The World of Gymnastics

Many parents wonder if one gymnastics leotard is enough or if they need more. This is a great question! The first thing to keep in mind is gymnastics leotards can get expensive. Not everyone can afford an excessive amount of leotards. Some gymnasts have one gymnastics leotard while other gymnasts have forty-five! Both of these are extremes. My general rule of thumb for the amount of leotards you should have is based on the amount of days you go to gymnastics. If you go two days a week then I think two gymnastics leotards are a perfect amount. If you go to gymnastics class six days a week then I think you should have six leotards for gymnastics. This amount should not include your team leotard. This is only the workout leotard I am talking about.

There are several reasons I think this is a good rule of thumb. First, this will keep a gymnast from wearing a sweaty, smelly, dirty leotard to class without being washed. Having a few different ones will allow parents (or gymnasts) more time to wash the previously used ones. This will cut down on washing gymnastic leotards non stop. It is also nice to have extra so you can keep a second in your gymnastics bag at all times just incase something happens and you need a back up.

Whether you can afford it or not, having many leotards for gymnastics can be a waste of money. What is the point of having this many gymnastics leotards when the only place you can wear them to is gymnastics class. You can take the money you would spend on these extra leotards and spend it on a private lesson or an extra gymnastics class. This would be MUCH more beneficial for your gymnast!

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.