Four Reasons to Watch Rhythmic Gymnastics

Although I am a gymnastics enthusiast, I do admit that I don't watch rhythmic as much as artistic, and I think that's a shame. Over the summer, I watched more rhythmic and have enjoyed it. I don't know why I didn't watch it more before. It's definitely an under-appreciated sport.

The 2015 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships began this week in Stuttgart, Germany, at Porsche Arena, and USA Gymnastics is going to stream part of it live. So here are four reasons why you should watch rhythmic gymnastics and give it a chance (possibly even this week during Worlds!).

1. The flexibility is amazing.

Arina Charopa of Belarus performs her ball routine during the individual all-around final at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, where she won a silver medal. Photo via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

Rhythmic gymnasts are most definitely some of the most flexible athletes ever -- if not the most. The flexibility of rhythmic gymnasts is an amazing athletic feat that is hard to believe until you see it. Where else are you going to see athletes touch their heads to the middle of their backs and/or the back of their legs? And usually, when they're showing off their superb flexibility, they're also doing something else, usually with whatever equipment/apparatus they're using, like bouncing a ball or maybe even turning and twirling the ribbon.

2. The way they flip, turn, catch, and throw things is cool.

Rhythmic gymnasts use a variety of equipment/apparatus when they compete, including ball, hoop, ribbon, rope and clubs. In routines, they often throw whichever equipment/apparatus they are using in the air, do some flips or turns, and then catch it like it's nothing. It's definitely not easy to be that coordinated. Somehow, these amazing girls and women make it look easy. (Skip ahead to 0:37 to see an example.)

3. They flip, catch, and throw things with their feet!

That in itself is just astonishing. So, in addition to them just plain old catching and throwing with their hands while flipping or turning, they can also do that with their feet! That's definitely not an easy task. (Skip ahead to 1:17 to see an awesome example.)

4. It's a beautiful sport.

German bronze medalist Jana Berezko-Marggrander shows off her flexibility during her hoop routine at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games individual all-around final. Photo via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

I would say all sports are beautiful in their own way, but I find many parts of rhythmic gymnastics beautiful. There are a lot of nice, clean lines, good technique and pointed toes. It's also gorgeous when they twirl their ribbons and the colors blend together to make a gradient. And if you love fashion like I do, there are a lot of pretty leotards! (And rhinestones!)

I know rhythmic gymnastics isn't for everyone, but at least give it a shot. It is an Olympic sport, after all.