What You Should Know About the Gymnasium and Gymnastic Floors

Before we consider the gymnastic skills, it is necessary to look at the facility required in order to practice rhythmic gymnastics. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a gymnasium; in fact it is better if you have not got this facility.

Far too much time is spent recovering ropes and ribbons from the girders in the ceiling (this is a technique in itself, usually achieved by throwing the hoop so that it turns over on its own axis, and wraps around the hanging apparatus to pull it down).

It is best to work with a clear overhead space, free of chandeliers, spotlights and rafters, a village or community hall, a school hall, dining hall, theatre, perhaps, or any other space, even the back lawn in summer, but do keep away from windows, for obvious reason.

Initially it is not necessary to have a really high ceiling, but you will find that as gymnasts grow older, stronger and more advanced, they will throw much higher and eventually outgrow the normal hall.

In addition to the space above, the space below the gymnast is also important. The floor needs to be clean and non slip, any surface being suitable, although a sprung floor is obviously kinder to legs and feet.

The recognized covering used in top level work is a carpet, such as the one we have in the lounge at home, but without too much nylon in it, which causes friction burns on the gymnasts' feet and legs.

However, a full carpet is an expensive item, large and difficult to store, and so most practice takes place on the bare floor of the hall or gymnasium. Mats may be used, perhaps individually or in strips for practicing some of the more difficult elements, but they can sometimes be a hindrance, the rolling hoop getting stuck in the crack between two mats, or the bouncing ball not bouncing because the mat is too spongy.

The size of the full area is not 13m x 13m, slightly bigger than for artistic gymnastics, but unless working towards a high level, senior competition, this is not essential and you can work in whatever space you can find.

Much of the body work, the ballet training, suppleness and strengthening exercises and some of the manipulative skills can be practiced at home.