Why Your Gymnastics Leotard Is So Important

Want to get noticed?

Studies show that gymnasts who get noticed by their coaches get more personal attention.

More attention from your coaches helps you get better faster.

An eye-catching leotard is a great way to get the attention you need to realize your true potential.

Start getting the attention you deserve.

Shop leotards4less.com and get better faster.

10 Items to Keep in Your Gymnastics Grip Bag

  1. Extra Gymnastics Leotard
  2. Grips
  3. Hair Clips/Rubber Bands
  4. Shorts
  5. Extra Clothes
  6. Deodorant
  7. Comb/Brush
  8. Energy Snacks
  9. Water Bottle
  10. Adhesive Tape

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Why Are Gymnastics Competition Leotards So Sparkly?

“The amount of crystals that we’re putting on the leotards has just gone off the charts,” says Kelly McKeown, executive vice president of design and corporate relations at GK Elite.

Leotards didn’t always look this way. In the 30’s and 40’s leotards were pretty unflattering. The leg lines were low, boxy and almost completely covered the rear.

At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Nadia Comaneci competed in a plain white leotard with side stripes in the colors of the Romanian flag.

In the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, most teams wore leotards that bore the colors of their nation’s flag. However, in the past decade, many teams have moved away from the patriotic look.

The U.S. women, in particular, have become renowned for wearing jewel-toned leotards in deep pink, red, and purple.

Their custom, form-fitting leotards are adorned with anywhere from 3,500 to 4,000 crystals and valued at well over one thousand dollars each.

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7 Social Benefits of Gymnastics

  1. Taking turns.
  2. Listening
  3. Following directions.
  4. Discipline
  5. Receiving feedback.
  6. Teamwork
  7. Patience

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Are Dance Leotards the Same as Gymnastics Leotards?

In a pinch, you may be able to substitute a gymnastics leotard for a dance class or a private workout.

However, you won’t be able to get away with it for a performance or competition.

Dance leotards come in a wider array of styles and offer more options than gymnastics leotards.

Dance leos often have cutouts in the back, lace overlay or low necklines.

Gymnastics leotards, on the other hand, come in two styles — tank top or long sleeve.

The tank top straps are 2 to 3 inches wide and the neckline on gymnastics leotards is near the collarbone.

Due to the rigorous nature of tumbling, gymnastics leotards need to have wider straps to stay up.

Long sleeve leotards are used primarily for competition and may also help protect the gymnast’s skin from a fall off an apparatus.

Some children’s leotards have attached shorts attached called a biketard.

Dance leotards are commonly made from a blend of materials like cotton, polyester, nylon or spandex.

Gymnastics leotards can be made from the same fibers as dance leotards, but typically have a higher percentage of spandex.

Back handsprings and other aerial movements performed by gymnasts typically require leotards with more flexible fabric than those required for dance.

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5 Fascinating Facts About Auburn Women’s Gymnastics Team

  1. The Auburn Tigers women’s gymnastics team represents Auburn University in the sport of gymnastics.
  2. The team competes in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
  3. The Tigers host their home meets at the Auburn Arena on the school’s main Auburn campus.
  4. The team is currently led by head coach Jeff Graba.
  5. In their four decades of history, the Tigers have made four appearances at the National Championships; making the Super Six twice.

Don’t forget to check out the world’s largest selection of girls’ collegiate gymnastics leotards at leotards4less.com!

American Dream

One Team. One Dream.

Take your place among Olympic legends in this stunning scoop neck blue patriotic girls’ gymnastics leotard with red and white spangled accents.

  • GK quality you can trust.
  • Exclusively designed for optimal comfort and fit.
  • Super flexible nylon spandex 4-way stretch fabric for maximum mobility. 
  • Lightweight, breathable and moisture-absorbing for superior comfort during hot summer months.
  • Scores a perfect 10 for comfort, fit and durability.
  • Dazzling enough for special events
  • Rugged enough for daily workouts
  • FREE scrunchie included!
  • Makes a great gift.
  • Perfect for special events, camps and gym theme days.
  • Summer camps start soon, so don’t delay.
  • Shop leotards4less.com now!
  • 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.

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What is TOPS?

TOPS (Talent Opportunity Program) is a talent search and educational program for female gymnasts age 7-10 and their coaches.

The program was created by USA Gymnastics to identify and develop gymnasts with exceptional talent for gymnastics.

The ultimate goal of the program is to identify and develop prospects for the national team.

Gymnasts in the TOPS program typically learn skills at an accelerated pace.

State and regional evaluations are followed by a national test of physical abilities and basic gymnastics skills in October of each year.

State and regional testing is followed by a national training camp in December for those who qualify.

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Choosing the Right Sports Bra for Your Gymnastics Leotard

As a gymnast, it’s important to find a sports bra that works well with your body type and still looks fashionable.

RIGHT COLOR

To avoid clashing colors, popular gymnastics leotard manufacturers like GK Elite Sportswear recommend understated sports bras.

For example, nudes, whites and blacks work great under competition leotards because they are hard for the judges to see.

Gymnastics underwear should be discreet in order to avoid deductions for causing a “distraction.”

USA Gymnastics rules require a gymnast to ensure her sports bra remains invisible under her competition leotard.

RIGHT SUPPORT

Health and wellness experts recommend wearing sports bras that offer strong support, regardless of the sport you’re participating in.

Body movement causes breast ligaments to break down, which ultimately causes the breasts to sag.

A supportive sports bra, minimizes breast movement which reduces sagging.

Keep in mind that sports bras stretch, so experts recommend replacing your old sports bras about every six months.

RIGHT CUT

During competition, it’s especially important for the cut of the gymnast’s sports bra to match her leotard

If a bra strap pops out during competition, the judges may deduct points from the gymnasts overall score.

These so-called “distraction” deductions are one of the main reasons sports bra manufacturers make bras in different cuts like backless and scoop cut.

RIGHT FIT

Lastly, a proper fitting sports bra is essential.

Some gymnasts might be tempted to purchase a smaller sports bra, believing it will provide better support.

That’s a mistake.

A sports bra that’s too tight, can cause back and shoulder pain, sore breasts and uncomfortable chafing.

Different brands use different measurements, so it’s always a good idea to try a sports bra on before you buy.

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How to Find a Gymnastics Leotard that Fits You Perfectly

In gymnastics, the best-fitting leotard is the best-looking leotard.

A leotard that looks great, but fits poorly will hinder rather than help a gymnast’s performance.

Getting the right leotard fit depends on two critical factors:

  • Fabric elasticity
  • Accurate measurements

The leotard’s fabric plays a critical role in how well the leotard will fit.

The more elasticity the leotard’s fabric contains, the more leeway you will have with the fit.

Taking the proper measurements is vital to getting the perfect fit.

When fitting a leotard, there are a few key measurements you want to take:

  • The bust
  • The waist
  • The torso
  • The hips

You can take these measurements by following the steps:

  • Have the gymnast stand straight.
  • Ask her to raise her arms up for the torso waist and hip measurement.
  • Record the measurements by moving ½ inch up to the next number.
  • Depending on the girl’s body type if they are hovering between two sizes it’s typically best to choose the next size up.
  • This serves two purposes, they will have enough room to grow and get some use out of the leotard and the one size larger will likely feel more comfortable.
  • Remember that the leotard’s style will affect the fit.
  • For girls with larger busts than hips, consider a racerback or other style that offers more support.
  • Use the girth as the guiding sizing measurement.
  • When the other areas of measurement do not exactly match the sizes that are offered, use the girth as the deciding factor when choosing the size.

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