. The trainer determines what needs to be studied right now, and in this way he plans to train in rhythmic gymnastics. Stretching is one of the most important elements, however, during an individual training session, she may not be given attention if this is not necessary.
- Exit. Muscle relaxation to avoid being sore.
Why should a trainer be a specialist?
Beautiful smooth movements, precise implementation of acrobatic and gymnastic elements, skill with a ball or ribbon are the components of rhythmic gymnastics. The danger of injury is also rhythmic gymnastics. Children, training with which requires absolute attention from the trainer, can not always determine the line when pain during stretching is the norm, and when - a hint of improper exercise.
The trainer's task is not only to teach children gymnastics, but also to prevent injuries through competent warm-up and training their pupils in the correct technique for performing the elements. In addition, if nevertheless there was a muscle strain, or the child trite hit and put a bruise, the trainer should be able to provide first aid if necessary, as well as advise on further actions.
The layman will not cope with all these tasks. Moreover, if a self-taught gymnast or even not a gymnast undertakes gymnastics, this is primarily a risk to the child’s health.
Conclusion
Rhythmic gymnastics is an impressive sport that involves enhanced training. Children are engaged literally from the age of four years. Many elements of gymnastics - a wheel, a "barrel", a pair of compasses and so on - are also used in dancing, which once again confirms its relevance and aesthetics.