Modern Acrobatic Gymnastics takes its origins from ancient Greek times where murals can be found of soldiers performing balancing and somersaulting stunts as a part of their physical training. It was deemed that working together encouraged improved team moral and spirit as well as showing off physical prowess. Having evolved into its modern form, acrobatic gymnastics still encourages the human qualities mentioned above.

Acrobatic gymnastics is a pure fusion of the strength, precision, dynamism, power, expression and artistry.

Acrobatic gymnastics has five sections – Women’s, Men’s Pairs and Mixed Pairs as well as Women’s Three’s and Men’s Fours. Performed on 12m by 12m sprung floor area the gymnasts get to show off their strength, power, agility and expressiveness with three types of routines.

Balance Routines incorporate highly skilled and technical precision of top gymnasts performing two and one arm handstands, held and moving balances on the base gymnast who must demonstrate the strength and control to hold the top.

Dynamic Routines involve tumbling for both gymnasts as well as the top being thrown and caught in different somersaults, flips and throws by the base gymnast. The trust and courage from the gymnasts working together is a unique quality in these routines.

Combined Routines involve a combination of the above two routines. Within the grade system in the UK the younger gymnasts generally perform a combined routine to support the learning of key elements without having to learn three different routines.

Acrobatic gymnastics within Southampton Gymnastics Club has a long and illustrious history, being one of the first clubs in the country as well as producing the first World and European Medals on the International stage for Great Britain.

Great Britain is amongst the top nations in the world with many International, European and World Champions and indeed acrobatic gymnastics is the most successful gymnastics sport in this country.

Acrobatic Gymnastics is lead in Southampton by coaches of past and present World Age Group and European Champions and the coaching team boast past Great Britain Competitors.

Growing and moving forwards we are always looking for the next generation of stars to follow in the clubs past success, so if you have what it takes please contact us.