Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline & Tumbling…A Breakdown of Gymnastic Classes

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artistic, rhythmic, crossfit gymnastics classesArtistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline & Tumbling, Crossfit, Cheerleading, Acro, and the list goes on… What is the difference inall these programs? And which one do I want?

You may be searching on the Gymnastics Gym Directory and wondering what programs you want!

It can be confusing also when you see things like the Xcel Program, and TOPS, and you are wondering how these are different from the traditional Artistic Gymnastics Levels.

I’m here to break it down for you. Gymnastics has evolved over time and now has 4 major disciplines- Artistic, Rhythmic, Acro and Trampoline & Tumbling.  In addition to these disciplines, some gymnastics gyms now also offer extra programs like crossfit and cheerleading. Some gyms offer classes geared to all these disciplines, some gyms have programs geared towards one or two disciplines and some gyms focus on one. Let’s get into what all these disciplines are.

Gymnastics Disciplines

 

artistic gymnastics team

Artistic Gymnastics Teammates at a Gymnastics Meet

 

Artistic Gymnastics

Artistic gymnastics is what most people think of when they think of gymnastics, what most gymnastics gyms concentrate on, and what I mostly talk about here on Gymnastics HQ. Artistic gymnastics has both men’s and women’s divisions. The women’s events are Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise. Most gymnastics gyms focus on artistic gymnastics; both high school gymnastics and AAU gymnastics are artistic also. If the gym doesn’t make a distinction, then the classes are probably artistic gymnastics classes. Artistic gymnastics has both optional and compulsory levels. In addition to the traditional gymnastics levels, there is a completely separate Xcel Program with it’s own levels. For gymnasts that have a special ability and potential the TOPs Program might be an option.

rhythmic gymnast

Rhythmic Gymnast competing the Ribbon

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Only women compete in rhythmic gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of ballet and dance with acrobatics. Rhythmic gymnasts perform five separate routines each involving a separate apparatus. The five events are ball, ribbon, hoops, club and rope. It can be a little harder to find gymnastics gyms that teach rhythmic gymnastics (this is a link to the ones listed in the gymnastics gym directory).

trampoline and tumbling

Tara Fokke and Kirsten Boersma of Netherlands compete in the Trampoline & Tumbling Synchronized Trampoline Event. Source

Trampoline & Tumbling

Trampoline & Tumbling, or “T&T” , was added to the Olympics in 2000. Even though it is a relatively new sport at the Olympic Games, T&T has been growing rapidly. The second most number of gymnasts compete T&T behind the most popular discipline,  artistic gymnastics.  T&T consists of four events: individual and synchronized trampoline, double mini trampoline and power tumbling. The trampolines used in T&T are way more powerful than your typical backyard trampolines. Gymnasts bounce as high as 30 feet in the air during trampoline routines! Sound like fun? Here is the search result for Trampoline & Tumbling gyms in the US.

acro gymnasts

The Acro Army is a group of acro gymnasts that performed on America’s Got Talent.

Acro

Acro is a group discipline for both men and women. Acrobats perform in groups of two, three, or four using the heads, hands and feet of their partners. They perform on the same spring floor that is used by artistic gymnasts. Of the more than 100,000 competing gymnasts in the US less than 1% compete in acro gymnastics.

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Other Gymnastics Classes

Many gymnastics gyms specialize in one of the gymnastics disciplines, with most gymnastics gyms focusing on artistic gymnastics. However, regardless of what they specialize in, gymnastics gyms are likely to offer a variety of other classes. Here are some that you might see:

Parent & Tot or Mom & Tot Class

Once your child starts walking, they can start gymnastics in a parent & tot class. This is a perfect way for them to start learning balance and coordination with you by their side! Gymnastics gyms are a perfect place to learn because the floors are padded and there are plenty of learning tools like special mats, trampolines and foam pits.

Crossfit

Crossfit is a craze that seems to be sweeping the nation. It’s a physical fitness program that aims to increase your strength, flexibilty, endurance and coordination. It combines elements of weight lifting, gymnastics and aerobic exercise. Crossfit is mostly for teenagers and adults. Some gymnastics gyms offer crossfit (this is a link to the ones listed in the gymnastics gym directory) so that parents can work out while their kids learn gymnastics!



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4 comments… add one
  • Amanda October 27, 2020, 10:43 am

    This is really helpful, Thank You

    Reply
  • Saanvi January 28, 2021, 9:32 pm

    Hi! This information is amazing. But I am currently 16 and I want to start in another year or 2. So I want to know if there are levels for these types and if one has to be done first before learning the rest. Also will they teach all of these kinds to you?

    Reply
  • Workout Blog April 4, 2021, 1:19 pm

    Thank you for this article. I have been following this website for some weeks now, and I seldom post a comment on anything
    anywhere. However, credit where it’s due, I really like this particular article.
    Please keep up the good work.I am consuming as much
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    Reply
  • Chidera January 16, 2022, 3:39 pm

    I love gymnastics please teach me

    Reply

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