Kavi Ranjan

Gymnasts create enchanting magic using their bodies. We see professional gymnasts performing various unbelievable moves in pointed toes, complex routines, and shiny and shimmery leotards. They perform on various apparatus like uneven bars and parallel bars.

Many gymnasts earn enough money. Whereas, some may take a halt from the gymnastics career. Again, there are many gymnasts who continue doing part-time jobs. 

Moreover, competitions are held and participating in them fetch good cash. Gymnastics is extremely hard but offers a rewarding career. The salary of gymnasts varies depending on location and work settings.

Does a gymnast get paid?

‘Yes’. Gymnasts do get paid.

Various ways are there to make good money being a gymnast.. 

• Media earns money through broadcasting a gymnastics event. 
• The FIG or International Gymnastics Federation earns a lot of money by obtaining profits from tickets sold in the events of gymnastics. 
• The FIG also acquire money from teams as they have to pay a certain fee to get entry and remain in the organization. 
• Agents can make good money by working for specific gymnasts. 
• Fans and spectators purchase tickets to watch fabulous gymnastics performance. 
• A certain amount of money is dedicated for the stadium.
• Advertisements and campaigning are other ways for professional gymnasts to earn money. Gymnasts get good payment for wearing a particular brand’s products through sponsorships that attracts people to become customers of that brand. 

How much do gymnasts make per year?     

Salary of Gymnasts
	Monthly Salary	Annual Salary
Top earners	$8,041	$96,500
75th Percentile	$5,083	$61,000
Average	$4,318	$51,826
25th Percentile	$2,458	$29,500

• The average salary of gymnasts is approximately $30,000.
• Lifetime earnings as expected is approximately $1,252,440.
• The U.S. Olympic Committee pays $25,000 to gold medalists, $15,000 to silver medalists, and $10,000 to bronze medalists. 

According to experts, the real money comes from sponsorships. Big brands like Procter & Gamble, Nike, Adidas, McDonalds, GK Elite, Alpha Factor, Snowflake Designs, etc. spend money to make original gymnasts as models who will wear their leotards. 

The average salary of Olympic Gymnasts is $62,029 annually. 

If we compare male vs female gymnastics salary, the there is definitely a positive growth for both. Again, more number of women are now participating in gymnastics events and earning good package. However, the amount of salary of both male and female gymnasts depends on medals won, endorsements, location, degree of events, etc.

Pay equality is now a growing trend. Hence, there is not much gap or zero-gap or doubt respecting how much do male gymnasts make or how much do female gymnasts make.

How much money do gymnasts’ coaches make?

Gymnastics coaches typically earn between $30,000 – $40,000 annually. The earning depends on the coach’s location of job, and work settings.

Required qualification of Gymnastics coach: 

As per a data collected from a job website named Simply Hired, a gymnastics coach can earn an average salary of approximately $32,000. The main criteria to get a job as a gymnastics coach is:

• Detailed experience in gymnastics
• High school diplomas are required for those who want to teach gymnastics to children
• Bachelor’s degree to those who want to teach students of secondary school. If the coach wants to teach in school, then bachelor’s degree in sports science or physical education will be given preference.

Other qualifications are:

• Physical stamina
• Patience
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan
• Organizational skills

Salary depending on states and districts:

Average salaries for the designation of gymnastics coach can differ depending on states and districts. As per data, the approximate highest salary of a coach is $51,000. Some coaches have earned this amount in the District of Columbia.

Again, in locations like Massachusetts and New York, coaches have earned $39,000 and $38,000 annually. In Ohio, coaches have made $30,000 per year. In North Carolina, the amount is $29,000 annually, and in Texas, it is $30,000 per year.

Who is the highest-paid gymnast?

There are few world famous gymnasts who earn the highest. 

Nadia Elena Comăneci:

She is from Romania. She is the very first gymnast who achieved a perfect scoring of 10.0 in the Olympic Games of 1976. She was the winner of five gold medals.

She achieved a perfect 10 for seven times at Olympics Games. She was gracefully recognized by the Laureus World Sports Academy as one of the best ‘Athletes of the 21st Century. She earned the prestigious title of ‘Hero of Socialist Labor’.

The then Romania president, Honorable Nicolae Ceausescu gave her the ‘Hammer and Sickle’. 

Shannon Lee Miller:

She is also a retired gymnast from America. She won seven medals at Olympics. In the 1996 Olympics, she used to be a valid member of the ‘Magnificent Seven Team’.  She has bagged 16 medals in World Championship and Olympic in totality. 

Simone Arianne Biles:

She is from America. Being an artistic gymnast, she is excellent in various movements. The 2016 Rio Olympics has witnessed her winning four gold medals. Her earning reached $110,000 after that.

Biles is the first African-American gymnast who won an ‘All-Round’ title. She earned 20 medals and set a record of grabbing the lion’s share of World Championship Medals.

In 2016, Nickelodeon gave her the ‘Favorite Newcomer Award’. In 2014, the Women’s Sports Foundation has named her ‘Sportswoman of the Year’. She earns a lot from endorsements and has partnered with big brands like Hershey, Kellogg’s, and Nike. 

Other highest-paid gymnasts are Kyle Keith Shewfelt, Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas, Bart Conner, Anastasia Valeryevna”Nastia” Liukin, Mary Lou Retton, Alicia Marie Sacramone Quinn, etc.

Conclusion:

Gymnastics, if taken seriously as a career, can be a good source of income. Choose the location and organization carefully. Gymnasts are advised to take part in as many events as they can and win medals and cash prizes. 

Gymnastics is a physically demanding sport. Gymnasts have to undergo rigorous training and intense practice sessions to keep their bodies fit to perform complex activities. According to statistics, female gymnasts train for about 40 hours a week on average. In such circumstances, injuries are a regular occurrence.

Elbow dislocation, wrist and ankle sprains, and lower back pain in competitive gymnasts are the most common injuries. 

It is reported that every year over 86,000 injuries related to gymnastics are treated all over the world. Wrists, hands, shoulders, knees, ankles, and lower back are the most common injury-inflicted areas for gymnasts.

Most often the reason for these injuries is stress caused by overuse of these body parts. 

There are many questions that come to a parents’ mind before enrolling their child in gymnastics. The most frequent one is about low back pain in competitive gymnasts. Here are answers to some of the recurring questions about gymnastics and back pain. 

How Does Gymnastics Affect The Body?

Gymnastics is a very high-impact sporting activity. It requires a great deal of agility, flexibility, and strength to reach the top spot in competitive gymnastics. Gymnastics training involves intense workouts targeting different body parts to improve core and muscle strength. Scientific studies also suggest that regular gymnastics training can affect the growth of children. 

Gymnasts perform different activities such as leaps, flips, balances, and turns using specially designed equipment. This improves the flexibility and strength of the joints and muscles. It is a proven fact that gymnasts have high bone mineral density, lumbar support, and tissue mass due to the intense training they undergo. 

Gymnasts are susceptible to a high level of physiological and psychological stress. Broken bones, sprains, and injuries due to overuse are common problems faced by competitive gymnasts. However, these problems are generally not severe. Gymnasts can easily recover from them with timely treatment. 

Can Gymnastics Cause Back Problems? 

Gymnastic performances require hyperextension of the spine and rotational movements, which puts immense pressure on the back. This stress causes back pain and other problems. Low back pain in competitive gymnasts is one of the most reported injuries according to medical practitioners. 

Lumbopelvic dysfunction and stress fractures in the spine are the leading reasons for back pain in gymnasts. Proper training and the right technique can help gymnasts to avoid back pain and injury. 

Is Gymnastics Bad For Your Spine?

Gymnastics training starts in early childhood and requires consistent practice to achieve the flexibility required to perform challenging stunts such as backbends, forward bends, bridges, handsprings, backward and forward walkovers, etc. 

Spine stretching is one of the most performed training in gymnastics. Intense stretching exercises performed from a young age are known to cause spinal abnormalities. 

The methods of performing various gymnastic routines have evolved with time and modern practices ensure that there is less pressure on the spine. However, It is advisable to learn gymnastics under the supervision of able coaches to avoid bad posture while training. 

Why Does My Back Hurt After Gymnastics?

Body positioning is the main reason for backache after the gymnastics session. Using one segment of the spine to arch instead of using the entire back for a uniform arch causes stress on the spine and leads to back pain. Some other reasons for back pain after gymnastic sessions include

• Problems with mobility of hips or spine
• Weak core 
• Inability to control abdominal muscles
• Improper training

How Do You Get Rid of Back Pain from Gymnastics?

It is advisable to visit a specialist if you suffer from persistent back pain after gymnastics. The specialist will screen you and determine the exact reason for the back pain. 

If the pain is not severe and caused due to a ligament or muscular sprain, simple icing and rest can alleviate the pain. You can also perform some Physical Therapy exercises advised by your coach. However, if the pain lasts for more than 3 days, it is necessary to visit a healthcare professional. 

Do Gymnasts have Back Problems Later In Life? 

Gymnasts are prone to suffer back pain due to the immense stress on the spine caused during practice and performance. One of the major reasons for low back pain in competitive gymnasts is that it is not treated in the initial stages. Most gymnasts and trainers tend to ignore the pain in the early stages and suffer the consequences later in life. 

The aging process of the body and additional stress such as pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, etc. cause chronic back pain in retired gymnasts. To prevent back problems and stay fit,  gymnasts follow a set training and fitness routine. Moreover, timely rehabilitation programs also help to keep low back pain in competitive gymnasts at bay. 

Gymnastics is a demanding sport that requires intensive training and practice. The various activities performed during the gymnastics session cause pressure on the spine and back muscles. One of the most reported injuries is low back pain in competitive gymnasts. Gymnasts can continue with their sport if they take timely treatment and rehabilitation for the injuries. Moreover, proper training and guidance from the beginning will reduce the chances of injury.

You must have noticed that gymnasts use a white-colored powder while performing their acts. This is nothing but chalk. A mandatory curiosity automatically comes to mind related to the reason behind using chalk powder. That is ‘Why do gymnasts use chalk?’

What are the crucial tasks of chalk:

When gymnasts compete on rings, bars, and so on, chalk does a couple of important things. The International Federation of Gymnastics declared:

• Chalk let a gymnast swing, twist, and turn around bars without slip and sweat. 
• Chalk helps in maintaining better grips and let the athletes perform on time.

How does gymnastics chalk work?

Chalk is great for moisture absorption. It keeps the performers’ hands sweat-free resulting in zero slip. Again, chalk resists friction and lets gymnasts spin smoothly. There is minimal risk of hand and body injury. Many female athletes prefer using chalk on their feet for performing on a balance beam.

What does chalk contain?

The chalk is made up of inorganic salt known as Magnesium Carbonate or MgCO3. You can get chalk in the form of powder, liquid, and solid blocks.

Powder:

It is the most common type of chalk. But, some gymnasts do not prefer using it because it is messy in nature. 

Liquid (spray):

Liquid chalk or spray chalk is used by lots of gymnasts. It tends to become solid after spraying.

Solid:

It resembles soap bar. After application, it converts into powder form.

Chalk makes a gymnast feel extremely comfortable and confident while performing various complicated movements. 

A caution:

Many beginners may think of using baby powder instead of chalk. It is a big ‘No-No’. The baby powder won’t give you the grip needed for gymnastics. Rather, it will weaken the grip and your hands may sweat after some time resulting in a deadly slip.

Why do gymnasts apply chalk to their hands?

The two primary purposes of using chalk on hands are:

• Chalk is very helpful in absorbing sweat. So, gymnasts can keep their hands dry and grip better on various apparatuses like uneven and parallel bars. 
• Chalk powder, liquid, or solid block reduces friction that occurs between hands and specific apparatus. So, gymnasts feel comfortable doing movements on bars and can refrain from any injury caused by friction.

Another important thing you must know is that gymnasts also use chalk on their feet, especially females. They apply to chalk both on hands and feet before doing any movement on the balance beam. The reason is the same, and that is the absorption of sweat and achievement of better grip. 

Is there any other thing that gymnasts use?

According to the Wall Street Journal, in the year 2012, a US gymnast named Jonathan Horton applied a little amount of honey on his hands before applying chalk. There was another gymnast who used a blend of sugar ad beer. Additionally, Trent Wells, a US gymnast applied melted gummy bears on their hands.

Which material do gymnasts apply on their hands to increase friction for better grip?

Grips are considered optional in gymnastics. Not all gymnasts use grips. Many use sports gauze or grips for better grips. Some gymnasts prefer bare hands. The majority of gymnasts use Magnesium Carbonate, we can say ‘Chalk’ for getting better grips and resisting sudden slips. 

What kind of chalk do gymnasts use?

The chalk used by gymnasts is different from that used in classrooms. Again, the white marking you see on sidewalks differs from gymnastics chalk. Added, this chalk is not the same that you find easily in a local store meant for craft items. It is actually magnesium carbonate which is a white material naturally materialized. Usually, through mining Magnesite, this kind of chalk is found.

Some best chalks for gymnastics:

1. SPRI Chalk Block (both liquid chalk and chalk ball)
2. Gibson Athletic Premium Block (Gym chalk)
3. Z Athletic Chalk Ball for Gymnastics
4. Sportmediq Pro Grade Liquid Chalk
5. Physic Liquid Chalk for Gymnastics

Conclusion:

Gymnasts prefer using chalks for saving themselves from breaking fingers and other fatal injuries. Performers used to grip bars with thumbs and fingers. Chalk helps in providing a strong, non-sweaty, and slip-resistant grip.

Gymnastics is basically a sport that involves various aspects like balance, physical exercises, flexibility, endurance, strength, and coordination. The typical movements in gymnastics result in the proper development of arms, shoulders, legs, chest, abdominal muscle groups, and back.

Evolution of gymnastics:

The evolution of gymnastics happened from specific exercises that were used by the then Greeks. The exercises used to include typical skills such as mounting and dismounting a horse, performance skills of circus, and so on.

How many categories of Gymnastics are there?

In competitive gymnastics, the most common form is none other than Artistic Gymnastics. For women, it includes vault, events floor, beam, uneven bars. For men, it includes vault, events floor, pommel horse, rings, horizontal bar, and parallel bars.

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique or FIG is the worldwide governing body of gymnastics. They govern eight sports including:

• Gymnastics for All
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
• Tumbling
• Parkour
• Acrobatic,
• Trampoline with Double Mini-Trampoline
• Aerobics

At present, FIG doesn’t recognize certain disciplines which are:

• Aesthetic Group Gymnastics
• Wheel Gymnastics
• TeamGym
• Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Mallakhamba

Who can participate in gymnastics-related sports?

• Young kids
• Competitive athletes
• Recreational level athletes
• World-class athletes

What are all the different kinds of gymnastics?

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics:

The shorter-term of women’s artistic gymnastics is ‘women’s gymnastics. It is the most popular type of gymnastics as of now. The Olympic Games recognize it.

The events are as follows:

Women athletes compete on these specific apparatus:

• Vault
• Uneven bars
• Balance Beam
• Floor exercise

What does the Olympic competition involve?

Team:

In a team, five athletes are allowed. There is a prediction that in the future, only four athletes will be allowed in a team. Four gymnasts have to compete in every event in preliminaries. Here, three scores are considered. Again in finals, three gymnasts have to compete in each event. Here, every score is considered in the team total.

Individual All-Round:

Here, a gymnast has to compete in all four events. The total score is considered.

Individual Events:

Here, an event champion is given the due name on each apparatus.

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics:

It is the oldest form of gymnastics. It is the famous gymnastics’ type in the United States.

Men gymnasts have to compete on these specific apparatus:

• Pommel horse
• Floor exercise
• Still Rings
• Vault
• The horizontal bar (high bar)
• Parallel bar
• Roman Rings
• Vaulting Horse

The format of competition:

The format of both women’s and men’s artistic gymnastics is the same. It takes team, all-around and individual events into account.

Difference:

Men gymnasts have to compete in total six events.

Women gymnasts have to compete in total four events.

Rhythmic Gymnastics:

In the area of rhythmic gymnastics, women gymnasts have to perform various activities like leaps, jumps, tosses, and other types of moves. Different kinds of apparatus are used. Presently, Olympics allows it as a sport strictly for females.

The events include:

Gymnasts have to compete with five kinds of apparatus:

• Rope
• Ball
• Hoop
• Ribbon
• Clubs

In the lower levels of Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition, floor exercise is also considered as an event.

What does the Olympic competition involve?

Individual All-Round:

A gymnast has to compete on four out of a total of five events. The total score gets consideration. One apparatus is switched every two years.

Group Competition:

Here, five gymnasts have to compete in two different routines of gymnastics. In one routine, the athletes have to perform with the same apparatus. Again in the second gymnastics routine, the gymnasts make use of two different equipment. Like, two gymnasts can use the hoop while three gymnasts can use the ball.

Individual Events:

Gymnasts are given the name of champion on each of four equipment that are presently in rotation.

Trampoline:

Here, the gymnasts have to perform movements such as high-flying flips and various twists on each bounce. The trampoline has got the chance to be an Olympic regimen for Olympics 2000. The artistic teams have been reduced from seven individuals to six in one team for adding trampolinists to the specific quota that is allotted for gymnastics.

About events:

In the Olympic competitions, gymnasts perform both compulsory as well as voluntary routines. Each event involves ten skills. A similar sort of trampoline can be used. In the case of double mini, performing gymnasts have to use a two-level and smaller trampoline. In the synchronized category, two gymnasts have to perform exactly simultaneously at the same time on various trampolines.

What does the competition involve?

Trampoline gymnastics involve an individual event that is for both men and women. The presence of a qualifying event is there. It is needed for reaching the prestigious medal round. Here, the scores don’t hold over or carry over.

Tumbling:

Gymnasts perform power tumbling on a distinct spring runway that is bouncier in comparison to floor exercise mats that are required for performing in artistic gymnastics. Here, athletes can perform various kinds of twists and complicated flips in succession due to the spring.

About events:

Tumbling can be performed on the very same strip. Here, the gymnasts can perform a couple of passes in every stage of the ongoing competition taking eight elements in every single pass.

What does competition involve?

Tumbling is still not considered as a part of Olympic events. But, it is a valid part of the world-famous Junior Olympic Program that occurs in the United States. Gymnasts compete internationally.

Acrobatic Gymnastics:

Here, the gymnasts are considered as equipment. A team of a minimum of two and a maximum of four gymnasts have to perform various kinds of holds, handstands, and balances on each other. Team members throw and then catch each other in Acrobatic Gymnastics.

About events:

Performance of acrobatics is done on the exactly similar mat for floor exercise. The following events are:

• Men’s pairs
• Women’s pairs
• Mixed pairs
• Men’s Groups (four gymnasts)
• Women’s Groups (three gymnasts)

What does competition involve?

Acrobatic gymnastics is not considered a part of an Olympic event. It comes under the U.S. Junior Olympic Program. Acrobatic gymnastics compete in international games.

Group Gymnastics:

In the US, Group Gymnastics has a name in relation to competition and that is ‘TeamGym’. Here, gymnasts have to compete together making a team or a group of 6 to 16. The group can contain only males, only females, or, both.

About events:

In the event of the U.S, gymnasts in Group Gymnastics or TeamGym have to compete in a specific event or group jump where performances such as vault, tumbling, mini-trampoline, group floor-based exercise, etc. are added.

How many categories of gymnastics are there in Non-Olympic disciplines?

Sports aerobics:

In 1984, the first competition was held in the USA. It was presented as a commercial version of aerobics. The routine duration was 1:30 – 2 minutes. It usually depends on the specific organization that is FIG/FISAF.

The categories are as follows:

• Men
• Women
• Mixed pairs
• Group of three
• Teams

The requirements are as follows:

• Physical
• Artistic
• Technical

Acrobatic Gymnastics:

Acrobatic Gymnastics came from Greek expression ‘lifting up’ in the year 1939.

The categories are:

• Men’s pairs
• Women’s pairs
• Mixed pairs
• Women group (three)
• Men group (three)

Competition involves three different routines:

• Static
• Dynamic
• Mixed

The duration of routine is 2:30.

Esthetic Gymnastics:

Esthetic Gymnastics is a blend of dance and gymnastics. It is all women’s category. Choreography is done accompanied by music.

The duration is 2:45 min.

Three points of view are assessed by the judges:

• Artistic value
• Technical value
• Execution

Fitness:

It is a new discipline that is developed from bodybuilding. The main goal is balanced musculature. It is basically an individual routine accompanied by music.

The duration is 1:30 – 2 minutes.

Women have to compete in three categories:

• Under 160 cm
• 160 – 167 cm
• above 167 cm

Men have to compete in:

• Certain weight limits

Gymnastic Aerobics:

The rules of Gymnastic Aerobics are similar to Artistic Gymnastics’ rules. It is also called sport aerobics.

Routines involve:

• Individuals
• Pairs
• Trios
• Groups (up to six people)

The routines provide emphasis on flexibility, strength, and aerobic fitness. The time duration is 60 to 90 seconds. Athletes perform Aerobics on the floor without the need for any apparatus.

Acrobatic Rock’ n’ Roll:

It was first held in France. The first World Championship in Acrobatic Rock’ n’ Roll occurred in the year 1964.

The categories are as follows:

• Children
• Junior
• Senior (in pairs)
• Girls (junior and senior)
• Pairs (Junior and senior)

Cheerleaders:

It involves group routines blending with acrobatic elements and music.

Group Fitness Aerobic:

It involves group routines based on aerobics’ rules.

Types of Gymnastics (General Additional Notes )

Basic Gymnastics:

It involves exercises with or without equipment. It is acrobatic in nature and needs apparatus.

Rhythm Gymnastics:

It involves movemental exercises with music and dance. It happens both with or without apparatus.

General Gymanstics:

Federation Internationale de Gymnastique or FIG has developed personal fitness programs for people. It involves public presentations of various forms of music movements.

Conclusion:

Whatever the types of gymnastics are, athletes get multiple benefits like increased flexibility, good bone health, coordination, mental strength, focus, concentration, proper speed and balance, body control, personal discipline, muscle power, and strong immunity to fight disease, and much more. The hardest gymnastics move in the whole world is the Produnova Vault or Vault of Death.