National Gymnastics Day is a Serious Fun holiday that was created by USAG to highlight the impact that gymnastics has on children all over the world. To help celebrate, we’ve gathered 10 of our favorite gymnastics fun-facts. Check them out below!

  1. The word gymnastics is derived from a Greek word ‘gymnos’ which means naked.
  2. In fact, in Ancient Greece gymnastics competitions were done in the nude! (Luckily – the times have changed!)
  3. In ancient gymnastics, they jumped over bulls instead of vaults!
  4. The ancient Greeks incorporated gymnastics into their education for young children.
  5. In 1862, gymnastics was officially established as a sport.
  6. Gymnastics was introduced to the Olympics in 1896 – and only men competed in Olympic gymnastics competition until 1928 when it was then introduced to women.
  7. NASA scientists have discovered that jumping on a trampoline is 68% more effective than jogging for exercise.
  8. The traditional gymnastics gear, a leotard is named after the French acrobat, James Leotard.
  9. The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame is located in Oklahoma City, USA.
  10. Most gymnasts start their gymnastics careers around age 2 or 3. Or, if you’re a The Little Gym member it could be as young as 4 months!

Keep the celebration going by sharing a picture of your child doing their favorite gymnastics skill along with the hashtag #TheLittleGym!