11 reasons why you should make gymnastics part of your fitness regime

"Gymnastics is not only a great way to stay in shape, but to be more useful in everyday life. Although this is an unlikely situation, imagine being stuck down a hole and not being able to lift your own bodyweight up to free yourself?

"Simple movements such as bending down will feel easier and more comfortable to achieve."

6 – Balance

"As you start to improve and get stronger you can adapt your exercises to challenge yourself more. These exercises not only help with strength but also balance and coordination.

"For example, with squats, once these become easy for you, you can advance to a 1-legged squat (pistol squat). Not only are you building muscle, but you are focussing on balance while engaging your core. This will improve your balance and body control which leg pressing in a gym simply cannot achieve."

7 – Core Strength

"Most bodyweight exercises engage your core to a level you will have never experienced training in the gym. Your core is made up of lots of different muscles and there are many simple bodyweight exercises that can be done to engage all of them. A good core can help with many different sports and activities." 

8 – Fun

"Going to the gym can become tedious and slightly boring when repeating the same exercises week in, week out.

"Calisthenics and gymnastics can easily be adapted to make training more enjoyable. There are countless variations that can be done."

9 – Something You Can Do Away From The Gym

"Although most training is done in the gym, many exercises can be performed at home or outdoors.

"There are some great pieces of equipment available that can help spice up your workouts - such as the PullUpMate, a portable pull-up bar."

Fitness & Health