Good balance is one of the most defining traits of a gymnast. A good gymnast relies on good balance to pull off their nail-biting stunts. Balance allows gymnasts to see clearly when moving, determine their orientation with regards to gravity, and make appropriate adjustments to their movements.
So what’s responsible for maintaining our body’s sense of balance? It’s all thanks to our vestibular system. The vestibular system processes our body’s relationship to the earth. It helps us know if we’re falling, leaning forward, or standing in one place. In short, it aids you in making coordinated and balanced movements.
Whether you’re walking, running, or jumping, your vestibular system ensures that you can move around safely. The following are some of the great benefits gymnasts can get from constantly moving around:
- Movement and exercise increase neural connections, which aids in memory, learning, and attention.
- Since vestibular movements stimulate brain activity, it has positive effects on young children’s social and academic achievement.
- Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have the opportunity to develop the vestibular system and increase spatial awareness through various connections that the brain is building when performing…various gymnastics skills.
Here are further examples of particular vestibular movements acquired through gymnastics:
- Jumping
- Leaping
- Galloping
- Skipping
- Endurance
- Concentration
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Spatial awareness
- Balance
- Agility
The need for vestibular movement regulation is continuous throughout our life. So keep moving around!
Sources:Vestibular Play https://kaboom.org/resources/build_playground_toolkit/accessibility/play_and_development/sensory_play/vestibular_play
Moving Therapy to the Gym: The Benefits of Gymnastics for Children with Autism http://blog.asha.org/2011/09/06/moving-therapy-to-the-gym-the-benefits-of-gymnastics-for-children-with-autism/