British Gymnastics is the recognised National Governing Body for gymnastics in the UK.
British Gymnastics: The Ultimate Guide to Gymnastics in the UK
British Gymnastics is the recognised National Governing Body for gymnastics in the UK. With over 400,000 members and 13,000 coaches, British Gymnastics is one of the largest sports organisations in the country. The organisation is responsible for developing and promoting gymnastics at all levels, from grassroots to elite.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gymnast, British Gymnastics has something to offer. From recreational classes to competitive programmes, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved and improve their skills.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what British Gymnastics has to offer and how you can get involved.
History of British Gymnastics
Gymnastics has been a popular sport in the UK since the early 19th century. However, it wasn't until 1888 that the first national governing body was established - The Amateur Gymnastic Association (AGA). In 1997, AGA merged with two other organisations - The British Amateur Gymnastic Association (BAGA) and The Sports Acrobatics Federation (SAF) - to form British Gymnastics.
Since then, British gymnasts have achieved great success on both national and international stages. At the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Team GB won seven medals across artistic gymnastics and trampoline events.
Types of Gymsports
British Gymnastics offers a wide range of gymsports for people of all ages and abilities. Here are some of the most popular:
Artistic gymnastics: This is probably what most people think of when they hear "gymnastics". Artistic gymnasts perform routines on apparatus such as bars, beam, floor exercise and vault.
Trampoline: Trampolining involves performing acrobatic moves on a trampoline. It's a fun and exciting way to improve your fitness and coordination.
Rhythmic gymnastics: Rhythmic gymnasts perform routines with apparatus such as hoops, ribbons and balls. It's a great way to improve flexibility, coordination and musicality.
Acrobatic gymnastics: Acrobatic gymnasts perform partner or group routines that involve lifts, balances and throws. It requires strength, flexibility and teamwork.
Tumbling: Tumbling involves performing acrobatic moves on a long strip of matting. It's often used as a training tool for other gymsports.
TeamGym: TeamGym is a team-based competition that combines elements of tumbling, trampolining and floor exercise. It's an exciting spectator sport that showcases the best of British Gymnastics.
Getting Involved
If you're interested in getting involved in gymnastics, there are plenty of options available through British Gymnastics. Here are some ways you can get started:
Find a club: There are over 1,000 British Gymnastics-affiliated clubs across the UK. Use the club finder on the British Gymnastics website to find one near you.
Take part in recreational classes: Many clubs offer recreational classes for people who just want to have fun and improve their skills without competing.
Join a competitive programme: If you're interested in competing at regional or national level, there are programmes available for all ages from under-8s to seniors.
Become a coach or judge: If you're passionate about gymnastics but don't want to compete yourself, consider becoming a coach or judge. British Gymnastics offers training courses for both roles.
Conclusion
British Gymnastics is an organisation that has something to offer everyone - whether you're looking for fun recreational classes or serious competitive programmes. With its wide range of gymsports and over 400,000 members across the UK, it's clear why British Gymnastics is the recognised National Governing Body for gymnastics in the UK.
If you're interested in getting involved, visit the British Gymnastics website to find a club near you and start your gymnastics journey today.