Gymnastic Routines

Gymnastic routines are something that must be trained for in a very dedicated manner. You must repeat the same routine over and over again so you can get an excellent feel for the routine. You have to remember that if you’re competing you’re only going to get one chance to shine. What is unfortunate is that you could train for weeks, months, or even years and that thirty to ninety second moment in time can still go horribly wrong. You just have to think to yourself that all you can do is prepare yourself to the best of your ability. That will greatly increase your chances for success.

When you think of the word ‘routine’ in gymnastics, you should think of skills, movement and dance. These three components often make up a routine on an interchangeable level. If you’re going to do a floor routine, then you will be primarily focused on expression by body movement. Dance and music will also be factors. Floor routines do not require as much strength as some other forms of gymnastics; therefore, it would be wise to focus more on technique, fluidity, comfort, and simply falling into the music when preparing for your floor routine. The greatest thing about floor routines is that it really allows you to get to know someone. They are pretty much opening a door to their soul and you get to peak inside.

A balance beam routine is similar to a floor routine in the sense that there is still going to be dance (although not as much as for a floor routine), music, and expression. The biggest difference between the two routines is pretty obvious, which is balance. These routines are often very challenging. Expressing yourself through movement while focusing on perfect technique is hard enough in itself. Now imagine adding a balance beam into the mix.

There are various levels to a bar routine and they can vary based on your geographic location. For example, a Level 3 on Long Island, New York might not be the same as a Level 3 routine in Alberta, Canada. While you might think this is something you need to be concerned about, it absolutely is not. You will most likely only be training and performing in your geographical area, at least for the time being, so there’s no need to be concerned over what consists of a Level 2, 3, 4 or higher anywhere else.

It would be impossible to list all the different levels and their routines, but some techniques that make up bar routines are the glide swing, pull over, kip cast to handstand, front hip circle, back hip circle, mill circle, direction change, cast underswing dismount, etc. This is not a routine and not in the order a routine would be followed. They are only some random examples. There is no routine for the vault.

A good way to get started, before you even come up with a routine, is to practice some individual techniques. These techniques include a handstand, rolls, cartwheels, flips, etc. Practicing these techniques will allow you to establish a solid base. Once you get them down pat and muscle memory takes over, they will feel as though they are second nature. Once that happens, you can open up your creative mind and go to work. Even if you’re following a necessary routine, getting comfortable with those traditional gymnastics exercises will be very beneficial to you. Take advantage of the opportunity every chance you get.

Also, keep in mind that you will be scored on these routines. More importantly, keep in mind how you will be scored. Every routine is different and depending on what form of gymnastics routine you will be doing, the scoring will differ. Know the scoring system, know your routine, and if you get a chance, it might even be a wise idea to study up on your judges. This will give you a better idea of what their habits are and what they are looking for.