Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is a type of gymnastics where one, two or sometimes more, but usually no more than five gymnasts compete using different forms of equipment. The equipment used in this form of the sport can be a ribbon, a hoop, a ball, a rope or clubs. The routines performed in rhythmic gymnastics are done to music and can incorporate dance, ballet as well as general gymnastics.

Rhythmic gymnastics has to demonstrate balance, jumps or leaps, flexibility, use of the equipment. When rhythmic gymnastics is performed by more than one gymnast or a group, it is synchronized. Rhythmic gymnastics was initially a sport performed by girls and women, but is now being performed by men. This form of gymnastics is most popular among the Asian culture where martial arts are also a skill that is incorporated.

The Ball used in rhythmic gymnastics is a rubber ball 18.5 centimeters in size. They are usually shiny metallic and vary in color and designs. The hoops are simply tubular plastic hoops that vary in sizes from 70 centimeters to 90 centimeters and white in color. Ropes used are generally braided, 8 feet long and can be made of nylon or hemp and come in a variety of colors.

Clubs are made of plastic or rubber and sizes from 14 inches to 17 inches. Clubs also come in a number of colors and designs. Ribbons are used on a stick of 16 or 18 inches and made of fiberglass with the ribbon on the end of the stick being 6 feet. The ribbon is usually made up of lightweight rayon or polyester and come in a variety of colors and designs.

Gymnasts do not wear shoes or footwear, however, in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics a type of shoe is worn called the half shoe. This shoe is exactly what the name states, a half shoe. The half shoe is design to be worn only around the front portion of the foot stopping at the ball of the foot. The look is similar to a bootie or sock with an elastic strap around the ankle to hold it on. The half shoe is a nylon stretch fit with padding of various thicknesses.