Introduction to Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a sport that involves exercises requiring strength, flexibility, balance, and control. The word "gymnastics" comes from the ancient Greek term "Gymnazo" which means "to train" or "to exercise".

The sport as we know it today started in ancient Greece, around 2,500 years ago, and was originally used for military training. It included activities like running, jumping, swimming, throwing, wrestling, and skills in weapons. Over time, gymnastics evolved into a more formalized and competitive sport, especially after being included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Artistic gymnastics, which focuses on performance routines, became one of the main types of gymnastics, alongside rhythmic gymnastics, trampolining, and others. It is most recognized today for its inclusion in the Olympic Games, where gymnasts perform on different apparatus, like the balance beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor.