How to Get a Higher Leg Hold: A Step-by-Step Stretching Routine

A higher leg hold does more than just enhance your performance—it improves…

D-Score vs. Start Value vs. Difficulty Value: What’s the Difference?

A gymnast might perform a skill worth 0.40, receive a 6.0 D-Score…

From A to J: How Difficulty Values Shape the Gymnastics D-Score

When a commentator calls a gymnastics skill “D-rated,” that letter tells the…

Optional Gymnastics: A Comprehensive Overview

In the United States, gymnastics is divided into two main categories: compulsory…

What Is the Compulsory Program in Artistic Gymnastics?

In the United States, the Women’s Development Program—formerly called the Junior Olympic…

Top 7 Ankle Mobility & Strengthening Exercises for Gymnasts

Gymnastics is a high-impact sport, and few joints take more abuse than…

Hop vs. Step on Gymnastics Landings: How Deductions Compare

A gymnast finishes a vault with a small hop. Another takes a…

How to Stick Your Landing: A Gymnast’s Guide to Beam Dismounts

In gymnastics, the dismount is the last thing judges see, the final…

The Importance of Taping: Why Gymnasts Protect Their Ankles

Gymnastics is a demanding sport that calls for strength, flexibility, balance, and…

Individual vs. Team: The All-Around in Olympic Gymnastics

At the Olympics, the all-around competition is a test of a gymnast’s…

The Heights of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team: A Closer Look

In gymnastics, height often impacts a gymnast’s ability to perform certain moves,…

The Average Height and Weight of Olympic-Level Gymnasts

When you watch Olympic gymnastics, you see explosive tumbling, huge releases, and…