“An excellent book in every way... Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport.” —School Library Journal (starred review).

This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with full-colour photographs of gymnasts balancing, tumbling and jumping, The Gymnastics Book features skilled guidance from a medal-winning, record-breaking gymnast who is now a noted instructor.

The topics covered in detail include: Finding a good gymnastics club; Qualities to look for in a coach; Warm-up and cool-down exercises; Entering competitive gymnastics; Managing victories and losses; The importance of family and friends; Nutrition and apparel; Financial aspects; A typical day of training for competition.

This edition is updated for 2018 with new interviews and updated profiles on the most prominent star gymnasts of today and yesterday, including Simone Biles, Ellie Black, Ragan Smith, Kyle Shewfelt, Emily Boycott and many more. Anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars take beginners behind the scenes and offer a no-holds-barred account of life as a competitive gymnast. Updated profiles on the Olympic greats and gymnasts who have become well-known coaches,
gym owners, and gymnastics judges show young gymnasts career pathways beyond the competition.

The Gymnastics Book provides motivation and detailed instruction to young gymnastics students.