First published in 1939, this volume translated into English the Danish work ‘Den Specielle Gymnastrikteon’. Its author, Professor Lindhard, noted the still-young field of theoretical gymnastics in comparison to its physical counterpart, with the only prior major work being that of Ling from 1800. Lindhard developed upon that work to revolutionise the 1930s interpretation of Ling’s views. The author of several physiological books, Lindhard sought to explain how gymnastics was a means of developing both physical form and moral qualities. He emphasised the importance of guidance towards ethical and aesthetical gymnastics and explored the differences between men, women and children with regards to each form of exercise. This was achieved through the classification, description and contemplation of exercises such as corrective, balance and athletic exercises along with demonstrative illustrations.

The Science of Gymnastics provides the most comprehensive and accessible introduction available to the fundamental physiological, biomechanical and psychological principles underpinning performance in artistic gymnastics. The second edition introduces three new sections: applied coaching, motor learning and injury prevention and safety, and features contributions from leading international sport scientists and gymnastics coaches and instructors. With case studies and review questions included in each chapter, the book examines every key aspect of gymnastic training and performance, including: physiological assessment diet and nutrition energetics kinetics and kinematics spatial orientation and motor control career transitions mental skills training and perception injury assessment and prevention, with clinical cases advanced case studies in rotations, vault approach and elastic technologies in gymnastics. A fully dedicated website provides a complete set of lecture material, including ready-to-use animated slides related to each chapter, and the answers to all review questions in the book. The book represents an important link between scientific theory and performance. As such, The Science of Gymnastics is essential reading for any student, researcher or coach with an interest in gymnastics, and useful applied reading for any student of sport science or sports coaching.

This book answers in detail the many unanswered questions relating to high performance. Written by the world's leading gymnastics coach and his scientific advisor it explains the essential components for planning and preparation for high level results.

The Science of Gymnastics is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental physiological, biomechanical and psychological principles underpinning this most demanding of sports. Drawing on cutting edge scientific research, and including contributions from leading international sport scientists and experienced coaches, the book represents an important link between theory and performance. With useful summaries, data and review questions included throughout, the book examines every key aspect of gymnastic training and performance, including: energetic, physical and physiological assessment training principles diet, nutrition and supplementation growth and development issues kinetics and kinematics angular and linear motion angular momentum stress, anxiety and coping motivation and goal setting mental skills training for practice and competition the psychology of learning and performance. In a concluding section the authors reflect on how fundamental scientific components (physiology, biomechanics and psychology) interact to enhance gymnastic performance, helping students to develop a better understanding of the relationship between sport science and sporting performance. The Science of Gymnastics is essential reading for all students, coaches and researchers with an interest in gymnastics or applied sport science.

This book lifts the lid on the high pressured, complex world of women’s artistic gymnastics. By adopting a socio-cultural lens incorporating historical, sociological and psychological perspectives, it takes the reader through the story and workings of women’s artistic gymnastics. Beginning with its early history as a ‘feminine appropriate’ sport, the book follows the sport through its transition to a modern sports form. Including global cases and innovative narrative methods, it explores the way gymnasts have experienced its intense challenges, the complexities of the coach-athlete relationship, and how others involved in the sport, such as parents and medical personnel, have contributed to the reproduction of a highly demanding and potentially abusive sporting culture. With the focus on a unique women’s sport, the book is an important read for researchers and students studying sport sociology, sport coaching, and physical education, but it is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of sporting talent.

Agility, balance, and coordination are important for all children, not just the athletically inclined. With this in mind, Garland O'Quinn has prepared a series of gymnastic activities that every child can learn at home or in school. Many of the activities in this book can be performed on the living-room floor, since the stunts are not dangerous nor do they require complicated gymnastics equipment. This instructional book is organized in easy-to-follow steps for children aged 3 to 11 and is designed for use by anyone interested in the physical development of children--parents and teachers alike. The activities are illustrated by sequential pictures to make the movements clear and easy to understand. The author, an Olympic gymnast, has refined these activities during twenty-five years of teaching gymnastics to children and has included the latest educational theory emphasizing the value of kinesthetic stimulation in a child's education. Developmental Gymnastics brings kinesthetic input to its highest level, stimulating the right and left sides of the brain to ensure a fuller and more complete integration of the child's perceptions. Teaching Developmental Gymnastics is O'Quinn's second book, successor to the immensely popular Developmental Gymnastics, which has been adopted by school districts around the country and is based on years of study of motor and sensory development. This new book continues his dedication to allowing each child to move at his or her own pace, relieving youngsters of restricting competitive physical education and making success a built-in factor.