Gymnasts Rhythmic Gymnastics instead of Artistic Gymnastics?

[FrozenMode]

I am unfortunately not likely to get very far in artistic gymnastics, would it be better to switch? I did a practice class and I did okay, but it was entirely stretching, we did not practice any of the apparatuses. My biggest issue is flexibility. I'm considered flexible for artistic gymnastics but rhythmic seems to require much more.

 

[Coach Kate]

Stretching is a huge component in rhythmic because that's one of the major ways you gain difficulty. I trained contortion as an adult (amateur circus) and my coach was frequently inspired by rhythmic gymnastics training.

I'll also say that it doesn't matter if you "get far" in artistic gymnastics. Most people don't. You can do it for love, joy, fitness, etc.

 

[FrozenMode]

Stretching is a huge component in rhythmic because that's one of the major ways you gain difficulty. I trained contortion as an adult (amateur circus) and my coach was frequently inspired by rhythmic gymnastics training.

I'll also say that it doesn't matter if you "get far" in artistic gymnastics. Most people don't. You can do it for love, joy, fitness, etc.

I would like to continue artistic gymnastics recreationally, I was just wondering which one I should put my competive focus on.

 

[Pfiga]

Competitive rhythmic gymnastics is just as tough as artistic. Stretching does take up a lot of practice time, but you need not just flexibility but also apparatus skills, dance skills, body skills, and expressiveness/performance skills. In order to be competitive, you will need to learn and practice all of those things. You might want to attend another practice class where you could try some of the apparatus. You could also try to see if there are any competitions happening in your area that you could go watch, so that you could get a better sense of the types of routines that gymnasts your age are competing.
My daughter competes in both artistic and rhythmic Xcel programs so I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have.

 

[FrozenMode]

Competitive rhythmic gymnastics is just as tough as artistic. Stretching does take up a lot of practice time, but you need not just flexibility but also apparatus skills, dance skills, body skills, and expressiveness/performance skills. In order to be competitive, you will need to learn and practice all of those things. You might want to attend another practice class where you could try some of the apparatus. You could also try to see if there are any competitions happening in your area that you could go watch, so that you could get a better sense of the types of routines that gymnasts your age are competing.
My daughter competes in both artistic and rhythmic Xcel programs so I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have.

There is actually a competition. The Rythmic Senior Classic is happening on April 12th and 13th right where I am. I was thinking about going.

 

[twinmomma]

See if you have Tumbling and Trampoline or acro in your area. There's so many paths to gymnastics, try them all and see what you love!

 

[Pfiga]

There is actually a competition. The Rythmic Senior Classic is happening on April 12th and 13th right where I am. I was thinking about going.

You should definitely go, that looks like a good one! And I second the suggestion to try other types of gymnastics too!