gymnastics, the performance of systematic exercises—often with the use of , bars, and other apparatus—either as a competitive sport or to improve strength, agility, coordination, and physical conditioning. is routinely among the most-watched in competition. History Ancient origins The term gymnastics, derived from a Greek word meaning “to naked,” applied in to all exercises practiced in the , the place where male athletes did indeed exercise unclothed. Many of these exercises came to be included in the ancient , until the abandonment of the Games in 393 ce. Some of the competitions grouped under this ancient definition of gymnastics later became separate sports, such as (track and field), , and . Minoan civilization: Toreador FrescoToreador Fresco, Late Minoan painting from Knossos, Crete, depicting young people vaulting over a bull, c. 1450–1400 bce; in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.(more)Of the modern events currently considered to be gymnastics, only and a primitive form of vaulting were known in the ancient world. For instance, show variations of backbends and other stunts being performed with a partner, while a well-known fresco from Crete at the palace at shows a leaper performing what is either a cartwheel or handspring over a charging bull. Tumbling was an art form in ancient China as well. Stone engravings found in Shandong province that date to the (206 bce–220 ce) portray being performed. Developments in Europe Tumbling continued in the in Europe, where it was practiced by traveling troupes of thespians, dancers, acrobats, and . The activity was first described in the West in a book published in the 15th century by Archange Tuccaro, Trois dialogues du Sr. Archange Tuccaro (the book contains three essays on jumping and tumbling). Tumbling seems to be an activity that evolved in various forms in many cultures with little cross-cultural influence. For instance, the hoop-diving illustrated in Tuccaro’s book looks very similar to a type of tumbling seen in ancient China. Tumbling and acrobatics of all kinds were eventually incorporated into the , and it was circus who first used primitive . ’s novel (1762; Emile; or, On Education) is credited by historians as the catalyst of in Europe that combined both the physical and cognitive training of children. Rousseau’s work inspired educational reformers in Germany, who opened schools known as in the late 1700s that featured a wide variety of outdoor activities, including gymnastics; children from all economic strata were accepted. The “grandfather” of , (1759–1839), was a leading teacher at the Philanthropinist school in Schnepfenthal. In his seminal work, Gymnastik für die Jugend (1793; Gymnastics for Youth), Guts Muths envisioned two main divisions of gymnastics: natural gymnastics and artificial gymnastics. These two divisions may be thought of as utilitarian and nonutilitarian gymnastics. The former disciplines emphasize the health of the body, similar to the exercises developed in and Denmark under Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839) and Neils Bukh (1880–1950), respectively. Modern also falls into this category, and a competitive form, now called aerobic gymnastics, was added to the disciplines sponsored by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) in 1996. In contrast, nonutilitarian gymnastics is characterized by modern , the maneuvers of which are geared to beauty and not function. For example, in feudal Europe young men were taught to mount and dismount a horse, useful knowledge during a time when armies rode. Modern “horse” work in artistic gymnastics has evolved to a point where there is no practical connection between gymnastic maneuvers on a horse and horsemanship. Only the language of riding remains, with the terms mount and dismount still being used in gymnastics., Learn these tricks if you are a beginner. It will help you to get to intermediate and then advan, USA Gymnastics is committed to building a community and culture of health, safety and excellence where athletes can thrive in sport and in life. Follow all of our amazing athletes on USA Gymnastics' social channels. Show them your support! Hoffman Estates, Ill. New Orleans, La. Get your gymnastics fix!.