Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, agility, and balance. It has been around since ancient times and is still popular today. But how many levels are in gymnastics? Well, gymnastics levels allow gymnasts to be aware of their skill level and where they stand compared to other athletes.
Each gymnastic level has different rules and regulations, which can help gymnasts progress through the ranks of the sport. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level, from recreational to advanced levels. Read on to find out more about the different levels of gymnastics.
What are the Levels in Gymnastics?
The levels in gymnastics provide a way to measure your skill level and progress within the sport. The levels range from beginner to intermediate and advanced. Each level has criteria: age, technique proficiency, normal difficulty, strength training requirements, and more.
We hope that you understand the level meaning of gymnastics by now. Let’s look at different gymnastic-level skills to understand the sport better.
Related: Check out our top recommendations for the best gymnastic mats in 2023. Discover the perfect mat to support your training and ensure safety during your gymnastics practice.
Gymnastics Levels 1-3
Levels 1-3 in gymnastics are your gateway into the land of flips and twists. At this level, gymnastics step into the arena like young superheroes learning to control their powers, and the rule of law is flexibility, strength, and, without a doubt, balance. Each level nudges them to realize they are one cartwheel away from turning their ordinary day into an exciting adventure.
- Level 1 is about learning the basics, the equivalent of entering the gymnastics kindergarten. It’s where kids master their first somersault and learn to swing on a bar without face-planting onto the mat.
- Level 2 is like the older sibling: still fun but with more responsibility. Besides refining the skills learned in Level 1, gymnasts take on slightly more complex routines.
- Level 3 is the phase where kids begin to find their gymnastics identity. It’s all about exhibiting consistent form, mastering challenging skills, and perfecting tumbling passes.
Gymnastics Level 4
Level 4 is where the training wheels come off, and the real spotlight shines. Consider this level as the first step into the big leagues, where gymnasts start performing compulsory routines. It’s like graduating from superhero school and getting your first mission.
At this level, gymnasts must conquer the front handspring, a move that’s about as easy as juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. It’s a leap (quite literally) from the previous levels, demanding more strength, flexibility, and precision. And let’s not forget the balance beam routine; it’s like walking a tightrope but with flips!
Gymnastics Level 5
Gymnasts need to earn a minimum score of 34 AA at a meet in Level 4 before they can move up to Level 5. It’s a testament to how serious the sport is becoming and where the real fun begins. Level 5 is about getting those skills up to snuff for higher levels.
At Level 5, gymnasts demonstrate their precision by executing complex skills. This level demands mental toughness and dedication as they strive to perfect bar moves, dismounts and learn new aerial techniques.
Gymnastics Level 6
Level 6 has optional routines, meaning gymnasts must juggle compulsory and optional routines. This is the sport’s apex, where gymnasts must learn to create a well-rounded routine showcasing all their skills.
Expect this level’s impressive aerial acrobatics, daring flips, and gravity-defying bar releases. It’s a true display of gymnastics finesse, captivating the judges for placements. Skipping this level is possible by achieving high scores at Level 5.
Gymnastics Level 7
At Level 7, gymnasts must showcase five A and at least two B skills in their competitive routines. This is the highest level of optional gymnastics and requires a deep understanding of complex skills, such as full-twisting layouts, triple-backs, and Arabian double tucks.
The goal for Level 7 gymnasts is to hit all their skills without any deductions. It’s where the champion athletes are born; those that take what they’ve learned in Levels 1-6 and perfect it to the point that it becomes an art form.
Gymnastics Levels 8-10
Levels 8-10 are for elite athletes who have mastered the optional levels. They compete in National and International Championships, showcasing advanced skills like standing double Arabian vaults and triple-twisting layouts.
These are the final stages of gymnastics and the most prestigious. It is here where champions are made, and it’s something that every aspiring gymnast should strive for.
What Comes After Level 10 Gymnastics?
After conquering the hallowed Level 10, gymnasts can venture into what is often deemed the Everest of Gymnastics: The Elite level. It’s the stage where superheroes become legends, and every cartwheel, leap, and somersault is performed with the precision of a Swiss watch. Moreover, Elite gymnasts compete at National Championships, World Championships, Olympics, and beyond.
Gymnastics Levels by Age
A combination of age and skill proficiency typically determines gymnastics levels. The specific age ranges and level names may vary slightly between gymnastics organizations and countries. However, I can provide an overview of gymnastics levels based on age.
Preschool Gymnastics:
- Age Range: 2-5 years old (typically not divided into formal levels)
- Focus: Basic motor skills, coordination, balance, and introduction to gymnastics concepts.
Recreational Gymnastics:
- Age Range: 5-12 years old (may have various divisions based on age or skill level)
- Focus: Building foundational gymnastics skills, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Compulsory Levels:
- Age Range: 6-10 years old (again, this may vary depending on the organization)
- Level Names: Levels 1-5 (or similar names)
- Focus: Learning specific routines and critical skills the governing body sets, developing fundamental skills on all apparatuses.
Optional Levels:
- Age Range: 9+ years old (may vary)
- Level Names: Levels 6-10 (or similar names)
- Focus: Increasing difficulty and complexity of skills, emphasizing individual strengths and style, and competing routines tailored to the gymnast’s abilities.
Elite Gymnastics:
- Age Range: Usually starting from early to mid-teens
- Level Names: Elite (often divided into junior and senior divisions)
- Focus: The highest level of competition, requiring exceptional skills, strength, flexibility, and dedication. Gymnasts at this level compete in national and international competitions, such as the Olympics and World Championships.
FAQ’s
How many levels are there to being a gymnast?
There are typically 10 levels of gymnastics, starting from Preschool Gymnastics to Elite. However, each level’s name and age range may vary depending on the organization.
What is the highest level in gymnastics?
The highest level of gymnastics is typically the Elite level, where gymnasts compete in National and International Championships. This is the level where champions are made.
How many level 10 gymnasts are there?
It’s hard to give a definitive answer, as the exact number may vary depending on the region and organization. According to research, there are just 1500 gymnasts in the entire world who have achieved Level 10 status. It’s an incredibly difficult level to reach and requires tremendous physical and mental strength.
What is a level 7 gymnast?
A level 7 gymnast demonstrates a solid foundation in gymnastics and progress toward advanced skills. They possess proficiency in fundamental techniques, perform routines on various apparatus with increasing difficulty, and showcase improved strength, flexibility, coordination, and form.
What is a level 9 gymnast?
A level 9 gymnast represents an advanced stage of proficiency in gymnastics. They possess strong fundamental skills and can perform complex routines on bars, beams, floors, and vaults. With years of training, they demonstrate high strength, flexibility, coordination, and grace.
