Gymnastic Classes

Yet all too many children are enrolled in gymnastics, karate, dance classes, and organized sports before they ve mastered such basic movements as bending and stretching, walking with correct posture, and bouncing and catching a ball. How is that significantly different from expecting a child who s barely learned to speak to recite the Declaration of Independence for an audience, no less? The fact that a little one can walk doesn t necessarily mean he s ready to successfully or fearlessly walk a balance beam. Because a toddler is flexible enough to get her big toe into her mouth, that doesn t mean she s ready for ballet s pli s and relev s. Even if a five-year-old can run circles around you, it doesn t mean he s prepared to simultaneously run and dribble a ball in a fast-paced game of soccer. And how much sense does it make to enroll an eight-year-old in competitive softball while she s still demonstrating an improper throwing form? The basic motor skills nonlocomotor (stationa …

Though it is large in comparison with other pieces of apparatus, its solidity and form make it fairly easy for beginners to handle, although at times it can prove difficult to keep in place or to change planes. Swings and circles, turning over, passing through, and throwing are additional characteristics of hoop work and all play an important part in the finished sequence. As with the rope, the grip on the hoop should be light so that the various manipulations may be performed with smoothness and dexterity, although occasionally, when preparing for some of the throws, for instance, the grip will need to be very firm. The two types of grip used are the over grasp (hand on the outside of the hoop, fingers curled around it) and the under grasp (hand inside the hoop, palm upwards as if hanging the hoop on the hand). The thumb and fingers play a vital part in all the various skills involving the use of the hand or hands. As with the other apparatus, work must be performed in the left hand …

Though it is large in comparison with other pieces of apparatus, its solidity and form make it fairly easy for beginners to handle, although at times it can prove difficult to keep in place or to change planes. Swings and circles, turning over, passing through, and throwing are additional characteristics of hoop work and all play an important part in the finished sequence. As with the rope, the grip on the hoop should be light so that the various manipulations may be performed with smoothness and dexterity, although occasionally, when preparing for some of the throws, for instance, the grip will need to be very firm. The two types of grip used are the over grasp (hand on the outside of the hoop, fingers curled around it) and the under grasp (hand inside the hoop, palm upwards as if hanging the hoop on the hand). The thumb and fingers play a vital part in all the various skills involving the use of the hand or hands. As with the other apparatus, work must be performed in the left hand …

Gymnastic Patterns with Leslie Webb Volume 2 - Alignment: Bend is Balance, Straightness, Circular Figures Pan-American team and individual Silver medalist Leslie Webb, has brought together her most effective gymnastic exercises. These exercises are systematically put into a three DVD series progressive series. Throughout the programs Leslie discusses the importance of rider position and the half-halt. Leslie will guide you through each pattern with easy to follow diagrams and straight forward terms you can understand, followed by demonstrations by herself and students. “Alignment” has eight patterned exercises to develop bending, the counter bend, balance, to align and straighten your horse. Correct round circles, proper bend and the development of the lateral movements are also covered.