Rhythmic gymnastics, a graceful blend of sport and dance

For those of you who don't like running or don't have time to go to the gym, are you interested in trying rhythm exercises? This type of exercise is a little different from usual aerobics because you will be accompanied by uplifting music. The movements also resemble dance choreography which is certainly fun to imitate. When else can we pretend as professional dancers while staying in shape?

What is rhythmic gymnastics?

Rhythmic gymnastics is a type of aerobic exercise that combines gymnastic movements, music, and dance elements that flow like ballet. Rhythmic gymnastics was originally developed from the ideas of Jean-Georges Noverre, François Delsarte, and Rudolf Bode who both believed in the power of dance or movement as a means of self-expression as well as training for body fitness.

This aerobic exercise can be done alone or in groups, generally consisting of five people, with or without additional equipment. The tools commonly used in this exercise routine include hemp synthetic ropes, sticks,hula hoop, colorful long ribbons, or a rubber ball. All equipment must have a light weight to accommodate the gymnast's range of movements and dances.

Gymnastics, which is another name for rhythmic gymnastics, requires the gymnast to have grace, agility, flexibility, coordination, flexibility and body strength to keep moving, walking, running, jumping, swinging, and turning while still following the rhythm of the music. To be able to do all of that, you need stamina, stability of posture, and heart and lung fitness that are not playing games.

Rhythmic gymnastics has entered the Olympic sport since 1984

Looking at the description, it's no wonder that rhythmic gymnastics is often underestimated as a real sport. In fact, rhythmic gymnastics has been officially recognized by IFG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) as a competitive sport since the 1960s.

In 1984, rhythmic gymnastics was officially introduced into the Olympics for the first time and continues to be included today. Some of the rhythmic gymnasts who have made their home country proud in competitive championships are Alina Kabaeva, Yevgeniya Kanayeva and Margarita Mamun. Want to be like them?

Benefits of gymnastics for body health

Not only dancing at will, all movements performed in rhythmic gymnastics are basically also beneficial for the body.

1. Build strength and flexibility

Gymnastics is a good type to build, grow, and strengthen body muscles. Because, you will continue to train your muscles from top to bottom to be able to support your own body weight during exercise.

In addition, exercises that deliberately stretch your muscles can help you increase flexibility and the ability of your joints to expand your range of motion.

Flexible rhythmic gymnastics movements also allow you to train flexibility, thereby preventing injury and stiffness in the muscles of the body.

2. Maintain healthy bones

Not many people know that rhythmic gymnastics is one of the best types of exercise for maintaining bone health.

Most rhythmic exercise requires you to rely on your own body to support the weight of the body. Over time, this exercise can help maintain bone strength early on and prevent it from various risks of damage. Bearing body weight during exercise indirectly helps prevent the risk of developing osteoporosis later.

3. Prevent disease attacks

Just like other gymnastics in general, rhythmic exercise includes cardio exercises that are good for maintaining heart and lung health.

Maintaining body fitness is one of the keys to reducing the risk of various diseases. Starting from asthma, cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, exercise will help you to live a healthy lifestyle, by continuing to do regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet.

4. Improve cognitive function

Gymnastics is equally good for improving cognitive function of the brain to sharpen focus and memory, and maintain overall mental health.

In this case, rhythmic gymnastics helps the body reduce the hormones cortisol and epineprine, two stress-causing hormones, and replaces them by increasing the norepineprine hormone which functions as an antidepressant.

Be aware of the risk of injury

In addition to the benefits, of course there are still risks that come with rhythmic gymnastics. The more difficult the exercise, the higher the risk of injury. Especially for beginners who want to follow the movements of professional gymnasts with high flying hours.

Rhythmic gymnastics movements look beautiful and amazing. You may look forward to copying it. However, if not done carefully, there is a risk of injury due to sprains or sprains. It may even be a broken bone or head injury.

Rhythmic gymnastics action that always looks beautiful requires special skills that are honed through practice. It should be understood that in order to be able to perform difficult gymnastic movements, professional athletes have been equipped with intense training for years. If you are just starting out with this exercise, start slowly and choose the basic movements.

When you get used to it, you can explore trying other moves. It would be better if you ask for supervision and guidance from an expert gym instructor.

Safe tips for doing rhythmic gymnastics

Given that there are various benefits that you can get, it is actually okay to do rhythmic exercises. However, make sure you know the safety and security rules before trying.

Instead of being successful, a lack of balance when doing rhythmic exercises can actually put you in danger. Therefore, make sure you comply with all safety rules in doing rhythmic exercises, such as:

Practice only with rhythmic gymnastics trainers who are skilled in their fields, so that at least they can guarantee your safety when doing gymnastics movements.
Only do rhythmic gymnastic movements in an adequate training area. The training area is usually equipped with a base filled with springs, guard pads, and covered with a soft pad to prevent injury when falling.
Never try new or high-risk moves without the coach's supervision.