Content

• Steps
• Tips

The elite level refers to FIG licensed gymnasts in accordance with the standards of the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG). They are eligible to take part in international competitions such as the Olympic Games or World Championships.

Steps

1. 1 Serious gymnastics requires up to 30 hours of training per week. You must have the flexibility and strength to become an international gymnast. If you have never done gymnastics before, start training right now. If you do not know how to make a wheel, then go to the group for beginners. It is advisable to start classes as early as possible, as flexibility is lost with age.
2. 2 The body must be trained. In order to achieve good results, you must have certain skills and stretching. In addition, to participate in international competitions, you will need to obtain a FIG license (gymnastics passport). You will have to monitor your diet, since participation in competitions involves a balanced diet. This does not mean that you have to starve. It's just that gymnasts are rarely overweight. They are usually of normal weight, not underweight, which can lead to weakness and other problems. Gymnasts usually have pronounced, strong muscles and excellent abs. Do not exhaust yourself with excessive loads. This can lead to physical exhaustion and injury, the appearance of acute pain. But you must practice at least 5 times a week. Perhaps even 6 times, but you need to allocate time for rest. You can choose Saturday and / or Sunday for rest.
3. 3 Find yourself a good coach. Some trainers are too gentle with their students, while others are too strict. It is said that one coach during the Olympic Games brought his pupil first to anorexia, then bulimia, and then she died at the age of 22. This is an example of a bad coach. A good coach is characterized by stability and reliability, while at the same time the student should experience as little pressure as possible.
4. 4 Flexible training schedule. In order to do gymnastics internationally, you have to train a lot. You will spend half of your day in training. Many gymnasts work with private teachers, rather than in a general education school, but you can try to organize at least a partial day of classes.
5. 5 Get a sports grade. This will help you evaluate your abilities in comparison with your peers. Take part in training camps. There you can learn additional skills, continue to work on your flexibility and stamina, meet new people and get to know your own capabilities even better.
6. 6 Spend a lot of time exercising that strengthens your muscles and improves stretching. It is clear that you are much more interested in participating in competitions or learning new skills. But don't be fooled, you need outstanding strength and flexibility to compete in high-level competitions.
7. 7 Deal with your fears. Fear prevents many gymnasts from performing at a good level. The skills a top-level athlete should have can be daunting, but your coach knows exactly when you should start mastering them and will give you the prep exercises. It is much safer than trying to do the exercises alone, and then worrying for a long time or even abandoning them altogether for fear of failure.
8. 8 Never give up. The path to success in gymnastics is very difficult and very often you will have a desire to quit everything and return to a "normal" life. Just remember that the one who gives up never wins, and the one who wins never gives up.
9. 9 Take part in competitions. As your level rises, you need to compete in order to gain experience in them. Check with your coach if they are applying to compete or possibly organizing a competition.
10. 10 Watch and learn. If you have time, watch the recordings of performances at the Olympic Games by gymnasts such as Gabrielle Douglas or Aliya Mustafina. Pay attention to the artistic and technical aspects of their performances, which may come in handy in competitions.

Tips

• Spend your free time practicing basic skills at home. Remember that "repetition is the mother of learning."
• It is best to train on a soft surface such as a trampoline or gym mat.
• Don't exhaust yourself with diets. Talk to your trainer about nutrition.
• Remember that even if you do not rise to the elite level, you should still continue to do gymnastics. There are many exciting skills to master and many competitions you can take part in. Later, you yourself can choose a career as a rhythmic gymnastics coach.
• When you practice your skills, it is better to work with a friend or if you are going to the gym, then invite your coach with you to make sure that the training will go well :-)
• Even if you are already 13 years old, you still have a chance to participate in the Olympic Games. You just have to work hard to become a high / Olympic gymnast if you are just starting out at 13.