What's the Big Deal about Stretching, anyway?

Unless they are directly involved in the sport, not many people know much about rhythmic gymnastics. There are an abundance of viral videos featuring women who can twist their bodies into impossible shapes or balance with both their legs propped up on chairs in an over split. However, not many people know that most of the women in those videos are participants in a sport called rhythmic gymnastics that requires equal parts intense flexibility and strength.

Unlike the artistic gymnastics that most people are more familiar with, rhythmic gymnastics is a denomination of the sport that focuses on four different apparatus: ball, hoop, ribbon, and baton. Gymnasts have to manipulate each apparatus in a balletic, graceful way that showcases their technique with turns, leaps, and tricks.

Rhythmic gymnasts have some of the most grueling stretching routines in the entire world because every part of their bodies need to be malleable enough to manipulate a ball, ribbon, baton, or hoop. Sometimes, the gymnasts stretch with the objects because they need to be in control of their apparatus throughout their entire routines.

Although, many times rhythmic gymnasts engage in something called passive stretching. This is sort of an oxymoron, though, because there is nothing passive or easy about their stretches. Passive simply means that the stretch does not require the gymnast to actively practice a specific skill, and instead focuses on muscle conditioning.

For example, rhythmic gymnasts will often engage in a progressive exercise using a tool mounted to the wall called a “barre.” A barre is also used in ballet exercises as a means of added support for the gymnast/dancer to do different strengthening and stretching exercises to prepare themselves for class or practice. This aspect of preparation is one of the many ways that rhythmic gymnastics is similar to dance. Many of the elements used in rhythmic gymnastics routines are also taught in dance classes. As a result, dancers and rhythmic gymnasts often receive similar training.

A common stretch that allows the gymnasts achieve what is referred to as a 180-degree line with their leg is an arabesque stretch. The gymnast will place their leg on the barre in a turned-out position and balance on the other leg. Progressively, they will lower the rest of their body toward the floor and eventually lift their leg up from the bar so that it makes a 180-degree line in the air. With added resistance, they can then work toward what is called an over split by pushing their leg even further past 180 degrees.

Many rhythmic routines feature the gymnasts doing turns in the arabesque position, which requires them to be able to sustain the position for an extended period of time while in motion, hence the stretching. Judges will deduct points if the gymnast does not achieve and maintain the correct position, and the excessive stretching makes it much easier for the gymnasts to do so.

While doing the turn, the gymnast will also be bouncing a ball or twirling a ribbon. In order to concentrate on both things, the gymnasts must rely heavily on muscle memory to maintain correct alignment. Doing stretches constantly every day helps build this muscle memory.

Another common stretch for rhythmic gymnasts is one where they get down on both hands and one knee to swing their free leg, repeatedly touching the top of their head with their foot. This stretch builds stamina and lends itself to hip, back, and leg flexibility, all requirements to be able to perform the necessary elements in a rhythmic gymnastics routine.

Overall, rhythmic gymnasts spend any free time during their training doing intense stretches that push their bodies to the limits. The gymnasts do reps of back bends that require the them to sink down to their elbows and touch their ankles. They do heel stretches and push their legs all the way behind their heads. They do the splits and pick up their own back legs and touch it to their heads.

These women are contortionists. Contortionists that stretch and strengthen muscles that most people don’t even realize they have. Rhythmic Gymnasts’ arduous stretching routines are what allow them to manipulate not only their own bodies, but various apparatus using their bodies as a tool.