• The earliest recorded activities in

gymnastics were some exercises, stunts

and tumbling resembling gymnastics.
• Hanging, climbing ropes, swinging,
balancing on stone and logs, flipping and
turning were common activities during the
early civilizations.
• The Chinese had a
sort of exercise
called the “Kung
Fu” or “Medical
Gymnastics”,
while India had the
“Yoga”.
• The Greeks had
activities with
apparatuses and
they developed the
word
“gymnastics”
which meant
“Naked Art”.
•The pictures on stones
found in Egypt are
evidences of the Egyptian
participation in some sort of
balancing activities.
• The pyramids
were
inspirations of
the pyramid
activities in
gymnastics.
• The Romans because
of their love of war,
devised a wooden
equipment similar to the
back of horse where
they could practice
mounting and
dismounting a horse
indoor.
•This equipment is now being
used in the class activities and
skills in its use is one of the
events in the competitive
gymnastics.
• The Germans were the greatest
contributors to our present gymnastic
program. The following people were
instrumental in the development of
gymnastics:
• 1723-1790
–Johann
Basedow
introduced
gymnastics in
the school
curriculum.
• 1759-1839
–Johann Guts Muths called the “Great
Grandfather of Gymnastics” wrote a book
entitled Gymnastics for the Youth. He invented
the outdoor apparatuses like the see-saw, the
horizontal ladder, the oblique wooden ladder, the
climbing rope, balancing beam, the vault
apparatus and the rope ladder.
• 1778-1852
–Freidrich Jahn is considered the
“Father of Gymnastics”. He started
the Turverein movement. He
introduced the horizontal bar, the
parallel bar, the side horse and the
vaulting buck.
• 1810-1858
–Adolf Spiess
introduced
marching and free
hand exercises
performed with
music.
• 1776-1839
–Perh Ling a
Swedish enthusiast
invented the stall
bars and the
vaulting box or
Swedish box.
• The American gymnastics is largely
influenced by Europe as evidenced by the
early Turverein movement in their
colleges . Dr. Dudley Sargent was the
first American contributor to gymnastics
because he was instrumental in including
gymnastics in the school curriculum.
• Gymnastics in the Philippines was
started by two exponents of physical
education ----- Director Candido
Bartolome of the University of the
Philippines and Mrs. Francisca
Aquino of the Bureau of Public
Schools.
What Gymnastics Is?
• Gymnastics is a self-motivating activity
where one can manipulate the different
parts of the body into varied positions or
movements.
• The attainment of skills in gymnastics can
only be done through proper body
preparations specially on strength and
flexibility.
• The changes in today's gymnastics are the
emphasis on flowing movements and the
inclusions of dance and locomotor skills in the
creation of routines.
• Grace, poise and dignity of movements are
emphasized. The masculine and rigid
movements are now changed to more relaxed
and easy movements.
The Phases of the Gymnastics Program
• The gymnastics program has different
phases and each phase contributes to the
various elements in gymnastics. These
elements are: strength, flexibility,
balance, agility, coordination and
endurance. In addition, grace, poise and
dignity of movements are attained.
1. Conditioning Program
• The exercises are selected for the purpose
of preparing the body for more complicated
movements and skills. Exercises for warm-
up can also be selected in this phase. This
phase can also be considered as
“Calisthenics” since routines can be
made out of the exercises in the
conditioning program.
2. Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Routines or Exercises accompanied with
music are called “Rhythmic Gymnastics”.
They are so called because they are
performed in a rhythmical manner and the
movements are flowing.
• This phase includes the free hand exercise
and all exercises with the use of light
apparatuses such as wands, rings, hoops,
ribbons, ropes, etc.
• Gymnastics skills, dance skills,
locomotor skills, stunts and tumbling
skills are combined to form a routine
on the floor. This is where the
performer can create and develop her
own routine according to her abilities.
3. Stunts
• are activities in the form of play and they test
one's strength, flexibility, balance, agility,
endurance and coordination. This phase is
specially suited to the lower grades.
• Some stunts can be considered as
conditioning exercise and still some are
preparatory stunts to tumbling stunts.
4. Tumbling
• This is the most important phase of
the gymnastics program, because this
is where the ability of the performer is
tested as he rolls to and fro; twists,
turns and springs about on the mat,
floor and in the air.
5. Apparatus Exercise (Heavy)
•This includes done on the
balance beam, vaulting horse,
parallel bars, uneven bars,
rings and the trampoline.
6. Pyramid Building
• This phase of the program makes
a pictures (mural) out of body
static positions. The positions
should be properly arranged and
selected so that they form the
shape of a pyramid.
Objectives of Gymnastics
1. To improve and maintain a physically fit body.
2. To improve efficiency of movement through grace,
poise, dignity, form and rhythm.
3. To enhance creativity through the exploration of
new movements and movement combination.
4. To improve courage, initiative, determination and
perseverance.
5. To stimulate interest and enjoyment of gymnastics.
Terms in Gymnastics
1. Arch
• is a position where
the body is curved
like an arc of a
circle, with the hip
forward and the
head and trunk
bent backward.
2. Dismount
•is a stunt used
by a performer
to get off the
apparatus.
3. Exercise or
Routine
• Exercises planned
series of dance skills,
locomotor skills,
gymnastics skills and
tumbling skills
performed with or
without music.
4. Held or
Static Position
•These are
positions
held for 2
seconds.
5. Mount
•are stunts
prformed by a
performer to
go up on an
apparatus.
6. Press
• in the application of
steady pressure to
a particular muscle
or group of muscle
in order to attain a
desired stretch.
7. Scale
•is support on
one leg with the
other leg raised
at the back and
the body arch.
8. Split
• is a position
where the legs
are extended
forward and
backward in a
straight position.
9. Spotter
•is a person who
helps a
performer go
about a skill for
the first time.
10. Spotting
•is the act of
helping a
person to go
about a skill for
the first time.
11. Tuck
•is a position
where the head
and the knees
are in contact
and the trunk is
curved.
Body Movements
• There are two types of body movements:

• Axial Movements
–are movements done by a part or several
parts of the body in stationary place.
• Locomotor Movements
–are movements that brings the performer from
one place to the other.
1. The Axial Movements
a. Bend or Flex
–to move the body or part of the body around
a wide axis.
b. Lift, Raise
–to elevate a part of the body or the whole
body to a desired level.
c. Stretch, extend, straighten
–to lengthen a part of the body.
d. Twist
–to move a body around a long axis.
e. Circle
–to move a body around a point.
f. Swing
–to move continously from one point to
another.
g. Turn, Rotate
–to change direction to move around an axis.
2. The Locomotor Movements
• The preparatory movements to locomotor
movements.

a. Point
–to touch the floor with the toes, the knees well
extended.
b. Step
– to transfer weight from one foot to the other.
c. Place
–to touch the floor with the whole of the
foot with slight body weight on it.
d. Spring
–to push off the leg or legs in the air. It is a
combination of a bend on the knees and leg
stretch.
Types of Locomotor Movements
a. Walk
–is a series of steps in all directions
b. Run
–is a walk with longer strides and there is a push-
off by the foot to suspend the body momentarily
in air.
c. Hop
–is a spring on one foot and land on the same foot.
d. Skip
–is a step and hop with the same foot in one
count.
e. Leap
–is to spring on one foot and land on the other
foot.
f. Jump
–is to spring on both feet and land on one foot or
Directions of Movements
• There are different movements done in several
directions:
1. Forward 5. Diagonal or Oblique

2. Sideward 6. Clockwise

3. Upward 7. Counterclockwise

4. Downward 8. Backward
Safety Suggestions
• Knowledge of safety in
gymnastics activities is a very
important teaching prerequisite.
To prevent injuries while learning
gymnastics, the class is divided
into three periods:
1. Prework Out Period
–This includes all activities all activities and
procedures that prepares the individual for
the actual instruction and practice of all
gymnastics skills.
a. Checkup of uniforms
b. Warm-up
• Workout Period. (Actual Practice)
–In every plan, safety instructions should be
incorporated when reviewing and
demonstrating the skills; the class should be
aware of the maximum safety precautions
while it is performing the exercises and
skills.
• Safety Suggestions for All
a. Full attention is needed when a new skill is
discussed and demonstrated.
b. When in doubt, ask questions.
c. When doing a skill for the first time, have a
ready spotter.
d. Master the fundamentals before doing the skill.
e. Stop when instructions are given to stop.
 f. Foolish acts have no place in the class.
g. Learn to relax and fall to prevent injuries.

3. Postwork Out Period

a. Relaxation exercises
b. Keeping of equipment used in their proper
places.
Basic Positions Where Most Exercises Begin
A. Standing Positions
1. Feet together or
Feet Parallel
• The feet are about
one (1) inch apart,
toes pointing
forward. Arms at
the side.
2. Stride Position
– The feet are apart about
12 inches wide. The
stride may be made
wider than 12 inches.
The weight of the body
is on both feet and the
trunks is at the center.
Arms at sides.
3. Lunge Position
–Bend one knee,
the other leg
straight. Weight
on both feet.
Hands on hips.
4. Half-Knee Bend
–Feet together, bend
knees to about 450
angle; feet flat on
the floor, body
erect; hands on
hips.
5. Full Knees Bend
or Squat Position
–The knees are fully
bent, sit on the
heels of the feet.
The weight o the
body is on the balls
of the feet.
B. Sitting Positions
1. Long Sitting
Position
• Sitting with legs
extended forward,
toes pointed; trunk
erect and hands on
hips.
2. Hook Sitting
Position
–Sit on buttocks,
bend knees close
to the body. Trunk
erect, hands on
shin of the legs.
3. Long Sitting
Rest Position
–Legs and toes are
extended forward;
hands at the rear
on the floor. Elbow
and boy straight.
4. Tuck Sitting
Position
–Sit on buttocks, bend
knees close to body;
round back so that
the forehead and the
knees are in contact;
hold shin of legs.
5. Stride Sitting
Position
–sitting on buttocks,
spread legs apart,
trunk erect, hands
on thighs.
6. Side Sitting
Position
–Sitting on buttocks,
bend right or left
leg in front; other
leg extended
sideward. Hands
on knees.
7. Hurdle Sitting
Position
–Sitting on buttocks
bend right leg at
the back about 900
angle, the other leg
extended diagonaly
forward.
8. Heels Sit
–From kneeling
position, sit on
the heels of the
feet, toes pointed.
Hands on hips.
9. Cross Sitting 10. Frog Sitting or
Tailor Sitting
C. Kneeling Positions
1. Kneeling
Position
• Kneel on both
knees, knees
close together,
body erect, hands
on hips.
2. Stride Kneeling
Position
–Kneeling on
both knees, with
knees apart.
3. Half-kneeling
Position Right or
Left
–Kneeling on right,
left in half-kneeling
position in front.
Hads on hips.
4. Kneeling
Position One Leg
–Extended Sideward
Kneeling on one
leg, the other
extended sideward,
forward or
backward.
D. Lying Position
1. Back or Supine
Lying Position
• Lying on the back,
the body is well
extended, arms
overhead, toes
pointed.
2. Front or Prone
Lying Position
–Body is well extended
and in front of the
body in contact with
the floor. Toes
pointed, arms
forward.
 3. Side Lying
Position
– With the body well
extended, the side of the
body is in contact with
the floor, one hand on
the floor overhead and
other hand bent close to
chest palms on the floor.
Toes pointed.
 4. Hook Lying
Position
–In a back lying
position, bend knees,
with the feet close to
buttocks, feet flat on
the floor. Arms
overhead.
5. Tuck Lying
Position
–Lying on the back,
pull the knees
close to the
forehead, hold shin
of legs.
E. Arm Support Position
1. Supine or Back
Arm Support
• From a long lying
position, lift the body
with staright arms
support. Body, legs
and toes well
extended and one
straight line.
2. Prone or Front
Arm Support
–From a front lying
position, lift the body
to front arms support;
body, legs and toes
well extended and in
one straight line.
3. Side Arm
Support
–The body is
supported with
the right or left
arm ; the body is
well extended.
F. Four-Base Positions
1. Dog Stand Position
• From a kneeling
position, place the
hands on the floor,
elbows straight, toes
pointed; the knees
and hands are the
base of support.
2. Bridge Stand
Positions
–From a hook
sitting lift the
trunk; legs and
arms in right
angle with the
trunk.
G. Hand Positions
1. Hands on
Waist
• Place hands on
waist, fingers
pointing front
thumbs pointing
backward.
 2. Hands on
Chest
–Palms facing down,
thumbs touching
the chest, elbows
in line with the
shoulders.
 3. Hands on
Shoulders
–Bend arms from the
elbow, finger tips
touching the
shoulders, elbow in
line with the
shoulders, rib cage
lifted.
 4. Hands on
Neck
–Bend arms from the
elbows, place hands
behind the neck,
finger tips meeting
each other, elbows in
line with the
shoulders.
5. Hands on
Hips
–Place hands on
hips, thumbs
pointing back and
fingers pointing
front.
H. Arms Position
1. Arms Forward
• Raise arms forward
with palms facing
each other. Hands
in line with the
shoulders, elbows
slightly extended.
 2. Arms
Sideward
–Raise arms
sideward, palms
facing down,
finger tips in line
with the shoulder.
3. Arms Upward
–Raise arms
upward, palms fng
each other, elbows
touching the ears,
the whole arm in
line with the body.
4. Arms Oblique Positions –2. Backward
–1. Forward Downward Downward
• 3. Sideward • 4. Sideward
Downward Upward
5. Arms in T-Positions –2. Reverse T-
–1. T-Position
Position
• All exercises accompanied with rhythm or
music are rhythmic gymnastics.
• They are so called because they are
performed in a rhythmical matter a
movements are flowing. These include free
hand exercises and exercises with the use of
light apparatuses, such as balls, ropes,
wands, hoops, dumbbells, scarfs, etc.
Music
• The music to be used should not
be too fast nor too slow. Classic
music, folk music, pop or any kind
of accompaniment suited to the
movement may be used.
Formations
• Different types of formations can be
used when presenting gymnastic
exercises. It is advisable to change
formation after every three figures.
• The following formations are
recommended:
1. Mass - Formation 2. Circle - Fomation
3. Square - Formation 4. Star - Formation
5. T - Formation 6. V - Formation
7. H - Formation 8. Diagonal -
Formation
Ball Exercise
1. Balls Sideward Upward
Forward Balls on Chest
Neck Down in Front