The World of Gymnastics

Posts Tagged ‘gymnastics leotard’

Gymnastics leotards are so cute theses days compared to when I was a gymnast. Back then (only 10 years ago) there was one main style and all were solid colors, yuck! How boring is this?

Today’s gymnastics leotards are a totally different story. There is such a wide selection: sparkles, studs, rhinestones, shimmers, glitter, cutouts, crisscross, velour, lycra, high cut, low cut, embroidery, flowers, hearts, flames, razor back, metallic, long sleeved, three quarter sleeved, sleeveless, etc. Variety is the keyword for gymnastic leotards of the twenty-first century!

It is very hard to pick out the perfect leotard because of the great variety but variety is what makes it so much fun! Here are a few tips that will help you and your gymnast pick out the perfect gymnastics leotard specifically for her.

• MATERIAL- Make sure you select a material that your gymnast like the feel of, especially if they have sensitive skin. Many of my gymnasts are picky and if they select the wrong material they tend not to wear it because it is, “too itchy.”

• CUT- This is usually all about your gymnast preference, do they like high cut or lower cut styles around their legs?

• SLEEVE STYLE-Do they like sleeveless, three quarter sleeves, or long sleeves. Many people choose sleeveless because it much cooler when working out and doing gymnastics.

• CUTOUTS- These are cute, little holes that are cut out on the sides or in the back of a leotard. You and your gymnast have to decide if this is appropriate for her and if she would be comfortable in it.

• STRAPS- There is many different strap types. Gymnastics leotards now have spaghetti straps, crisscrossed, racer back, etc. Make sure you select one that is comfortable for your gymnast. If she wears a bra please select one that doesn’t show her straps or any part of her bra; this is extremely tacky.

• COLOR and DESIGN- First you must decide what style, cut, material, and straps, you want. Now comes the fun part! It is now time to select the color and design that you have been longing for!

GOOD LUCK PICKING YOUR PERFECT NEW GYMNASTICS LEOTARD!

One of the things a gymnast needs for gymnastics is a leotard; but not just any leotard, they needs to be a girls gymnastics leotards. Girls gymnastics leotards are much different then dance leotards. Gymnastics leotards are tight around the thighs which reduces wedgies. Dance leos are loose around the legs and are cut much higher which is not suitable for gymnastics.

Leotards for gymnastics have come a long way. Back in the day they were extremely plain and not very colorful; now days they are super cute. They come in all different colors, styles, patterns, materials, and designs.

There are two different types of gymnastics leos: workout and competition. A workout leotard is used only at gymnastics practice. They can consist of any color, cut, or style. Workout leotards are picked out and chosen by the gymnast based on their personal preference. Competition leotards are only used at gymnastics meets or gymnastics competitions. A Competition gymnastics leotard consists of the gymnast’s team colors and is more professional looking. They cannot contain holes in the back (cutouts), have crisscrossed straps, or be high cut. They have to have at least two inch straps but are usually long sleeved. A Competition gymnastics leotard is usually decided on by the gym owner, coaches, or the whole team.

When picking out competition leotards you must keep in mind to pick something that bra straps won’t hang out of. At gymnastics meets the gymnast can get a deduction if their straps (or any undergarments) are showing.

When kids walk into their first day of gymnastics you never know what they may wear. I have seen children come into the gym for class wearing things that not only make you laugh inside, but attire that makes it impossible for them to participate.

When it comes to gymnastics here are some things you shouldn’t wear to class. Do not wear jeans. You can’t move well in jeans, plus they have buttons and zippers that will scratch and chip the gymnastics equipment. Loose baggy shirts are also a no no. They can be dangerous because the gymnast could get caught up in the loose tee-shirt while tumbling. It is also very dangerous for the coach if they are spotting gymnasts with loose clothing. My co-worker spotted a gymnast on a back handspring and her finger got twisted in the gymnast’s baggy tee shirt which broke her finger in three places.

Don’t wear socks, they make you slip. All jewelry (except stud earrings) should not be worn. Believe me; getting a hoop earring caught and ripped out is not fun! If you are allowed to wear shorts at your gym make sure they are fitted and PLEASE wear undies under them! Way too many times my teenaged gymnast forgot to (or just chose not to) wear undies, and that is not a pretty sight. Another thing young children seem to wear are tights and skirts. These both are prohibited. It is very hard for a coach to spot a gymnast who is wearing a skirt or tights; this makes it is very slippery and it gets in the way of both, the gymnast and coach. Do not leave your hair down. Not only will your hair dangle in your face and get annoying but it can also be dangerous. If your hair is down it can get yanked out by your own hands while tumbling. Or even worse I have heard of girls getting their hair stuck in the trampoline springs, ouch!! Make sure you use only a ponytail holder in your hair. If you wear clips they will break and poke you when you do skills such as backward rolls, handstand forward rolls or even dive rolls.

If you follow these few simple attire rules you will be a much safer gymnast!

Many parents and children wonder what they should wear when starting their first day of gymnastics. Every gymnast should wear a gymnastics leotard! There are girls leotards and unitards (also known as a biketard), both of these are the proper gymnastics attire. A gymnastics leotard is cut like a one piece swim suit that lies right below the hips. Girls leotards can be sleeveless, three quarter sleeved, or long sleeved. A gymnastics unitard is a type of leotard that is cut halfway down the thigh (a leotard with shorts connected). Make sure the leotard is a gymnastics leotard because they are tight around the thighs. Dance leotards are too loose, ride up and give wedgies while doing gymnastics. If children do not feel comfortable in a gymnastics leotard they can purchase gymnastics shorts. Gymnastics shorts are tight fitting, like bike shorts and are worn over the leotard.

One question people always wonder but are too embarrassed to ask is, “do you wear underwear under gymnastics leotards”? The answer is no, a girls gymnastics leotard is like a swim suit there is no need to wear undies as long as your leotard is fitted. When girls get older they may feel more comfortable wearing something under their leotards. That is why they make skin colored underwear that is cut the same way as a gymnastics leotard.  You can get theses special under garments from any gymnastics catalog, online gymnastics websites, or sometimes at your local gym. You may also wear a bra under your leotard as long as it is not visible, not even the straps should show.

Make sure your gymnast has their hair in a ponytail. This will keep them from having their hair fall in their face.  If their hair isn’t hanging in their face they will be able to concentrate more on what they are doing instead of continuously pushing their hair out of the way.

Another thing a gymnast needs to bring to the gym is a gym bag. This way she will have somewhere to put her clothes, shoes, socks, water, and what ever else she may need to bring (inhaler, grips, wrist supports, braces, wraps, etc.).

Gymnastics Leotard

Gymnastics Unitard