Gymnastics - a system of exercises that developed in ancient Greece before our era. There are two versions of the origin of the word. The first is “gymnasium”, which means “train” or “train”. Second: “hymnos” - “naked”, since the ancient Greeks were engaged in physical exercises without clothes.
At that time, gymnastics included military exercises, general developmental exercises, horseback riding, ritual dances, and swimming. This included those that were held at the Olympic Games: running, wrestling, jumping, fist fighting, throwing, chariot riding.
History of gymnastics
The fall of the Roman Empire contributed to the development of scholasticism, obscurantism, asceticism, as a result of which gymnastics (like other achievements of ancient art and culture) was forgotten. In the XIV – XV centuries. humanism has established itself. Public thought was aimed at protecting dignity and freedom, the comprehensive development of the individual, special attention was paid to physical health. Only then did people again turn to ancient culture and gradually began to introduce gymnastics into the educational system and its physical side.
A significant place in its development is occupied by scientific works and works of writers, philosophers, and doctors. For example, the work of the Italian physician Jerome Mercurialis “On the Art of Gymnastics”, the novels of the writer Francois Rabelais, the works of Pestalozzi (Swiss teacher), Jean-Jacques Rousseau (French educator, philosopher).
In the XVIII - early XIX century. in Germany there was a trend of philanthropists who created schools with a focus on physical education - gymnastics. The exercises were developed by G. Fit and I. Guts-Muts. They also taught.
The German gymnast F. L. Jan developed the "turnen" system. This included exercises on horizontal bars, rings, the crossbar, parallel bars, and a horse. Thus ended the ancient history of gymnastics. A photo of one of the representatives of modern sports is posted below.
Gymnastics as a sport
In 1817, students of F. Amoros began to hold competitions in front of the public in Paris. In 1859, attempts were made to revive the Olympic Games. Thus began the history of the emergence of gymnastics as a sport.
Even the students of F. Jan and M. Tyrsha were measured in strength, competed in exercises. However, gymnastics was recognized as a sport only in 1896, when it was included in the program of the Olympic Games. The basis of the first competitions included vaulting, exercises on shells. In 1932, sprinting, shot put, rope climbing were added.
The history of gymnastics tells that for a long time men participated in the Olympic Games, and only since 1928 - women. At first - in team competitions, and eventually in singles.
How the international federation was created
In 1881, the European Association was established. The structure included Belgium, France, the Netherlands. It expanded rapidly, and in 1897 reorganized into the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Today it has 122 countries. She, in turn, is a member of the General Association of International Sports Federations and is recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). The FIG includes executive, technical committees in gymnastics, aerobics, acrobatics, and jumping teams. Their members are elected every four years.
Modernity
The first world championships in gymnastics began to be held in 1903. Athletes competed in both the group and individual championships. Until 1996, participants performed both compulsory and voluntary exercises. Then only the last ones were left in the program.
Gymnastics, the history of the origin and development of which goes far into antiquity, has revived in Europe in the modern world. European Championships for men began to be held in 1955, and among women in 1957, a personal championship was played. Since 1994 - also a team.
Congress was convened in Luxembourg in 1982, at which it was decided to establish a European Gymnastics Union. He was engaged in the development, improvement, distribution of gymnastics in Europe. As the history of gymnastics shows, this fascinating, wonderful sport was presented not only at the Olympic Games, European and World Championships, but also at international tournaments and continental competitions.
Body-building
Physical exercises with weights (weights, dumbbells, barbells) - this is athletic gymnastics, the history of which begins in the IV century BC. e. The goal is health promotion, muscle development.
To participate in competitions in Ancient Greece, athletes were allowed to lift a heavy load. Special exercises with gymnastic elements have been developed. At first they imitated the labor process, the fighting. Over time, sports became a cultural manifestation. In the XIX-XX centuries. many manuals are published describing exercises for the development of muscle groups with weights. There is an interest in muscular, strong people. The first championships among weightlifters and wrestlers began to be held.
Athletism in Russia
The history of gymnastics is closely connected with the name of the physician V.M. In 1885, he organized an amateur athletics club. Twelve years later, the first society opened in St. Petersburg. But after 1917, athleticism fades into the background. Other power sports are rapidly developing.
The path of development of athletic gymnastics in Russia was difficult. For ideological reasons, bodybuilding was considered a harmful occupation, but in 1987 weightlifter Yu.P. Vlasov created the All-Union Athletic Federation.