Characteristics of a Gymnast

Gymnastics is one of the most difficult sports an individual can do. It requires strength, flexibility, and determination to name a few. A gymnast needs strength in order to perform his/her skills well and safely. Once one skill is mastered, the gymnast can move on to a more difficult skill. This is one aspect about gymnastics that separates this sport from any other sport. Unlike football, for example, a football player learns how to play, and then spend the rest of the time perfecting it. In gymnastics, the athlete learns the basic skills then can always improve and grow. For example, once the gymnast learns and masters a cartwheel, he/she can learn a round off. 

It is also important that the gymnast is flexible so he/she can perform safely. Flexibility can also make the skills easier for the gymnast.  In addition, flexibility makes the gymnast's skills look better and clean. An example of a gymnast having flexibility would be the gymnast being able to keep his/her arms or legs straight throughout the routine. 

Another aspect that a gymnast must have is determination. There are many times when a gymnast has a fear of a skill or is learning a new one. In order to be successful, the gymnast must figure out how to overcome the situation. They go through many hard and difficult days, but determination gets them through. Since this sport is so hard on the body, injuries are very common. It is very possible that a gymnast will have a severe injury in his/her career and be unable to practice. It can be hard to stay motivated and stay positive. However, with determination, any situation can be overcome. 
All these aspects are very important to a gymnast. Gymnastics is a difficult sport but can also be one of the most rewarding sports.

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Inspiration: Source of Color

For my blog, I decided to incorporate the color blue for a few reasons. The first one is it is the main color of USA Gymnastics. Blue is used in its logo and is the main color of its web page. This color is also important because it is a color the United States is associated with. Since the main gymnastics organization uses this color, I believe it is important to use when it comes to my blog.

In addition, it is also the most common color around the gym. For example, many of the floors you see in gyms are blue. This color is also used in the uneven bars, parallel bars, balance beam, and the rings. There are a few different companies who supply gymnastics equipment; however, most of it you see is the color blue. Also, the landing mats and other safety mats are the color blue.

Lastly, blue is used in many competitive gymnastics leotards and other outfits gymnasts wear. This color is used by gymnasts who are trying to make the Olympics or are at the Olympics. Blue is a symbol that represents their country and builds pride in the gymnast.

When I was working, I realized how much this color is utilized in the gym. I was teaching a preschool gymnastics class and we were playing the color game for warm ups. For this game, I give the children a color, number, and a body part, such as arm, toe, hand, or knee. They must stay in the assigned area and complete the activity then come back and put their backs against the wall. When we were playing this game, I realized I was able to find many more blue mats and equipment than any other color in the gym.

As far as using this color in my blog, I believe it is an easy and relaxing color on the eyes. Blue is a very calming color and does not distract the reader from the important information, in this case, the text. This color makes a great background color for these reasons.


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