Gymnastics Definitions

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Below is a list of commonly used words (and their meanings) you might hear in our centre.

 

On the Train – This is when we hop into a line behind the leader and move safely around the gym.

 

Airoplane Arms- This is when you hold your arms straight out to your sides to help balance.

 

Motorbike Land and Present– Hands are placed out in front of you with bent knees, arms then lift straight up in the air.

 

Freeze - This is another way we say, "Stop!" A freeze is done super fast and your hands are placed out in front of you.

 

Balance Beam- A gymnastics apparatus. A 10cm wide beam covered in thin leather used to perform feats of balance. This is a female only event in competition however used by both boys and girl at a recreational level.

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Bear Walk - Walking on all fours with the legs kept straight. Also accompanied by the occasional loud growl.

 

Scorpion – Hands flat on the floor with one leg raised at the rear in the air.

 

Floor Area- The sprung floor is where games, warm-ups, and some of our circuits take place.

 

Foam Pit- A large whole in the ground similar to a swimming pool, filled with foam cubes.

 

Forward Roll– Stretch tall then place the hands beside the feet, tuck the head under and roll over. Usually performed on a wedge with youngsters.

 

The Circuit– Activities set out in order to allow the gymnast to rotate around the equipment.

 

Rocket Ship Jumps – A straight body with arms in the air, hiding the ears.

 

Star-Pencil- Arms out, legs open to shoulder width, Arms in, legs in.

 

Let’s Do Nippers– This is done in a group, lying face down with hands under the chin, the aim is to jump up on the command and turn around running fast in the alternative direction.

 

Pike- This position is done by sitting down with your legs out straight in front of you, and your feet together.

 

Rings- A gymnastics apparatus. Two rings hanging side by side. Height is adjustable.

 

Ropes - Ropes that hang from the ceiling, used for climbing or swinging.

 

Crab Walk - This is done by walking the hands and feet forward or backward with the bottom raised.

 

Straddle- This is done by sitting down with your legs straight and opened in a "V" shape. Emphasis on straight legs and wide "V".

 

Trampoline - A strong, taut sheet, usually of canvas, attached with springs to a metal frame and used for springing and tumbling.

 

Tuck- This is done by sitting down with your legs bent and tucked into your chest. Emphasis on legs being tucked in all the way to your body.

 

Uneven Bars - A gymnastics apparatus. Two bars that run parallel but are uneven in height. This is a female only event in competition.

 

GA (Gymnastics Australia) - The national governing body for the sport of gymnastics.

 

Wedge Mat - A foam mat shaped like a wedge or hill. Often used for rolling down.

 

Wallbars– A ladder type wall bar fixed securely onto the wall, used for various exercises.

 

Jelly Beans Carnivals – A special event where the parents, family and friends get to spectate inside the gym watching their child participate in a fun environment. The children rotate around the gym, usually lasts for about an hour and each child receives a participation award. Takes place once each term.