The Real Health Benefits Of Gymnastics

Gymnastics can be a fun exercise that can significantly improve the body's flexibility. It is a great way to have fun in a group setting and get some exercise as well. Gymnastics can be practiced indoors or outdoors, depending on where you are and factors such as weather conditions.

There's so much to this amazing exercise and sport. Per Gymnastics Australia, gymnastics can be a great way to teach discipline to athletes from a young age, as they have to train with coaches and take corrections. Studies have also shown that physical activity and cognitive functioning in children are related, according to Springfit, so gymnastics can be an effective practice to aid their mental growth. There are benefits for young adults as well. A study by the University of Toronto highlighted that young adults can get better at personal control and internal focus by engaging in challenging sports such as gymnastics (via Journal of Sports Behavior).

Practicing gymnastics really employs the body's muscles. Most of the moves activate several muscle groups in the body, making them work together to move the body in a certain way. Gymnastics can be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their muscle health. A study to find out the effects of gymnastics on the health of muscles revealed that long-term training improved the flexion and extension of muscles, providing greater strength and flexibility. The study also revealed that gymnasts had 30% higher peak torque than non-athletic individuals (via NIH).

Clearly, gymnastics make you strong and flexible, but there are other health benefits of gymnastics that might just surprise you.

Gymnastics is a complex exercise form, and is known to improve motor learning, physical response, and learning skills. According to a study, gymnasts who performed complex training and trampoline moves showed better motor control than those who only practiced simple moves (via NIH). Having better motor response can also help prevent injuries that come from falling. Gymnastics put a considerable effort in learning how to roll, which helps them acquire "cat-like" ability. Per USA Gymnastics, this fall training helps them prevent injuries and can be beneficial while playing most sports.

Gymnastics can also have a positive impact on a person's self-confidence and judgment skills. Gymnasts have to be critical of their performance skills and abilities, which helps them train harder. Per American Gymnast, this trait of working hard to improve also makes the gymnast more confident around other's judgment or criticism. 

Benefits aside, there's something that gymnasts might want to watch out for: The dread of injuries! While it can be tempting to put one's body to the test and push the limits while practicing, doing so could lead to injuries and hinder the training process. Having a trainer or a coach helps with form correction and determining the practice's pace and intensity. Cleveland Clinic recommends that gymnasts train year around, take care of their cardiovascular health, work their core, eat well, and warm up before practice to avoid chances of injury.