Here’s a breakdown of the main gymnastics disciplines—Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling—along with a brief overview of what each involves:

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

Understanding the Different Types of Gymnastics Classes

Gymnastics is a dynamic sport that encompasses several distinct disciplines, each offering a unique set of skills, apparatus, and athletic demands. Whether you’re a parent trying to choose the right class for your child or a gymnast interested in expanding your abilities, it’s essential to understand the differences between the main gymnastics disciplines. Let’s break down the most popular forms: Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, and other specialized areas like Acrobatic Gymnastics.

In addition to these disciplines, some gymnastics gyms now also offer extra programs like crossfit, ninja, parkour, cheerleading and more!

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

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.

We focus mostly on artistic gymnastics on this website. Here is a guide to getting started with gymnastics classes.

Events in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics:

• Vault: A sprint and powerful launch off a springboard into complex flips and twists.
• Uneven Bars: A fluid routine of swings, releases, and catches between two bars.
• Balance Beam: Precision, strength, and poise on a narrow beam with acrobatic and dance elements.
• Floor Exercise: Choreographed routines combining tumbling, leaps, and dance on a spring floor.

Who is Artistic Gymnastics Best for: Gymnasts who enjoy a mix of acrobatic skills, strength, and flexibility. Artistic gymnastics develops whole-body coordination and discipline.

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. Unlike artistic gymnastics, there are no tumbling or apparatus that you mount.

Apparatus in Rhythmic Gymnastics:

• Rope: Athletes perform swings, throws, and jumps with a rhythmic rope.
• Hoop: A routine that involves spins, rolls, and tosses using a hula-hoop-like ring.
• Ball: Using a rubber ball, gymnasts showcase fluid rolls, bounces, and throws.
• Clubs: Performed with two baton-like objects, requiring intricate coordination.
• Ribbon: A long ribbon attached to a stick, used to create spirals, circles, and flowing movements.

Rhythmic gymnastics routines emphasize grace, flexibility, and rhythmic timing, requiring immense coordination and artistic expression.

Who is Artistic Gymnastics Best For: Athletes with a strong interest in dance and grace, as well as those with a high level of flexibility and coordination.

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. 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.

Trampoline & Tumbling Categories

• Trampoline: Gymnasts perform continuous acrobatic skills on a trampoline, gaining height with each jump.
• Double Mini Trampoline: A smaller trampoline where gymnasts perform a short run, jump onto the trampoline, and execute flips before landing on a mat.
• Tumbling: Performed on a spring runway, this involves a series of back-to-back flips and twists with incredible speed and power.
• Synchronized Trampoline: Two gymnasts perform the same routine simultaneously on separate trampolines, aiming for perfect synchronization.

Who Trampoline & Tumbling is Best For: Athletes who love high-flying stunts and dynamic tumbling. This is great for gymnasts who enjoy speed and power.

Acro

Acrobatic gymnastics, or “Acro,” is all about teamwork, strength, and balance. Pairs or groups of gymnasts perform routines that incorporate tumbling, dance, and intricate partner skills, such as lifts, balances, and throws. Acrobatic routines are set to music and feature choreography that highlights the gymnasts’ synchronization and the physical trust between partners.

Acro Events

• Women’s Pair
• Men’s Pair
• Mixed Pair
• Women’s Group (3 gymnasts)
• Men’s Group (4 gymnasts)

Who is Acro Best For: Gymnasts who enjoy working in teams and are strong in both acrobatics and dance. Acro gymnasts need to have great coordination and trust with their teammates.

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 has swept 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!

Choosing the Right Gymnastics Class

Whether your focus is on strength, flexibility, or the thrill of competition, there’s a gymnastics discipline to suit your goals. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each discipline offers:

• Artistic Gymnastics: A balance of acrobatic power and precision across a variety of apparatus.
• Rhythmic Gymnastics: A graceful blend of gymnastics and dance with apparatus manipulation.
• Trampoline & Tumbling: Dynamic and fast-paced, perfect for adrenaline seekers.
• Acrobatic Gymnastics: Great for those who enjoy performing as part of a team, with strong acrobatic elements.
• Gymnastics for All: Ideal for those who love gymnastics and want a fun, fitness-based approach.

Each discipline offers unique challenges and rewards, so it’s worth exploring different classes to find which one resonates most with you or your child.

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