WOMEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics is for women and girls of all ages and is the ‘gymnastics’ you would typically see on the TV. At VGA you can learn the basics, and develop your skills for fun and fitness or challenge yourself further through competitions from local to national level.
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics enhances co-ordination and agility, body awareness and balance and helps to develop posture, confident body movement, strength, and flexibility for life’s constant challenges. VGA provided competitive opportunities for WAG gymnasts and works closely with the National Squad staff to provide pathways for the most talented.
The four competitive apparatus in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics are all available at VGA Crumlin:
There are a number of reasons why you should get
your children involved in gymnastics
VAULT
A gymnast sprints down a runway, which is a maximum of 25 meters in length, before leaping onto a spring board. Harnessing the explosive energy of the spring, the gymnast directs her body hands-first towards the vault. Body position is maintained while “popping” (blocking using only a shoulder movement) the vaulting platform. The gymnast then rotates her body so as to land in a standing position on the far side of the vault. In advanced gymnastics, multiple twists and somersaults may be added before landing.
UNEVEN BARS
On the uneven bars the gymnast navigates two horizontal bars set at different pre-set heights yet alterable widths. Gymnasts perform swinging, circling, transitional, and release moves — as well as moves that pass through the handstand. The most common way to mount these bars is by jumping towards the lower bar first. The uneven bars requires strength, precision, rhythm, concentration and courage.
BEAM
The gymnast performs a choreographed routine from 70 to 90 seconds in length. Balance at its most extreme, adding an extra element to the acrobatic sequences, gymnastic jumps and turns. It is an exercise not only of flexibility, but also of concentration, rhythm and expression.
FLOOR
A creative combination of expressive dance, daring acrobatics and powerful gymnastics performed to music, where each gymnast communicates her own personality and style. The floor event occurs on a carpeted 12m × 12m (40′ × 40′) square, called a “spring floor.