| Physical Fitness Through Modern Day Gymnastics |
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Modern day rendition of the sport of gymnastics can trace its roots to the times of the Renaissance in Europe. Gymnastics as not simply a sort but also a way to attain a healthy body was something which was first 'discovered' in the 16th century.
Credit for this discovery has to be given to a 16th century Italian named Girolamo Mercuriale whose book 'De Arte Gymnastica', in some people's opinion, was the first one on the subject of sports medicine. In the book, Mercuriale undertook an exhaustive study of Greek attitudes towards diet, hygiene and exercise. The knowledge accumulated in the book then went on to become the basis of future attempts to modify the sport for everyday fitness needs. Creation of Modern Day Gymnastics Modern day gymnastics, with all the accompanying equipment, was devised during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Two physical education teachers Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (1759 - 1839) and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn (1778 - 1852) developed a series of exercises to indulge boys and young men in school. Along with the exercise, they also created the equipment (horizontal bars, parallel bars and vaulting horse) which is still being used today. Gymnastics Today Modern day understanding of the word 'gymnastics' implies a set of exercises that display the physical strength and stability of the body through the use of some gymnastic apparatuses. However, the original sense of the word was the Greek one in which the emphasis was laid only on athletic exercises. Keeping the original sense of the word in mind, fitness trainers across the world have modified and adapted gymnastic exercises to prepare fitness regimes for exercisers. The main area of focus of such exercises is the attainment of body tension, of keeping the body in the form of a tight, well-knit unit. The tension is created in the body with the help of different variations of the arch and the hollow exercise techniques. An example of this technique is given below: Strengthening the Hollow Position: 1. Lie down on the floor in a push up position. 2. Using your hands push hard into the floor. 3. Push till you are able to depress your shoulders and hollow out your chest. 4. Try to squeeze your abs and tuck-in your pelvis. Complete the tightening of the body by tightening your legs. 5. Now lift one leg off the ground while maintaining the hollows position. 6. Hold your leg still for a while and bring it down. Repeat it with the other leg. Exercise like these would help in not just burning of calories through muscle development, but also help in improving the posture and stability of the human body. Related Articles
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