But at the community level, gymnastics is also important because it provides a way for young people to learn about -- and pursue -- practices that promote healthy living. The correlation between components of physical fitness and gymnastics: an article in the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (Donham-Foutch
" Kolar interviewed Kim Tanskanen, owner of MEGA (a gymnastics academy in Michigan) about the importance of teaching kids gymnastics. Tanskanen expressed that there are many influences in the lives of children and teens that are "unhealthy" -- such as fast food, candy, and other items -- and as a result, "the childhood obesity rate [in the United States and Michigan] is higher than it has ever been anywhere in the world" (Kolar, 2007)
" There are "men's pairs, women's pairs, mixed pairs, women's groups (three gymnasts) and men's groups (four gymnasts)," Van Deusen explains. Rhythmic Gymnastics involves female athletes using equipment rather than performing on equipment; gymnasts use various apparatus and toss, leap, and jump and are judges on grace and coordination rather than on sheer athletic strength or "tumbling prowess" (Van Deusen)