Description

Download the requirements for the gymnast award by clicking on the download link above.

Gymnast

1. Have the Fitness Fun award.
2. Perform at least five different warm-ups.
3. Lead out in warm-ups and stretches at the start of three classes.
4. Be able to do seven of the following movements and practice to improve:

1. Backward roll
2. Cartwheel
3. Backbend
4. Backward stretch straddle roll
5. Dive roll
6. Headstand
7. Handstand
8. Beam walk
9. Forward straddle roll

5.Participate in an exercise program.

Helps
2. Ideal warm-ups for children: skip, hop, jumping jacks, animal walks (elephant, crab, kangaroo, frog, bunny).
3. Have each child lead out in three warm-up sessions with jumping jacks, jogging in place, skipping, jumping rope, etc. Lie down, tighten all muscles, and hold (squeeze your fanny). Stretches: legs, back, wrists, hands, ankles (rotate in circles), head (lean from side to side and hold).
5. Positions: stretch/lay out, pike, tuck. Regarding the movements:

1. For safety, make sure your hands are placed on the floor by your shoulders when you perform a backward roll.
2. Keep arms and legs straight, fingers toward each other.
3. Stand and slowly lean backward, lowering hands to the floor. Back bridge: Push up from the floor. Back bend: from a standing position, slowly arch back until hands touch the floor.
4. From a standing position, lean back placing hands between legs. As you roll, hands go to the shoulders, as in a back roll, and end in straddle stretch.
5. Practice dive rolls, staying tightly tucked for safety.
6. From a three-point frog stand, slowly raise legs to a straight position.
7. From a standing straddle position, place hands between legs with fingers facing forward, tuck head, and roll. Hands push off the floor and end with a standing stretch.
8. Walk on a “beam,” touching foot to knee each time you step.
9. Execute a handstand, kicking up and down by yourself. Practice with a spotter until you can do handstands alone.
   Some youngsters will be more limber and will find gymnastics easier than others. Make it fun, and praise their efforts. Have an adult spotter nearby to minimize injuries.