Your gymnast and you are planning to update your gymnastics photo, which is currently sitting above the fireplace.
There have been many changes in the past year. Your gymnast may have moved up one level, two or three! Maybe she’s on a different team. Perhaps she is more comfortable with her competition leo this year or her face has changed. It doesn’t matter what the reason, it can be difficult to imagine a fashionable gymnastics pose she could do for the photo.
Lucky for you, I have provided a list of poses that your gymnast could do and how to accomplish them below!
Basic Gymnastic Poses
While some of these gymnastic poses are more popular, others are rarer and are only used in the context of gymnast training. This is called a scale if the pose is on one leg. There are many types of scale positions depending on where your hands are and your position with your other leg.
Handstand Position
Most people know how to do a handstand, even if they don’t know how to actually do it. Handstands must be performed in a straight line with hands and gymnast’s legs straight. Your toes should point directly at the ceiling.
If you’re doing a handstand in a series of movements you can have some arch. This will allow you to maintain more control. You may not need any arch if you’re doing this as a posture.
Cross Handstand
This pose is only for the balance beam. It is identical to a regular handstand. This pose is different because instead of placing your hands side-by-side on the beam so your shoulders are parallel to it, you place your hands across the beam so your shoulders are in line with the beam.
One Armed Handstand
You might be able to do a handstand with only one arm in gymnastics, as you might have guessed from the name. Your free arm can be held horizontally or placed against your side while you do this. If you’re using this pose, your arm should not move or swing in any way.
Split Handstand
This one is easy to explain. If you are able to do the splits quickly, it may be easier than a regular handstand. You don’t have to be straight with your entire body. You can do either a side or forward split with these splits. If you’re balanced enough, you can do it with just one hand.
Stag Split Handstand
To do a stag handstand, you must first be in a handstand. You then move one straight leg back, as if you’re doing full splits. The top of the other leg should point straight ahead so it can have the right angle for the splits. However, it is bent at the knee and your foot points back diagonally in the stag pose.
You can also do a stag split handstand with a diagonal angle. This allows the back leg to point a little lower than horizontal, while the front leg keeps its 180 degree angle for a full split at the top.
Double Stag Handstand
You will start in a handstand position, similar to the stag split handstand. However, the goal is not to split either leg. The back leg should be positioned so that the top of the leg points backward and up, bends at knees, and then the bottom of the leg points down and back, creating an upside-down V with the foot at the same level as your hips.
For the front leg, it should be pointing forward and up. However, the lower leg and foot should point backward and diagonally. If you’re doing it right, the calf of the forward leg should be parallel to your back leg’s thigh.
Headstand
This pose is the exact same as the handstand but requires the exact same form. This variation of the handstand requires you to rest most of your weight on the top portion of your head, rather than on your straight arms. As you do this, your arms should be bent at 90 degrees at your elbows so your hands can support your weight.
It isn’t one that is often done for two reasons. One, it tends to strain neck muscles a little. This is also because handstands are more common and are used for so many things that a gymnast will find it easier to do the handstand.
Halfway Handstand
This name may be confusing to some, as it might make them wonder how they can do half of a hand stack. However, we will explain the most common way to do a handstand. To go from standing straight up to a handstand, you need to place your hands on the ground in front of your straight legs remain with your leg pointed towards the ceiling. This will give your body an upside-down Y shape.
You would continue to do a handstand by kicking your other leg straight up. You don’t have to do this for a half-handstand. Instead, you can keep your head in an upside down Y shape.
Elbow Stand
You can do this variation of a handstand by putting your elbows on the ground. Your hands are used to balance your body. Your forearms should lie parallel to one another on the ground. This pose is great because it reduces strain on your wrists and doesn’t put any weight on your head. It also allows you to hold your body vertically.
Any variation of this handstand can be done. You can also do a backbend on your elbows. The most difficult variation of the elbow standing is to bend your body back in a backbend, but instead of landing on your feet, bend your knees so that your knees are bent and your feet point towards your elbows.
One-legged Wheel
This is a rare and beautiful gymnastics pose, but it is also a yoga pose. It has some similarities to a backbend. However, to truly do it, you must first do an elbow stand, then bend over to do the backbend. With your foot flat on the ground, the other leg should be straight up in the air.
Candlestick
Although it looks easy and seems simple, the candlestick position requires strength. This is how you should start: Lay flat on your back, with your arms extended and your legs together.
Next, lift your legs up in the air. Start with your feet and work your way up to your hips. Continue to do this until your back is pointed towards the ceiling, and your entire lower body is pointed straight up. You can use your arms to support you, but they should not be used as a weapon.
Broken Candlestick
Broken candlesticks are a variation of the traditional candlestick. It can be more difficult depending on your flexibility. Start in the same place as regular candlesticks, then move on to the next step by lifting your entire lower body into the air.
This is where they differ. A broken candlestick requires you to keep moving your legs upwards towards your head once your legs reach the vertical point. To help you, your arms should be straight and your palms should press on the ground. Keep your legs together, and extend your arms up to the point that your feet touch the ground above your head.
Ankle Hold
The ankle hold is a similar position to the arabesque. Standing on one leg, your torso will move forward and down slightly while the arm on the opposite side of the foot that you are on extends forward. The back leg swings back, and the arm on the opposite side of your body forms a loop.
Plank
Another simple one that you can hold for a few seconds. Your body should be facing the ground. Now, your feet and hands should support all of your weight. Your arms and body should be straight, as should the rest of your body. This is also known as the balance beam or front support position.
Side Plank
Side planks are more commonly used as a pose. While your body remains rigid, you will not be facing the ground or on your toes for this pose. Instead, you should face one side with all your body.
Your arm should be straight. However, your shoulders should extend straight up to it.
Front Splits
There are a few other names for front splits. Hanumanasana is the name for it when it comes from yoga to gymnastic poses. This type of split is where one leg moves forward and the other goes behind you.
If you are able to do this correctly, you will need to be seated on the ground with your legs in this position. There is no set position for this pose. You can make a Y with your arms or frame your face if this is the last or first pose in your routine.
Side Splits
When people think about doing side splits, they often think of them as the leg extension that is required to do the splits. There are several other names for this one, including straddle splits. Samakonasana is the yoga name.
This one is more common than the others, but it can be very hard on your hips because it puts them in an unnatural position. This can be done by tilting your hips forward to assist your hips.
Standing Side by Side
This version of a split is performed standing up. You lower your torso until it is horizontal, then lift one leg high into the air. You should face one side of your body, not the ground. Your legs should be straight up. As you move towards the horizontal, your hands should stay close to your torso. If you’re able to do this, you can also do an over-split.
Needle Scale
The needle scale is the same as the previous option, but it features a complete flip. To do this, you need to swing your torso down until it touches your stationary leg. Your other leg will go straight up while supporting your weight. For this position, your hands may be resting on the ground or holding the ankle of the lower leg.
Arabesque
There are many levels of an arabesque. They vary depending on where your hands are and where you are standing. Your back leg should not be at a 45-degree angle to the leg you are standing on when you first start. Also, your torso should remain straight.
Your back leg should become more horizontal as you move on. However, there should still be some leaning forward of your torso. Another option is to make your back leg extend all the way to a split.
You can hold your arms backward and up or you can hold them to the sides. Or, one can hold the other forward while the other holds the arm back. The foot you balance on can be in many different positions. It can be flat on the ground, on the toe, or on point.
Manna
This pose is extremely difficult and requires strength to even get into it, and more strength to hold it. This is similar to the broken candlestick pose, except that you can only support your entire body with your hands. Start with your palms on the ground beside you, your torso facing upwards, and your elbows supporting the weight of your upper body.
Keep your legs raised in a straddle posture to the sides. Your legs should be straight at your knees. Continue lifting your hips off the ground until you have your hips above the floor. Then, place all your weight on your hands. Your hips should be at the same height as your shoulders. When that happens, your legs should be pulled together and pressed against your head.
For you to fully get into the pose, your hips should be higher than your shoulders. Your legs should be straight with your knees touching your forehead.
How to Do Some Gymnastic Poses
Straddle Pose
- Begin by laying down on your stomach and facing forward.
- As if you were doing an open split, face forward and spread your legs out in a V position.
- After you’ve reached the V position, your arms should be straight out in front of you. This is as if your right hand was trying to touch your right heel with your right arm.
- For the V position to become a perfect alignment, stretch as far back as possible.
Split Pose
To get in this position, you can lunge.
- Begin by bending your right leg in front of your body and placing your left leg behind your body. Keep your left leg straight, and not bent.
- Keep your left leg straight while you’re in this position. This will allow you to move closer to the ground.
- After you have moved your left back leg as far as possible, straighten your right leg and push it away.
- Try to get as far as possible, aiming to make sure your legs rest straight on the ground.
Scorpion Pose
- Stand straight up and bend the knee of your leg. Then, raise it behind you.
- Let’s say that you raised your leg behind you. Now, wrap your (left-hand) foot around the leg. Your back will begin to bend or form an arch as you do this.
- Begin to raise your leg behind you so that your right arm (right arm), can reach back and grab your left leg.
- Use both your arms to pull your left leg up as high as possible and straighten your right leg.
Heel Stretch Pose
- Begin by looking forward and standing straight.
- Place one foot in front of the other.
- Straighten your leg up to the point that your hand can grab it to support it. Then lift it higher. To grab your left leg, you can use your leg hand. To grab your right leg, you can use your right hand.
- Wrap your hand around the heel of your foot.
- As you pull your leg upwards towards your face, ensure that your other arm is in a V position.
Scale Pose
Scale pose is similar to the scorpion pose, except that instead of grasping your foot, you will grab the inside of your knee.
- Stand straight up and bend the knee of your leg. Then, raise it behind you.
- Let’s say that you raised your leg behind you. Now, wrap your (left-hand) hand around your (left-hand) foot. Your back will begin to bend or form an arched shape as you do this.
- Begin to raise your leg behind you so that your right arm (right arm), can reach back and grab your left leg.
- Use both your arms to pull your left leg up as high as possible and straighten your right leg.
- After you’ve reached the maximum distance, bend forward and allow your arms to slide down so that you can grip your knee.
Arabesque Pose
This pose is simpler than others, but it is still elegant. This pose is also very popular in ballet.
- Stand straight up and face forward.
- Now, place your dominant leg in front of yourself (make sure it’s straight). Then bend forward and put all your weight onto your dominant leg.
- Now, let’s assume your right leg is your dominant one.
- Now, raise your non-dominant leg behind you. Make sure it is straight!
- Let’s assume that your left leg is the non-dominant leg. Now, place your left arm straight up on your left side.
Pose for the Elbow
This pose requires a lot of control and strength in the hips and core.
- Begin by putting your hands in a “quarter-dog” position. Next, spread your fingers out.
- Your feet should be positioned together so that your big toes touch. When your big toes touch, lift your right leg toward the sky and keep your left leg straight.
- When your right leg is up, keep your head between your fingers and look straight ahead.
- You want to raise your right leg behind you and give it a push so you can kick your left foot in the air. You will appear to be doing a split in midair.
Although I have listed a few positions and provided descriptions, we are always open to more explanations and ideas. If you have any suggestions or comments regarding posing for photos for gymnastics, please leave them below!
Names of Craziest Gymnastic Poses
Gymnastics, a 2,000-year-old sport, didn’t become a popular competitive sport until around a century ago. Gymnastics is a complex combination of dance and acrobatics that involves complex moves and poses. It can be performed on the ground or on apparatus like suspended rings or the balance beam. Gymnasts must demonstrate strength and control, whether they are moving or posing.
Arches
The gymnast’s back flexibility is displayed in an arch. She pushes her hips forward, opens her chest, and bends backward. For example, the back handspring is a gymnast who starts from a standing position and then flips backward, arching her back, before landing on her hands.
Another arch is the bridge. The athlete is able to lie on her back, bend her arms and place her hands next to each ear. Bending the gymnast’s legs, she starts to arch her back and coax her hips towards the ceiling. To complete the bridge, you need straight legs and strong arms to form a seamless arch.
Poses That Are upside-down
Two poses that require an upside-down stance are the candlestick and the handstand. The gymnast will be standing on his shoulders for the candlestick. His weight is resting on his shoulders, and his legs and toes are pointed towards the ceiling. When the athlete puts his arms on the ground, he can use them to stabilize himself. He presses down with his palms. The head should be pointed down while the feet must be raised in a handstand. To support the gymnast’s weight, the shoulders are open toward the floor. He tilts his pelvis forward and then turns his chest inward to maintain his balance. The pose lasts for approximately 30 seconds.
Straddles
A straddle is generally a position in which the legs of the gymnast are extended apart. Straddle split is when the legs are extended to opposite ends. An athlete performs a straddle swing by placing her hands on uneven or parallel bars. Then, she extends her legs out to the slides and swings. She can also do straddle jumps on both the balance beam and the floor.
Tucks and Pike position
The gymnast will tuck his knees into his chest while doing a tuck. You can combine tucks with many moves, such as the back salo, an apparatus backward turn, or a backward somersault on a floor. A cowboy tuck is also performed by him. He separates his knees slightly to allow him to bring his legs closer to his body. Rotating in the cowboy tuck is easier with the cowboy tuck. Tuck jumps are also performed by gymnasts. The Pike position has the knees close to the chest like a tuck. However, the legs only bend at the hips and the knees stay straight. You can perform the same skills in a pike position as in a tuck.